Band Origin: San Diego, California, USA
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Metal Blade
Running Time: 44 minutes
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Best Part: Mancino. Mancino. Mancino. Did I say Mancino?
Favorite Tracks: Parallels, Anodyne Sea, Vacancy, Condemned, and The Plague
Grade: 4.5
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The Powerless Rise in way more than 20 words or less:
Steady progress and a knack for consistency make The Powerless Rise not only a solid release that most metalcore fans will enjoy, but earns the right to be called As I Lay Dying's best effort over their decade long career.
Steady progress and a knack for consistency make The Powerless Rise not only a solid release that most metalcore fans will enjoy, but earns the right to be called As I Lay Dying's best effort over their decade long career.
The Band:
As I Lay Dying is a five member metalcore band from California which was founded originally as a duo by vocalist and producer Tim Lambesis and drummer Jordan Mancino who named the project after the Faulkner novel of the same name. Lambesis has stated on more than one occasion that he does not consider As I Lay Dying as a 'christian' band, but rather than his faith, and that of the other members of the group inevitably comes across the music the band produces, despite the fact that the bands lyrical themes do not directly cover spiritual issues, bu rather every day life. As I Lay Dying has garnered a strong following in mainstream heavy metal, as well as many accolades, nods and appearances at high profile metal events including Wacken Open Air.
As I Lay Dying is a five member metalcore band from California which was founded originally as a duo by vocalist and producer Tim Lambesis and drummer Jordan Mancino who named the project after the Faulkner novel of the same name. Lambesis has stated on more than one occasion that he does not consider As I Lay Dying as a 'christian' band, but rather than his faith, and that of the other members of the group inevitably comes across the music the band produces, despite the fact that the bands lyrical themes do not directly cover spiritual issues, bu rather every day life. As I Lay Dying has garnered a strong following in mainstream heavy metal, as well as many accolades, nods and appearances at high profile metal events including Wacken Open Air.
Jay's Take on The Powerless Rise:
While Austrian Death Machine is arguably my favorite thing involving Tim Lambesis, As I Lay Dying was his first creation alongside Mancino and continues to be his primary focus despite his many endeavors both as a musician and as a record producer. The Powerless Rise is the follow up to An Ocean Between Us and is the culmination of nearly three years of work by Lambesis and co. Musically, As I Lay Dying follows the standard metalcore formula of screamed vocals, in-synch guitar harmonies and breakdowns. Lambesis has always been known for his powerful screams, but the clean vocals of Josh Gilbert are just as prominent throughout the record, in some cases even overshadowing the leading man. Not a terrible thing at all, as it adds in that necessary layer that really helps convey the emotions conveyed by the lyrics and the music itself. The instrumentation is well laid out, with some great riffs and interlaced lead and rhythm work. Mancino's work on percussion helps string everything together with the proper double-bass flourishes and of course on the breakdowns, his drum work has always been one of the signature elements of As I Lay Dying. The breakdowns feel less frequent across the record, and a tinge less powerful than you would expect - especially in comparison to some metalcore breakdown which are liable to blow out your o-ring. But the fact remains they're still there and they add that necessary but added layer of depth to the music.
Sample of the Day:
- J
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