As I Lay Dying (band)

As I Lay Dying

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2000
Founder	Tim Lambesis
Headquarters	San Diego, California , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Tim Lambesis (lead vocalist)
Products	Studio albums, compilation albums, music videos

As I Lay Dying is a metalcore group originating from San Diego, California, established in 2000 by lead vocalist Tim Lambesis. The complete original lineup, which included Lambesis' former bandmate from Point of Recognition, Jordan Mancino, was finalized in 2001. To date, the band has produced eight studio albums, one split release, and two compilation records.

Their fourth studio effort, An Ocean Between Us, achieved a peak position of number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart and secured the top spot on the Top Rock chart. The band has appeared at prominent festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Soundwave Festival, and Warped Tour. In 2007, they earned MTV2's "Ultimate Metal God" accolade and were honored as "Artist of the Year" at the San Diego Music Awards in 2005, 2007, and 2008. Additionally, they received a Grammy nomination in 2008 for the track "Nothing Left". Their fifth album, The Powerless Rise, released after three years of preparation in May 2010, was met with critical praise. The last album before their hiatus, Awakened, came out in September 2012.

An indefinite hiatus began in 2014 following the legal conviction of Lambesis, who was sentenced to six years for attempting to arrange the murder of his estranged spouse. The other members subsequently formed the band Wovenwar with vocalist Shane Blay.

In 2018, Lambesis reunited with Hipa, Sgrosso, Mancino, and Gilbert. On June 8 of that year, they released "My Own Grave", marking their first new music in six years. Their seventh studio album, Shaped by Fire, was launched on September 20, 2019. Afterward, key members Hipa (2020), Gilbert and Mancino (2022) exited the band and were succeeded by Ken Susi, Ryan Neff, and Nick Pierce—who all departed by 2024 along with Sgrosso—leaving Tim Lambesis as the only remaining member. The group’s eighth studio album, Through Storms Ahead, was released on November 15, 2024.

Formation, Beneath the Encasing of Ashes and Frail Words Collapse (2000–2004)

Following his departure from Society's Finest, guitarist and vocalist Tim Lambesis founded As I Lay Dying in 2000 alongside drummer Jordan Mancino. Both musicians had previously been part of the hardcore punk outfit Point of Recognition. Although their name is taken from the William Faulkner novel, their lyrical themes and sound are not directly influenced by the book.

Shortly after assembling the band, they signed with Pluto Records and released their debut album Beneath the Encasing of Ashes in June 2001. Additionally, they contributed five tracks to a split release with fellow San Diego post-hardcore band American Tragedy.

To meet touring requirements, As I Lay Dying expanded from a duo to a five-member ensemble by adding an extra guitarist and bassist. Early lineup adjustments included bassist Noah Chase departing in 2001, followed by Brandon Hays and Aaron Kennedy leaving in 2003. After concluding their contract with Pluto Records, they signed with Metal Blade Records in March 2003.

Their sophomore album, Frail Words Collapse, released in July 2003 and produced by Lambesis himself, attained number 30 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart and number 41 on the Top Heatseekers chart. While critics acknowledged its proficient delivery, they noted a lack of groundbreaking innovation. The band embarked on extensive tours to promote this release, supporting acts such as Himsa, Shadows Fall, The Black Dahlia Murder, Killswitch Engage, and In Flames. Music videos for "94 Hours" and "Forever" received airplay on channels including Fuse and MTV2’s Headbangers Ball.

Shadows Are Security and An Ocean Between Us (2005–2009)

In January 2005, As I Lay Dying entered Big Fish studio located in Encinitas, California, to work on their third full-length album, Shadows Are Security. Upon its release in June, the album quickly secured the No. 1 position on the Independent Albums chart and reached No. 35 on the Billboard 200, with sales nearing 275,000 copies. The introduction of guitarists Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hipa was widely acknowledged by critics as a significant enhancement to the band’s overall sound. Following the exit of guitarist Evan White, Dave Arthur from Kings to You took over all vocal duties to deliver a more robust studio performance.

The band supported this release through extensive touring, including appearances on the Hell on Earth tour, Winter Headline Tour, Ozzfest, and a joint tour featuring Slipknot and Unearth. They performed on the second stage alongside prominent acts such as Rob Zombie and Killswitch Engage. In 2006, As I Lay Dying also joined the US leg of the Taste of Chaos tour, sharing the lineup with bands like Deftones and Thrice. That same May, Metal Blade Records reissued A Long March: The First Recordings, a collection of their early material, which climbed to No. 3 on the Independent Albums chart and No. 129 on the Billboard 200. Midway through 2006, they headlined the Sounds of the Underground Festival.

In November 2006, bassist Clint Norris departed to concentrate on his personal life. After an unsuccessful search involving ten candidates for a new bassist, Tim Lambesis enlisted Josh Gilbert from the now-defunct band This Endearing.

On August 21, 2007, As I Lay Dying unveiled An Ocean Between Us, which debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top Rock chart with first-week sales of approximately 39,000 copies—marking their highest chart entry thus far. Co-produced by Killswitch Engage’s guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz and mixed by Colin Richardson, the album earned commendations for its fusion of intense aggression with melodic accessibility. Christa L. Titus from Billboard singled out "Comfort Betrays" for its standout guitar solo, while Scott Alisoglu at Blabbermouth.net lauded its thrashy metalcore approach. Thom Jurek of Allmusic highlighted the band’s broadened musical scope through incorporation of melodic vocals. This record was also bassist Josh Gilbert’s inaugural studio effort with the group.

To promote An Ocean Between Us, As I Lay Dying performed at the Warped Tour 2007 in August, followed by a European tour in September alongside Darkest Hour, Himsa, and Maroon. The band earned MTV2's "Ultimate Metal God" accolade and received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for their track "Nothing Left", competing against artists including Slayer. Their touring continued with appearances during part of the 2008 Warped Tour and participation in the UK Taste of Chaos tour headlined by Atreyu. In 2008, they also performed at the UK Bloodstock festival alongside Dimmu Borgir.

The DVD release This Is Who We Are came out on April 9, 2009 in Europe (with a US release following April 14) and achieved Gold certification in the United States within one month.

The Powerless Rise (2010–2011)

Following recording sessions throughout 2009, the band's fifth studio album, The Powerless Rise, was made available for streaming on MySpace Music between May 7 and May 10, 2010. The official release occurred on May 11, 2010, garnering favorable reviews; one critic hailed it as their finest work due to its steady artistic development.

Throughout 2010, the band embarked on extensive tours to promote The Powerless Rise. Early in the year, they toured the United States alongside Demon Hunter, blessthefall, and War of Ages. This was succeeded by their headlining "The Cool Tour" across the US, followed by a North American tour with All That Remains, Unearth, and Carnifex. The year concluded with a European headline tour featuring support from Heaven Shall Burn, Suicide Silence, and Sylosis.

In February 2011, As I Lay Dying led a US tour supported by Winds of Plague and After the Burial. Subsequently, they toured Australia and New Zealand in April and May with Trivium, serving as support for Disturbed during the "Music as a Weapon" tour. At the end of May and into early June, they headlined select dates accompanied by Heaven Shall Burn.

On November 8, 2011, the band released Decas, a compilation commemorating a decade of their career. The album featured three new tracks; four covers from influential bands such as Slayer, Judas Priest, and Descendents; a re-recorded medley from Beneath the Encasing of Ashes; along with four remixes spanning their catalog since Frail Words Collapse. The lead single "Paralyzed" was unveiled as a lyric video on September 13 and offered as a complimentary download on iTunes on November 7. To support the compilation, they embarked on the "A Decade of Destruction" tour from November through December 2011.

Awakened, Tim Lambesis' trial and hiatus (2012–2016)

On January 25, 2012, As I Lay Dying was announced as part of the lineup for the 2012 Mayhem Festival, sharing the stage with prominent acts including Slipknot, Slayer, and Motörhead. By April that year, they confirmed that producer Bill Stevenson, known for his work with NOFX and Rise Against, would helm their sixth album. The album's title, Awakened, was revealed on June 22, 2012; its lead single "Cauterize" followed three days later. The second single, "A Greater Foundation," was released in September alongside an official music video. The full album debuted on September 25, 2012, with "Cauterize" available as a free download for one day. That year, the band earned Loudwire's "Metal Band of the Year" award, surpassing contenders such as Anthrax and Lamb of God. Ahead of legal issues involving frontman Tim Lambesis, he initiated a side project named Pyrithion, releasing a single EP.

On May 7, 2013, Lambesis was apprehended in Oceanside, California after attempting to hire an undercover officer to kill his estranged wife, throwing the band's future into uncertainty. The group issued a statement expressing concern while awaiting further legal developments. Eight days later, they canceled their scheduled mid-2013 tour with Killswitch Engage, citing the necessity to halt activities amid unfolding events. Initially entering a plea of "not guilty," Lambesis' defense attributed his actions to steroid use impairing his judgment. However, on February 25, 2014, he altered his plea to "guilty," facing up to nine years in prison.

Instead of continuing without Lambesis, members Mancino, Phil Sgrosso, Nick Hipa, and Josh Gilbert formed a new band called Wovenwar with vocalist Shane Blay. This project began prior to Lambesis' guilty plea; during this time Mancino remained connected to As I Lay Dying. Meanwhile, Lambesis released Triple Brutal, the third album from his side project Austrian Death Machine. On May 16, 2014, he received a six-year prison sentence with credit for time already served.

Lambesis' Probation, Reconciliation, and New Releases (2016–2018)

After being granted probation in December 2016, Lambesis began reaching out to his bandmates, starting with Mancino and Gilbert, offering apologies. Following a period of silence lasting several months, they observed positive developments and gradually reopened lines of communication. Subsequently, Lambesis contacted Sgrosso and Hipa, whose relationships with him had fractured due to the fallout from his arrest. Although initially hesitant, Sgrosso eventually accepted Lambesis’ public apology and recognized his personal growth, which contributed to restoring his friendship with Hipa. Hipa, who was initially sympathetic yet doubtful after an interview with Lambesis, later met with him to "release his resentment," noting that Lambesis assumed full accountability for his past conduct.

Over time, public sentiment toward Lambesis became more forgiving. Mancino confirmed that Hipa, Sgrosso, and Gilbert remained affiliated with As I Lay Dying because of contractual commitments and bore no animosity toward Lambesis. Hipa highlighted that their focus was primarily on family responsibilities, business ventures, and other obligations rather than emphasizing a band reunion.

In September 2017, rumors surfaced suggesting Lambesis intended to produce new material under the As I Lay Dying name without the original members; however, by June 2018, the band unveiled the music video for "My Own Grave," officially announcing the reunion of Lambesis, Hipa, Sgrosso, Gilbert, and Mancino. Their first performance in five years at SOMA Sidestage in San Diego sold out within four minutes. The band indicated that this single was their sole release since reuniting in February 2018 and that they had no immediate plans beyond the SOMA concert.

The reunion elicited mixed responses: while numerous fans applauded the comeback track, some media outlets such as MetalSucks declined to cover the band due to Lambesis’ controversial history. On June 16, 2018—the day of their return show—the band released an extensive video addressing these criticisms.

In July 2018, As I Lay Dying announced their inaugural headlining European tour scheduled for December 2018 alongside a North American tour in November; most dates sold out rapidly. Nevertheless, certain venues and festivals encountered backlash for booking the group given Lambesis’ background. Spain’s Resurrection Fest removed them from its lineup in October 2018, and Memphis venue Growlers canceled a planned April 2019 show following public protests. While Growlers acknowledged Lambesis’ apology, they cited local opposition as the reason for canceling and replaced the event with a benefit concert supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Shaped by Fire Era and Personnel Changes (2019–2022)

In March 2019, the band embarked on a tour featuring Phinehas, Currents, and Frost Koffin. On April 12, they released a music video for "Redefined," which included a guest appearance by August Burns Red vocalist Jake Luhrs. Two days later came the announcement of their European "Shaped by Fire" tour with Chelsea Grin, Unearth, and Fit for a King slated for September through October. The North American portion followed in November and December with After the Burial and Emmure supporting.

Information regarding their album Shaped by Fire leaked in July 2019 before it was officially announced on August 9 for release via Nuclear Blast Records. The title track along with subsequent singles such as "Blinded" were promoted through videos ahead of the album’s September 20 launch.

To aid their crew amid the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the band released "Destruction or Strength," a B-side from the album sessions. A music video for "Torn Between" was issued in May.

Guitarist Nick Hipa distanced himself from As I Lay Dying in August 2020 and formally exited in August 2021 due to concerns about internal dynamics and a perceived departure from the original purpose of their reunion. In September 2021, the band unveiled the single "Roots Below."

Bassist and vocalist Josh Gilbert departed in May 2022 after fifteen years with the group; Ryan Neff from Miss May I was named as his touring substitute. Around this period, Unearth guitarist Ken Susi joined for live performances and was later confirmed as a permanent member in March 2023. Drummer Jordan Mancino announced he would not participate in forthcoming tours citing unresolved internal conflicts; Nick Pierce—formerly of Unearth—was recruited as the live drummer. Within a week, Mancino was effectively removed from the band’s lineup.

Through Storms Ahead, band instability and second lineup overhaul (2023–present)

Following their European tour in summer 2022, Tim Lambesis announced intentions to produce a new album in 2023. Mixing for their eighth studio record commenced on June 15, 2023.

The single "Burden" was released on May 22, 2024, accompanied by an official music video. Additional singles followed: "The Cave We Fear to Enter" debuted on July 9, "We Are the Dead" featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail and Tom Barber of Chelsea Grin dropped on September 11, and "Whitewashed Tomb" appeared on October 10. The album Through Storms Ahead was officially scheduled for release on November 15, 2024. The final pre-release track, "The Void Within," was made available on November 13.

On October 18, 2024, bassist Ryan Neff exited the band, citing both personal and professional motivations. Within less than a week, guitarist Ken Susi and drummer Nick Pierce also departed, attributing their exit to ethical concerns and health issues. These departures, combined with the resignation of the touring manager, resulted in the cancellation of the upcoming European tour. Subsequently, on October 30, Phil Sgrosso announced his departure as well, stating that the band environment was no longer conducive to his well-being; this left Lambesis as the only remaining member.

In April 2025, Ken Susi disclosed during a podcast that the band's disintegration stemmed from an incident where Lambesis physically assaulted his wife at Susi’s residence—an act recorded by security cameras. After informing Sgrosso and planning his own exit, Sgrosso encouraged Lambesis to leave the band; however, Lambesis declined, prompting other members to resign. Susi underscored that concerns about integrity outweighed any financial considerations.

On November 4, 2024, Lambesis issued a statement reaffirming his commitment to As I Lay Dying despite misunderstandings that led to the loss of members. He conveyed his intention to foster a healthier and more positive atmosphere moving forward. The band was slated to perform at the Welcome to Rockville festival in May 2025.

A home security video emerged on November 27, 2024, capturing a heated confrontation between Lambesis and his estranged wife. Subsequently, Lambesis filed for divorce and obtained a restraining order against her while accusing her of abuse; this triggered a domestic violence investigation. Earlier allegations of abuse were denied by his wife, who later accused Lambesis of mistreatment. In January 2025, footage surfaced depicting Lambesis abusing his dog, leading to As I Lay Dying’s removal from the Welcome to Rockville lineup in February.

By April 2025, a petition exceeding 70,000 signatures demanded an official inquiry into Lambesis' alleged animal cruelty.

On May 20, 2025, Lambesis announced plans for a European tour celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Shadows Are Security, beginning in Russia; details about supporting musicians had not yet been disclosed.

Then on October 8, 2025, As I Lay Dying introduced a revamped lineup including bassist and clean vocalist Chris Clancy, guitarists Bill Hudson and Don Vedda, along with drummer Tim Yeung, coinciding with the release of the single "Echoes".

Musical style and influences

As I Lay Dying is widely regarded as a prominent force in the metalcore genre, particularly within the melodic metalcore subgenre. The band has also been linked to Christian metal—a label they have since distanced themselves from—as well as Christian death metal and thrash metal. Throughout their discography, traces of melodic death metal have consistently shaped their sound.

Critics often characterize their musical approach as a fusion of heavy metal, hardcore, and elements of grindcore. Music journalist Garry Sharpe-Young highlighted their distinctive "grind edged vocals" paired with guitar work influenced by Scandinavian metal traditions.

Their artistic inspirations encompass a diverse range of groups such as In Flames, Living Sacrifice, Iron Maiden, Slayer, At the Gates, Pantera, Megadeth, Fear Factory, Cannibal Corpse, Thin Lizzy, Shai Hulud, Dark Tranquillity, Metallica, Judas Priest, and Earth Crisis.

Christianity

The members of As I Lay Dying have consistently identified as Christians; however, frontman and principal lyricist Tim Lambesis has offered nuanced perspectives on this affiliation. In 2008, Lambesis described the band not as a "Christian band" but rather as five Christians collaborating musically, noting that their lyrics explore personal struggles and relationships through a Christian worldview without overt proselytizing. By 2010, he affirmed that his faith played a significant role in shaping the band's lyrical themes, emphasizing his dedication to Jesus' teachings.

Subsequently, Lambesis revealed a philosophical shift, expressing doubts about Christianity. Legal documents from 2012 disclosed his loss of belief in God. On his Tumblr page, he elaborated that theological inquiry led him to perceive contradictions between established doctrine and truth, criticizing both Protestant and Catholic branches for having "poisonous roots." While under house arrest in 2013 for attempting to arrange his wife's murder, he indirectly acknowledged his departure from faith. By 2014, Lambesis indicated that although the band was still marketed within Christian circles, its members privately identified as atheists. Guitarist Nick Hipa publicly refuted these assertions, labeling them defamatory.

In April 2014, the band announced that Lambesis had undergone a period of reflection regarding his beliefs, expressing remorse and a renewed dedication to following Jesus. They emphasized that the authenticity of this transformation would be revealed over time.

Band Members

Current lineup

• Tim Lambesis – lead vocals and keyboards (2000–2014, 2017–present); guitars and bass (2000–2001); clean vocals (2000–2003)
• Chris Clancy – bass and clean vocals (2025–present)
• Bill Hudson – guitars (2025–present)
• Don Vedda – guitars and clean vocals (2025–present)
• Tim Yeung – drums (2025–present)

Previous members

• Jeremy Rojas – guitars (2001)
• Noah Chase – bass (2001)
• Tommy Garcia – guitars, bass, backing vocals (2001–2002)
• Brandon Hays – bass and guitars (2002–2003)
• Jasun Krebs – guitars (2002–2003; deceased 2024)
• Aaron Kennedy – bass (2003)
• Evan White – guitars and bass (2001–2003)
• Phil Sgrosso – guitars and backing vocals (2003–2014, 2018–2024)
• Clint Norris – bass, clean and backing vocals (2003–2006)
• Nick Hipa – guitars and backing vocals (2003–2014, 2018–2020)
• Josh Gilbert – bass and clean vocals (2006–2014, 2018–2022; touring/session musician 2006–2007)
• Jordan Mancino – drums (2000–2014, 2018–2022)
• Ryan Neff – bass and clean vocals (2022–2024)
• Ken Susi – guitars and backing vocals (2022–2024)
• Nick Pierce – drums (2022–2024)

Former touring musicians

• Ruben Gutierrez – guitars (2001; deceased 2021)
• Caylen Denuccio – bass (2002)
• Chris Lindstrom – guitars (2001, 2003)
• Mark Macdonald – guitars (2003–2004)
• David Arthur – clean vocals (2005)
• Duane Reed – backing vocals (2007)
• Chad Ackerman – guitars (2002); backing vocals as session musician (2007)
• Justin Foley – drums (2009)
• Joey Bradford – backing vocals (2012)
• Brandon Morales – guitars and backing vocals (2022)
• Alex Lopez – drums (2022)
• Alexander Dovgan – drums (2025)

Former session musicians

• Dylan Plymale – guitars (2003)
• Dave Arthur – guitar (2005)

Discography

• Beneath the Encasing of Ashes (2001)
• Frail Words Collapse (2003)
• Shadows Are Security (2005)
• An Ocean Between Us (2007)
• The Powerless Rise (2010)
• Awakened (2012)
• Shaped by Fire (2019)
• Through Storms Ahead (2024)

Awards and Nominations

• San Diego Music Awards
  • Artist of the Year in 2005, 2007, and 2008
  • Best Hard Rock in 2011
• Grammy Awards
  • Best Metal Performance nomination in 2008 for "Nothing Left"
• MTV2 Music Awards
  • Ultimate Metal God in 2007
• Hollywood Film Fest Awards
  • Best Music Video for "The Sound of Truth"
• Loudwire Music Awards
  • Metal Band of the Year in 2012
  • 'No Lungs to Breathe' inducted into Death Match Hall of Fame in 2013