AS I LAY DYING’s New Album Delayed: Tim Lambesis Explains Why

Tim Lambesis, AS I LAY DYING’s frontman, recently chatted on the Loaded Radio podcast about the band’s long-gestating new album. Apparently, the record’s been done for a while, but mixing has turned into a never-ending tug-of-war. According to Tim, modern mixing options have exploded into a “choose-your-own-adventure” game. “It’s not like the old days when five or six guys handled every big metal record. Now there’s a million ways to go about it,” he explained. The goal? Balancing the band’s nostalgic sound with a “modern twist.” Sounds promising—if they can ever finish it.

And about the title. Turns out, it’s still in limbo because Tim and guitarist Phil Sgrosso can’t quite agree. They’re both into the same concept, but the specifics? Still up for debate. Classic band drama, right?

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AS I LAY DYING’s new album features a mix of heaviness and melody, with fresh contributions from new members.

The Sound: Tim spilled some details about what fans can expect sonically. One track in particular might rank as one of their heaviest ever—written by Tim himself, of course. Meanwhile, Phil leaned into melody, contributing some softer tracks. Together, they’ve stretched the sound “just a little,” though Tim insists it still feels unmistakably like AS I LAY DYING. No radical reinventions here, but maybe a subtle evolution.

The album also marks the first effort with a revamped lineup. Joining Tim and Phil are drummer Nick Pierce (formerly of UNEARTH), bassist/vocalist Ryan Neff (MISS MAY I), and guitarist Ken Susi (also ex-UNEARTH). Tim describes the infusion of new talent as, “a breath of fresh air.” After 20 years of writing with Phil, the shake-up seems to have sparked some renewed energy. “Knowing Nick’s drumming or Ryan’s vocal abilities gave us a chance to experiment in ways we hadn’t before,” Tim noted. Not every experiment worked, but hey, at least they’re trying.

On Classic Lineups and New Beginnings: When asked if he misses the band’s “classic lineup”, Tim offered a diplomatic response. While he appreciates the blood, sweat, and tears of their early days, he doesn’t miss the behind-the-scenes headaches. According to him, the songwriting always revolved around himself and Phil, leaving other members disconnected over time. That creative detachment eventually led to the interpersonal issues that fractured the band. These days, Tim’s all about positivity, saying the new lineup has reignited his passion. “It feels like being in my twenties again,” he said—an ironic statement for a guy approaching midlife.

As for old bandmates like Jordan Mancino or Nick Hipa, Tim claims there’s no animosity. “My door’s open,” he said, adding that he hasn’t spoken to either in over a year. Apparently, life has a funny way of keeping people apart, even when they live in the same city.

Tour Plans and a New Deal: For those itching to catch AS I LAY DYING live, a U.S. tour kicks off next summer. Stops include Chicago, New York, and a hometown finale in San Diego. Supporting acts? CHELSEA GRIN and ENTHEOS. Meanwhile, the band’s ironing out details of a new record deal, so the wheels are definitely in motion.

Controversial Legacy: Yeah, no discussion about Tim is complete without mentioning his infamous 2014 conviction. The murder-for-hire plot that sent him to jail for six years still looms large in the band’s history. While Tim has apologized publicly and the band managed a comeback, his past continues to divide fans. Former guitarist Nick Hipa once referred to him as a “sociopathic narcissist in need of rehabilitation.” Harsh? Yes. But for many, it’s hard to forget.

AS I LAY DYING hasn’t released a full album since 2019’s Shaped By Fire. If this new record manages to merge their heavy roots with a touch of modernity, it might just prove they’ve still got something to say. Or not. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see if this iteration of the band can escape its own shadow—or if it’s destined to live in the long shadow of its past.

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