Tag: As I Lay Dying

Album Review: As I Lay Dying – Through Storms Ahead (Napalm)

By: Jesse Striewski

I can’t recall another time in recent history where a band has actually imploded from inside out just prior to the release of their first studio album of new material in over five years the way metalcore outfit As I Lay Dying – who within the past few weeks has trimmed down to consist of just lone problematic frontman Tim Lambesis – quite have. It’s a shame too, considering the musicians on Through Storms Ahead have created something actually worthwhile here sonically.

And speaking of music, above all else that is what we’re ultimately here to discuss over any drama or controversy though. And as previously stated, what’s been put together here before the exodus at least feels like a labor of love from all those involved.

The instrumental “Permanence” opens the record with a touch of class before “A Broken Reflection” kicks things into high gear, while “Burden” contains some of the best vocals between Lambesis and now-former bassist Ryan Neff.

“We Are the Dead” features appearances from members of Slaughter to Prevail (Alex Terrible) and Chelsea Grin (Tom Barber), while the title track, “The Void Within,” and “The Cave We Fear to Enter” are some of the album’s additional stronger moments.

The one and only time I was able to personally catch As I Lay Dying live was at the 2006 Sounds of the Underground festival which they headlined. I remember thinking at the time how tight they all appeared together on stage; hopefully there’s a way for this band to somehow salvage things and possibly even get back to that.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Album Review: As I Lay Dying – Shaped By Fire (Nuclear Blast)

As I Lay Dying

By: Jesse Striewski

I can already hear the comments from the ignorant know-it-all’s regarding As I Lay Dying front man Tim Lambesis’ recent bout in prison. All I’ll say about the situation is this; the man has done his time, now move on the way the band themselves have.

My initial introduction to this band came at the 2006 Sounds of the Underground Festival, in which they headlined. I was instantly blown away, and since then, they’ve remained at the top of the metalcore scene in my book. Here on their seventh full length album (and first since 2012), the band is once again at the top of their game. Shaped By Fire starts off instantly strong with the likes of “Burn to Emerge,” “Blinded,” and the title track, and things only get better from there.

There is a filler track or two (“Gatekeeper” comes to mind), but tracks like “The Wreckage” and “My Own Grave” echo back to their 2007 masterpiece An Ocean Between Us. I don’t throw away terms like “comeback album” easily, but if ever there were a firm contender for one, Shaped By Fire sure makes a damn good case.

Rating: 4/5 Stars