As I Lay Dying's fourth studio album, An Ocean Between Us peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200, and number 1 on the Top Rock chart. The band has performed at Wacken Open Air, With Full Force, Soundwave Festival, Sounds of the Underground, Warped Tour, Bloodstock Open Air and Taste of Chaos. In 2007, As I Lay Dying won the "Ultimate Metal God" award from MTV2 at the first annual "All That Rocks" special, was named "Artist of the Year" at the San Diego Music Awards in 2008 and was nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award for the song "Nothing Left". Their latest album, The Powerless Rise was written over a three year period and was released in May 2010 to widespread critical acclaim.
After leaving the band Society's Finest where he played guitar, vocalist Tim Lambesis formed As I Lay Dying in 2000.[10]Starting out as a duet with drummer Jordan Mancino after they first met as a band in February 2001, the title of the band was taken from the novel of the same name by William Faulkner although there is no correlation between the band's musical theme to the theme of the novel.
Pluto Records took interest and offered As I Lay Dying a recording contract. After accepting the offer, one month later the band entered the studio to record their first album Beneath the Encasing of Ashes, which was released in June 2001. In 2002. The band recorded five songs for a split album through Pluto Records, with San Diego heavy metal band American Tragedy. As I Lay Dying realized it needed to expand to a five-piece to include another guitarist and a bassist. Mancino commented "we started going on tour and we needed obviously more people than that." Since they had no "solid" members besides Tim Lambesis and Jordan Mancino, the band recruited friends to perform with them and from there on the group encountered several line-up changes; bassist Noah Chase departed from band in 2001, Brandon Hayes and his subsequent replacement Aaron Kennedy departed in 2003; soon after forming the band The Tokyo Smash in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In July 2003, the band's second studio album, Frail Words Collapse was released. Produced by Lambesis, the album peaked at number 30 onBillboard's Independent Albums chart, and number 41 on the Top Heatseekers chart. William York of Allmusic thought the band "doesn't really add anything new to the mix from a musical standpoint" with the release, although praised it for being "solid enough and well executed, and the production is adequate." Sherwin Frias of Jesus Freak Hideout had similar sentiments and commented "As I Lay Dying didn't exactly break many boundaries in making this record", but praised that each song is "executed so well (and with such precision) that nary a song misses its target." Touring followed to promote the album with the bands Himsa, Shadows Fall, The Black Dahlia Murder, Killswitch Engage, In Flames, Sworn Enemy, and Hatebreed. Music videos for the songs “94 Hours” and "Forever received rotation on networks such as Fuse and MTV2's Headbanger's Ball.
As I Lay Dying entered Big Fish recording studio in Encinitas, California in January 2005 to record their third studio album. Shadows Are Security was released in June, and debuted at number 1 on the Independent Albums. It was the band's first release to enter the Billboard 200 at number 35. and sold about 275 000 copies. Wade Kergan of Allmusic called it "one of the strongest releases of 2005," and commented that new guitarists Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hipa, make the band "stronger." Rod Smith of Decibel Magazine commented "Tim Lambesis’ finely honed roar in bittersweet instrumental matrices augmented by occasional clean vocals by bassist Clint Norris. Guitarists Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hipa whip up a melodic cyclone on 'The Darkest Nights'." Guitarist Evan White had quit the band due to personal reasons after his mother had died. All the clean vocals were sung by Dave Arthur of Kings to You, because they sounded more powerful in the studio than Clint Norris'.
In 2007, As I Lay Dying started recording a new album titled An Ocean Between Us, which was released on August 21, 2007. Debuting at number 8 on the Billboard 200, and number 1 on the Top Rock chart with first-week sales of 39,000, the album was the highest charting release for the band. Co-produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz and As I Lay Dying, and mixed by Colin Richardson, the album received generally positive reviews. Christa L. Titus of Billboard commented "Whatever the differences between As I Lay Dying's personal desires and what its fans demand, this album surely acts as a bridge," praising the song "Comfort Betrays" for its guitar solo. Scott Alisoglu of Blabbermouth.net described the album as "a well-rounded and often thrashy metalcore album, as the band has struck an effective balance between aggression and accessible melodies." Thom Jurek of Allmusic praised the band for expanding its musical range by including melodic choruses and clean vocals such as they had previously done on Confined from Shadows Are Security. It was the first time for bassist Josh Gilbert to be featured on an As I Lay Dying record since the time of the departure of previous bassists, Evan White and Clint Norris.
On September 28, 2009, As I Lay Dying announced that 6—7 songs had already been written for their then upcoming album, which followed onward to November 23 where Josh Gilbert announced through Twitter that half of the record was recorded. As I Lay Dying announced the title of their new album The Powerless Rise.
On May 7, The Powerless Rise was posted in its entirety through MySpace Music. The streaming lasted until May 10. The album was officially released on May 11, 2010 and received generally positive critical acclaim, with one critic saying "Fans of metalcore in general, and As I Lay Dying in particular, will be more than satisfied with The Powerless Rise, as the band's gradual progression and consistency makes this their best album."
As of January 2012, As I Lay Dying have been in the studio with producer Bill Stevenson (NOFX, Rise Against, Anti Flag) working on material for a sixth album, expected for release later in the year.
On June 22, 2012, the band announced that their sixth album would be titled Awakened and the first single "Cauterize" was released on June 25, 2012. On September 12, 2012, As I Lay Dying released their second single "A Greater Foundation" with a corresponding music video. The album was released on September 25, 2012 and "Cauterize" was available on the band's website as a free download for a 24-hour period. As I Lay Dying won the "Metal Band of the Year" award from Loudwire in 2012.
On May 7, 2013, Lambesis was arrested in Oceanside, California, US after hiring an undercover detective to kill his estranged wife. On May 16, 2014, Lambesis was sentenced to six years in prison, with 48 days credit for time served.
Rather than continue on without Lambesis, Mancino, along with former members Phil Sgrosso, Nick Hipa, and Josh Gilbert, decided to focus on a different style of music under a different band name, Wovenwar, with Shane Blay (Oh, Sleeper) as the vocalist.
Lambesis was released from prison on probation in December 2016.
On September 2, 2017, Metal Injection reported that Lambesis was working on new music and planned to release it under the As I Lay Dying name and that none of the pre-hiatus lineup aside from Lambesis would be returning.
On June 8, 2018, the band released the music video for "My Own Grave", confirming through the video that the lineup of Lambesis, Hipa, Sgrosso, Gilbert and Mancino have reunited. They performed their first show—which sold out in four minutes—in five years at the SOMA Sidestage in San Diego. The band has stated the single was their first and only song written since their formal reunion in February 2018 and have no concrete plans past releasing the single and playing the SOMA show.
On June 16, 2018—the date of their comeback show at the SOMA, the band published a video on their official YouTube account addressing the questions and criticisms fans and critics of the band had and explaining the terms in detail of the reunion.
In July 2018, the band announced their first European headlining tour for December 2018. A day later, they announced their North American tour for November 2018. A vast majority of the shows sold out immediately.
In August 2021, Nick Hipa confirmed his exist of the band.
In May 2022, Josh Gilbert left and in June 2022 Jordan Mancino also left, which means that the current line-up consists of Tim Lambesis and Phil Sgrosso.
Band Members:
▪ Tim Lambesis – lead vocals
▪ Phil Sgrosso – rhythm guitar
All About Us
As I Lay Dying Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before we were, before we were born they shaped our lives
Leading us into an unmarked grave in moments
Moments life could end so I will speak, I will speak while I can
This is my chance
My time to stand
(Bury us all)
This is my chance
(Bury us all)
My time to stand
(Bury us all)
This is my chance
(Bury us all)
My time to stand
We may fail alone but that is better
Than dying with them only to be forgotten
I for one would rather suffer now
Than leave this life without passion
This is our chance
Our time to stand
(Bury us all)
This is our chance
(Bury us all)
My time to stand
(Bury us all)
This is our chance
(Bury us all)
My time to stand
The song All About Us by As I Lay Dying is a powerful and confronting message about the inevitability of death and the importance of living life with courage and passion while we still can. The lyrics suggest that we are all born into a pre-determined fate that ultimately leads to our demise. However, the singer is determined to make the most of the time he has left and to speak up while he still can.
The first verse talks about the looming threat of death that hangs over us all. The use of the word "shrouds" adds to the sense of foreboding and finality. The idea that our lives were "shaped" before we were even born suggests that we have little control over our fate. The line "Leading us into an unmarked grave in moments" highlights the suddenness and unpredictability of death. However, the singer refuses to remain silent and instead sees this as an opportunity to speak up and make a stand.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of taking action and making a stand while we still can. The repetition of the phrase "This is my/our chance, my/our time to stand" reinforces the urgency of the message. The line "We may fail alone but that is better than dying with them only to be forgotten" suggests that it is better to live a life of passion and purpose, even if we fail, than to simply go through the motions and be forgotten after we're gone.
Overall, All About Us is a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest and make the most of the time we have while we still can. The song encourages listeners to be brave and stand up for what they believe in, rather than simply accepting their fate.
Line by Line Meaning
I see them coming with shrouds to bury us all
I am aware of our impending doom, as symbolized by the shrouds, which will result in the burial of all of us.
Before we were, before we were born they shaped our lives
Even before we came into existence, forces outside of our control had already determined the course of our lives.
Leading us into an unmarked grave in moments
Our fate is to be led towards a grave that will not bear any indication of our existence or legacy, and this will happen in a mere matter of moments.
Moments life could end so I will speak, I will speak while I can
Life can end unpredictably quickly, so I feel compelled to speak out while I still have the opportunity to do so.
This is my chance
At this moment, I have the opportunity to make a difference or an impact in some way.
My time to stand
Now is the time for me to take a stand and make my voice heard.
(Bury us all)
This serves as a refrain that underscores the idea of our collective and inevitable downfall and burial.
We may fail alone but that is better
While failure is never ideal, it is still preferable to fail on one's own terms than to let others bring about one's downfall and eventual obscurity.
Than dying with them only to be forgotten
It is not worth sacrificing oneself in the company of others just to be eventually forgotten and unrecognized.
I for one would rather suffer now
Personally, I would rather endure present difficulties and pain than put off making a difference until it is too late.
Than leave this life without passion
It is more important to live a life filled with purpose and intensity, even if it brings struggles and hardships, than to exist simply for the sake of existing.
This is our chance
Now is the moment that all of us have the chance to make a difference, especially since our collective burial is looming.
My time to stand
As an individual, it is my opportunity to make my presence felt and my voice heard.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JORDAN D. MANCINO, PHILLIP J. SGROSSO, SAMUEL NICHOLAS HIPA, TIMOTHY LAMBESIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bluunttrauma3762
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
"Truth" that sounds right to our ears
But what wisdom is there within us
To live based on the feeling of our hearts
How many times has instinct let us down
Never to be thought through
Never to be questioned
Say what you really mean
When your ambition calls you
For what use is there in praying
If you will only hear what you want to hear?
We speak of fighting to resist this world
But what about the battle within us?
If we have chosen to live against the grain
Then why are we all facing the same way?
There is no difference between us and them
If we all blindly seek truth from sentiments
@alexandruovedenie5739
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
Truth that sounds right to our ears
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
Truth that sounds right to our ears
But what wisdom is there within us
To live based on the feeling of our hearts
How many times has instinct let us down
Never to be thought through, never to be questioned
Say what you really mean
When your ambition calls you, calls you?
For what use is there in praying
If you will only hear what you want to hear?
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
Truth that sounds right to our ears
We speak of fighting to resist this world
But what about the battle within us?
If we have chosen to live against the grain
Then why are we all facing the same way?
There is no difference between us and them
If we all blindly seek truth from sentiments
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
Truth that sounds right to our ears
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
Truth that sounds right to our ears
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
Truth that sounds right to our ears
@zackkuehle8338
Lyrics:
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
"Truth" that sounds right to our ears
But what wisdom is there within us
To live based on the feeling of our hearts?
How many times has instinct let us down?
Never to be thought through
Never to be questioned, no
Say what you really mean
When your ambition calls you, calls you
For what use is there in praying
If you will only hear what you want to hear?
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
"Truth" that sounds right to our ears
We speak of fighting to resist this world
But what about the battle within us?
If we have chosen to live against the grain
Then why are we all facing the same way?
There is no difference between us and them
If we all blindly seek truth from sentiments
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
"Truth" that sounds right to our ears
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
"Truth" that sounds right to our ears
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
"Truth" that sounds right to our ears
@bluunttrauma3762
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
"Truth" that sounds right to our ears
But what wisdom is there within us
To live based on the feeling of our hearts
How many times has instinct let us down
Never to be thought through
Never to be questioned
Say what you really mean
When your ambition calls you
For what use is there in praying
If you will only hear what you want to hear?
We speak of fighting to resist this world
But what about the battle within us?
If we have chosen to live against the grain
Then why are we all facing the same way?
There is no difference between us and them
If we all blindly seek truth from sentiments
@solomonnewmai1896
Aaron Knaus thanks for the help
@exghost2125
One of the social protest songs that i agree.. most of them these day are shit..
@slametstephenson3627
thanks man
@CombatWoundedVet2015
We have to take a stand against the New World Order. This is a call against the tyrant Oligarchy! Anarchy means without rulers. We don't need politicians. (UNITED STATES MEANS FEDERAL CORPORATION Title 28 U.S. Code § 3002 15 ALPHA They don't serve the people) they serve their corporate masters. We need to stand up against the tyrants!
@matheusgfn
An amazing christian lyric, extremely deep and strong
@randyhall161
My best friend who i knew for most of my life woke me up before we walked to school and told me i had to listen to this song. So after being awake for about 5 minutes i went outside and listened to it. This has been my fav song since. R.I.P brother. Your just as alive as you were.
@joes5154
Randy Hall stay strong man, the metal community’s on your side always and forever 🤟🏻
@legoguy3299
@Joe S here, here 🤘🤘
@ramusdoyle5899
I shall die in battle for him. Take care man