As I Lay Dying Albums (4)
'An Ocean Between Us'
Release Date 8/21/2007
Tracks 12
Label Metal Blade
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
As I Lay Dying offer album number four with new bassist Josh Gilbert, who replaces Clint Norris (who left to get married and settle down). An Ocean Between Us offers several new aspects in the band's sound: the churning hardcore is still very much at the center of the band's sound, as are the twin lead guitars of Nick Hipa and Phil Sgrosso. Tim Lambesis is still the growling, razorbladed behemoth he always was, but Gilbert now offers melodic vocals on some choruses, effectively widening the band's reach even if it takes fans a while to get used to it. "Forsaken" will probably be the greatest shock, with its purely melodic, even majestic classic metal intro. The fury comes, to be sure, but not until a full minute in, and the opening riffs sound like outtakes from Metallica's Ride the Lightning LP -- by the time of the chorus, with Gilbert singing melodically, the listener will wonder whose record is on the spinner. There are far more trademark moments on the set as well, such as the title cut, which begins at 95-mph and ramps up to 120 and is pure pummeling power. "Wrath Upon Ourselves" will delight the faithful as well with its knotty stomp-and-start fury -- though the choruses, with the same kinds of melodic vocals, may disturb some. Change is inevitable in music as well as in everything else. The elements that made As I Lay Dying such a successful thrashing metallic unit are still in place; they are the marrow in the band's sound. These new developments reveal one thing: As I Lay Dying's members understand that progress is necessary for satisfaction and survival. The writing for this recording is an entire notch up -- more sophisticated yet utterly unpretentious -- and this new textural element in their sound feels natural and welcome. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
'Shadows Are Security'
Release Date 6/14/2005
Tracks 12
Label Metal Blade
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The third full-length from this California band finds vocalist Tim Lambesis and drummer Jordan Mancino the only remaining ties to the band that made 2003's Frail Words Collapse. Fans need not worry, though. The new recruits -- guitarists Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hipa and bass player Clint Norris -- have more than meshed with Lambesis and Mancino; they've helped make As I Lay Dying a stronger band. Detractors have often noted the debt these earnest hardcore kids owe to Scandinavian metal and while comparisons to In Flames are still viable here, especially on album opener "Meaning in Tragedy," there are plenty of other elements peppering Lambesis and company's take on metalcore. If anything, Shadows Are Security sounds like a more American record, with songs like "Confined" and "Empty Hearts" bringing a strong thrash element into play, although no one will ever confuse As I Lay Dying with the revivalist neo-thrash of Three Inches of Blood. Elsewhere, there are riffs drawn straight from the late-'90s nu-metal canon ("Reflection") and emo choruses ("Losing Sight" and "Through Struggle") that would lead metal purists to call for an old-fashioned record burning. These are things that shouldn't work on a metal record, but As I Lay Dying have proven here that they can. It's that seamless incorporation of populist elements that has made them one of the more interesting metal-hardcore crossover bands. Some will consider Shadows Are Security too ambitious and arbitrary in its envelope pushing, but for others -- and there are plenty of them if the crowds at As I Lay Dying gigs are any indication -- this is one of the strongest releases of 2005. ~ Wade Kergan, All Music Guide
'Frail Words Collapse'
Release Date 7/1/2003
Tracks 12
Label Metal Blade
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
As I Lay Dying is one of many, many bands to throw their hat into the Swedish-influenced metal-hardcore ring in the early 2000s, joining fellow metal-label signees as God Forbid and Shadows Fall (Century Media) and Killswitch Engage (Roadrunner). Frail Words Collapse is a solid example of its genre, carrying the stereotypical hallmarks of harmonized dual-guitar riffing (often reminiscent of In Flames or Iron Maiden), heavy double-bass drumming, and roaring vocals that occasionally slip into a melodic, clean-voiced emo style. There are also a few more dissonant, "technical" passages that nod toward Converge and their ilk. The songs here are solid enough and well executed, and the production is adequate (if a little too clean and digital sounding). This album will appeal mostly to devoted fans of the genre who are looking for another slight variation on the In Flames-influenced metal-hardcore style. ~ William York, All Music Guide
'Beneath the Encasing of Ashes'
Release Date 11/6/2001
Tracks 12
Label Pluto
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Beneath the Encasing of Ashes is the crushing debut from As I Lay Dying, the most brutal Christian band in the hardcore metal scene. Powerhouse vocalist Tim Lambesis has an amazing, savage voice that is the driving force behind their blend of heavy metal, hardcore, and grindcore. The tracks benefit from being short and concise, drawing most of their power from the sheer assault of each song. The title track may be the best, beginning with a moody intro that blasts into an incredibly angry and raging combination of razor sharp riffs and Lambesis' acid throated vocals. The album continues in this vein until the very end, when they whip out "Behind Me Lies Another Fallen Soldier." It is this song that point to the direction they could potentially go in, sounding similar to At the Drive In's more intimate songs with its sung vocals and clean sounding guitar. As I Lay Dying is a band that has the potential to grow far past their Christian fan base; any fan of good hardcore metal should give this a chance. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide
