AS I LAY DYING Delays Album Completion Again; See Details

Here we are again—AS I LAY DYING has a new album brewing, but don’t hold your breath just yet. Vocalist Tim Lambesis, in an interview with Chaoszine, dished out the details—or at least as much as anyone could get from his roundabout explanations. The upcoming album, the first with their reshuffled lineup, is still being mixed. Yes, still. The new crew includes Phil Sgrosso (guitars), Nick Pierce (drums, ex-UNEARTH), Ryan Neff (bass/vocals, MISS MAY I), and Ken Susi (guitars, UNEARTH). Quite the patchwork team.

Asked whether the album is “in the can,” Tim clarified that mixing isn’t done because they’re constantly sneaking in last-minute tweaks—more layers, more “things.” Apparently, their engineer has been working since last fall. A casual break for the holidays stretched the timeline, and here we are, still waiting. Despite the delays, Tim assures us it’ll drop in 2024, conveniently timed with album-release tours. But, oh no, the tours are still unannounced. Classic.

What’s the Sound This Time? In another interview with Today’s Boondoggle, Tim gave his take on the band’s current direction. According to him, they’re avoiding the fate of bands that “lighten up” or go boring late in their careers. Instead, this album supposedly has “intense parts,” “intricate melodies,” and, naturally, “cool guitar work.” That’s right—this time, they’re passionate and energetic. Translation? They’re sticking to their tried-and-true formula but want you to think it’s still fresh.

And about those new members? Sure, they bring experience—20 years of it, to be exact—but Tim insists the core songwriting team remains himself and Phil. The new recruits add what he vaguely calls “a breath of fresh air,” but don’t expect a total transformation.

Lineup Changes: The ever-shifting lineup isn’t new, but Tim laid out the timeline. Guitarist Ken Susi stepped in back in 2020, but the pandemic put everything on pause. Drummer Nick Pierce left UNEARTH and joined AILD when their previous drummer, Jordan Mancino, effectively ghosted the band during COVID. No drama, says Tim—just a guy deciding to “take a new direction in life.” Convenient.

Bassist Ryan Neff came from MISS MAY I, hopping in only a few months ago after Josh Gilbert bolted for SPIRITBOX. Ryan reportedly had three days to prep for his first tour. Apparently, this guy eats pressure for breakfast.

“Shaped by Fire”: This upcoming album follows 2019’s “Shaped By Fire”, released under Nuclear Blast. Since then, the band’s had its share of turmoil. Josh Gilbert and guitarist Nick Hipa both exited, citing personal and professional disagreements. Hipa even went so far as to label the band’s return in 2018 a “superficial pursuit.” Harsh, but not entirely shocking.

Tim Lambesis-Still Controversial: No piece on AS I LAY DYING would be complete without a nod to Tim’s infamous past. Back in 2014, he was convicted of hiring a hitman to kill his estranged wife—except the “hitman” was an undercover cop. After serving about two and a half years, he reemerged with apologies and promises of change. Whether that holds water is for fans—or critics—to decide.

The band’s reunion in 2018 sparked predictable backlash, with former guitarist Hipa publicly branding Tim as a “sociopathic narcissist.” Despite this, AS I LAY DYING has managed to carry on, releasing new music and filling festival slots. The question is, will this album prove their staying power or just pad their discography with more of the same?

For now, the new album remains an elusive promise—still being mixed, still teased, and still vague. If it’s worth the wait, we’ll find out soon enough. Maybe.

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