As I Lay Dying has Awakened – Review

As I Lay Dying: One of the heaviest Metalcore bands out there! With the a sound that blends Metalcore, Melodic Death, and at times Thrash, this band has a very unique sound to their music. Every album they released have been very promising, and just keep getting better as time goes on. On to their sixth studio album, AILD releases Awakened later on this month, and I must say the band is still carrying the torch for their genre!

Band: As I Lay Dying
Album: Awakened
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Metal Blade Records
Release: September 25, 2012

First off, the opening track Cauterize is just amazing. It starts off with just pure aggression, yet very melodic. Tim’s vocals are brutal as always, as well as the musicianship of the band. The song has great movements, going from high speed, to breakdown, to a nice solo. This song has a lot to offer to AILD fans, new and old. For old, it’s something new, and for new , it’s a great introduction to the band. At the main chorus, the blend of growls and clean vocals is absolutely perfect.

If you are a fan of the older AILD, then I have a song for you. My Only Home takes the formula back to the early years, giving it a much more heavier sound. Sounding similar to Frail Words Collapse and Shadows Are Security, this track is a glimpse into how the band started, laying down the roots for classic Metalcore. And of course, once the main chorus comes in, a nice portion of clean vocals is used, something that the band has actually slowly started to use on the past few albums.

As I Lay Dying has changed a bit over the years. Their earlier albums were much more heavier, and at times, having a blend of Melodic Death Metal more often. There wasn’t any use of clean vocals until Shadows Are Security, which even on there was a rare occasion. When An Ocean Between Us came out, the album still had the heaviness, but also had some Thrash mixed in there, Within Destruction being a prime example. On this album, clean vocals were being used a little bit more. Now on The Powerless Rise and Awakened, the style sounds more along the lines of Metalcore, yet still having a harsh sound with sweet melodies. Clean singing is now heard much more, but will be mixed with growls. AILD is ahead of the Metalcore movement, laying down the ground work for the future.

Awakened is one of the best AILD albums to come out. It offers a mix of all their styles, as well as a few new surprises in their song writing. One thing is for sure, this band ever-changing, and refuses to let down. This album is everything you could ever want in an AILD album, especially if you enjoyed The Powerless Rise! Be sure to pick up this album later on this month, and come out and see this guys on the Monster Energy Drink Outbreak Tour with Asking Alexandria, Suicide Silence, Attila, and Memphis Mayfire!