Grammy-nominated metalcore pioneers As I Lay Dying recently sparked a career-defining return to the scene, driven by the release of their upcoming eighth full-length studio album, “Through Storms Ahead”, out November 15, 2024, via Napalm Records.
Poised to be one of the most highly anticipated metal comebacks in years, the audacious new LP features the critically acclaimed new tracks “Burden”, “The Cave We Fear To Enter”, and the recently revealed “We Are The Dead” featuring guest vocalists Alex Terrible (Slaughter to Prevail) and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin, Darko).
Today, a fourth new single arrives — the ominous metalcore anthem “Whitewashed Tomb” — alongside a brand new music video. The track bleeds in with a cinematic underscore before its potent vocal lines, hair-raising, rhythmic guitar leads and reverberating electronic atmosphere takes over, showcasing As I Lay Dying‘s current lineup, consisting of vocalist Tim Lambesis and guitarist Phil Sgrosso alongside recent newcomers Ryan Neff (bass, clean vocals), Nick Pierce (drums) and Ken Susi (guitar).
Lambesis says about the track and video: “‘Whitewashed Tomb’ represents a balance between the melody and aggression that AILD is known for with an interesting modern twist from the way that Phil and Hiram produced it. When Phil wrote the original demo, I could instantly appreciate the classic melodic-metal influences in the guitar melodies contrasted with an underlying darker theme. So, lyrically it seemed fitting for me to focus on the metaphor of a whitewashed tomb. It is something clean and beautiful at a first glance until the darker hidden side is revealed. I also love what Ryan Neff added to solidify that sense of contrast vocally, as well.”
Pre-order the album HERE.
Featuring immense, stunning production by guitarist Phil Sgrosso and Hiram Hernandez, mixing by Aaron Chaparian, mastering by Ted Jensen and album art once again created by Corey Meyers, “Through Storms Ahead” proves that good things come to those who wait. The album features crystal clear, punishingly precise technicality and quality – proving keen attention to detail and thoughtful exploration throughout “Through Storms Ahead.”
A melancholic guitar-driven introduction track blasts into a deft explosion on the first song “A Broken Reflection”, showcasing the masterful melding of skills that the new incarnation of As I Lay Dying brings to the table. The clean vocals of bassist Ryan Neff absolutely soar throughout, fortifying the high-end of the track’s multi-layered attack of searing, heart-wrenching guitar harmonics, driving bass, pummeling drums and the furious low-end gutturals of iconic frontman Tim Lambesis.
Streamed over a million times within days of its initial release, the first single “Burden” annihilates with instantly gripping energy, charging in with an intensely catchy chorus, multiple breakdowns, and ingenious guitar soloing from Phil Sgrosso. “Whitewashed Tomb” bleeds in with a cinematic underscore before its potent vocal lines, hair-raising, rhythmic guitar leads, and ominous, reverberating electronic atmosphere take over.
Melodic “The Void Within” and “Taken From Nothing” evoke classic As I Lay Dying style blended with modernized metalcore passages, while tracks such as “Strength to Survive” and “Gears That Never Stop” showcase the vital songwriting prowess of the band in 2024. Blending metallic battery with dominant accessibility, the tracks further attest that “Through Storms Ahead” won’t pause for a single moment of mediocrity. The title track “Through Storms Ahead” bludgeons with intense drums and an earworm chorus, while the acclaimed second single “The Cave We Fear To Enter” begins pensively before charging into an emotive melodic metalcore opus.
Tim Lambesis, Phil Sgrosso & Co. have created a metalcore masterpiece for the modern scene, solidifying that As I Lay Dying are continuing to evolve and expand their trademark sound in a new era.
