The comeback of California metalcore outfit As I Lay Dying was anything but expected. With all the controversy around vocalist Tim Lambesis, who was put behind bars for a criminal act, you’d have thought the band would never get any support again. But the opposite happened. On their reunion tour, As I Lay Dying sold out quite a few dates across Europe and the US. Still, that wasn’t the real test, and the band made their true return with the album Shaped By Fire.
The band had been “teasing” the album for quite a while. The first two new tracks, My Own Grave and Redefined, promised a serious comeback. But AILD have already shown plenty over their career, so the big question was: can the band still win people over?
Shaped By Fire kicks off strong after the intro with Blinded, a track that bodes well for the whole record. Punchy and melodic, it stylistically recalls the album Shadows Are Security. It’s something that hooks a fan right away. It also quickly becomes clear that As I Lay Dying haven’t strayed from their recipe. The chorus is dominated by the powerful, soaring vocals of bassist Josh Gilbert, which have become a signature of the band. The title track’s chorus stands out just as much. It’s all well put together for an album aiming at bigger crowds, so the choruses are built accordingly.
With the title track, Undertow and Torn Between, the band mostly confirms its mission. It’s not a departure from their trademark style, but rather a consistent mix of melody, aggression, punch and emotion. AILD clearly know their craft. Nothing feels forced, everything sits right where it should.
With Gatekeeper they push thrashy aggression to the front. Thrash metal elements have been part of the band’s sound before, so that’s nothing new. But it definitely gives the album some variety. Gatekeeper pummels away mercilessly in a Slayer style, complete with a brutal breakdown. As I Lay Dying clearly aren’t going soft anytime soon. With The Wreckage, the melody comes back to the front. The track is a great example of thoughtful songwriting, winning you over with strong riffs, a hard-hitting rhythm section and an infectious melody.
With My Own Grave, As I Lay Dying made their comeback in 2018. It’s the track where AILD shine brightest: fast guitars, loads of melody, a powerful chorus and a crushing breakdown. It felt like the band had never left. Many even said it restored their faith in metalcore. The song is now a must at their shows, and for the band it’s also a turning point in their career.
Throughout the whole album, As I Lay Dying make it clear they’re not backing down. They drive that home with Redefined, featuring August Burns Red vocalist Jake Luhr. The track was released as the second new song after the comeback, and AILD surprised everyone again. The vocal variety is outstanding, with Josh Gilbert adding his part in the chorus too. But the other members shine as well, with devastating guitars and drums that peak in the breakdown. At this point, AILD feel unstoppable.
In the closing stretch, As I Lay Dying prove they managed to make an album without filler. It might not be the best record of their career, but there’s definitely no sense that a fan will have to “suffer” through it. The closer “The Toll It Takes” has a touch of melancholy from Gilbert, but AILD have shown before that they can create something more epic. A solid ending, but no knockout this time.
As I Lay Dying are back in style with Shaped By Fire. The rich production, with its powerful sound, only backs that up. It’s an album made for the fans, no doubt. Whether AILD can keep up this quality going forward, only time will tell.
9/10
Tracklist:
- Burn To Emerge
- Blinded
- Shaped By Fire
- Undertow
- Torn Between
- Gatekeeper
- The Wreckage
- My Own Grave
- Take What’s Left
- Redefined
- Only After We’ve Fallen
- The Toll It Takes
Lineup:
Tim Lambesis – vocals
Josh Gilbert – bass, vocals
Jordan Mancino – drums
Nick Hipa – guitar
Phil Sgrosso – guitar
