Tim Lambesis admits unhealthy environment within AS I LAY DYING led to split with his bandmates
05-11-2024
AS I LAY DYING vocalist Tim Lambesis has released a statement on the departures of four of his bandmates: longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso, drummer Nick Pierce, guitarist Ken Susi and bassist/vocalist Ryan Neff.
On Monday, November 4, Lambesis took to his Instagram to write: “Hi everyone, I needed some time to process all that has happened recently with AILD. As I reflect, I certainly agree that there was an unhealthy environment that made leaving for a new tour with the previous lineup unrealistic. It had become difficult to figure out even the smallest details, and I admit I can stick strong to my vision for the future of AILD even when others think it should go another direction.
“It saddens me to think about the behaviors, communication, and patterns of interaction that led up to the tour cancellation. Phil and I no longer saw eye to personally, creatively, or financially. Discussions during this time prompted his decision to depart first, with each of the touring members deciding to leave shortly after, as they were not interested in going on without him. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the order in which everything was made public, as some statements were rushed out during a chaotic time in response to rumors.
“I fully support each of the guys’ decisions to leave and believe at this time it is best for everyone. With that being said, my door will always remain open to discussing anything directly as I believe closing communication lead to many assumptions and problems of its own.
“Now, regarding what’s next: AILD was founded on persistence and determination. For anyone who is familiar with the foundational years from 2000-2004, you know that more than 20 people (whom I’m incredibly grateful for) have come and gone to help bring to life this vision I’ve had in my head since I was 19 years old. I look forward to building a new team, and creating an atmosphere that is supportive, positive, and fosters a creative environment.
“‘Through Storms Ahead’ will still be released November 15. I am proud of what we created and look forward to sharing it with all of you.”
Guitarist Phil Sgrosso announced his departure from AS I LAY DYING on October 30. His exit came just six days after Pierce and Susi left the group, and 12 days after Neff said he was also leaving the band.
On Wednesday, October 30, Sgrosso released the following statement via social media: “Hey everyone,
“Thank you for your patience as I took time to gather my thoughts before speaking on the current state of AS I LAY DYING.
“With recent events, including the departure of band members and the cancellation of our European tour ahead of a new album release, it’s clear we’re in a difficult and serious situation. Simply put, recent actions have shown that AS I LAY DYING no longer offers a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved — whether creatively, personally, or professionally. After witnessing some concerning patterns of behavior, I’ve realized that I can no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively affect anyone working within this space. For these reasons, I feel it’s in my best interest to completely distance myself, both creatively and personally, from AS I LAY DYING.
“I also want to share my full support for Ryan, Ken, and Nick, who made the choice to step away recently. I’m grateful for our accomplishments and friendship over the past 3 years.
“With 21 years that I have dedicated to this band, it does not sit well with me to leave or abandon what I’ve considered to be my ‘life’s work.’ I don’t feel that I, or others, should be forced out like so many have in the past.
“After all that’s been put into this, I believe that with the right adjustments and restructuring, our music can continue to thrive and explore new possibilities in a healthier environment.
“Over time, AS I LAY DYING has been held back by dysfunction, and I feel that it’s no longer my responsibility to bear that burden.
“Thank you to everyone who has shown support for me and the music of AS I LAY DYING. I’m looking forward to putting my energy and creativity into new, more positive ventures in the near future.”
On Thursday, October 24, drummer Nick Pierce released the following statement via social media: “As of now, I am no longer playing drums for AS I LAY DYING. This is far from being the ending I anticipated, and I feel I need to distance myself from the band in an effort to retain my personal health and integrity.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who followed and supported me throughout this journey. My goal has and always will be to create unforgettable memories with my friends and write music that will truly resonate with our fans. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished on the road touring, as well as writing and recording drums for the new album.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my drumming career and pursue what I love most which is making music. My touring and session schedule is now actively open for new opportunities.”
When Susi announced his exit from AS I LAY DYING, he wrote in a statement:
My time playing with As I Lay Dying has come to an end today. I leave with so much gratitude for everyone who followed and supported me from my days in Unearth to this era of my career. I jumped into the AILD camp with full knowledge of the heightened dramatic history but had a drive to just play great music with great friends.
Unfortunately, my personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point, and it’s now the saddest ending to what could have been the greatest second chance for this band.
Ryan Neff is receiving a lot of backlash for stepping down first, and I regret not sharing this decision sooner and standing confidently with my friend — he’s a flawless musician and an even better person.
I’ll miss you all on this stage, and I look forward to seeing you on the next one. Anyone looking for a guitar player? My resume is ready.🤘🏼
lasst month AS I LAY DYING announced a new album , the band’s eighth full-length studio album, Through Storms Ahead, which will drop on November 15, 2024 via Napalm Records. The album is available for pre-order now. In celebration of the annoincement, the band released a video for the new single “We Are The Dead”, Featuring Alex Terrible (Slaughter To Prevail) and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin). The band also announce new tour dates.
Watch “We Are The Dead” below.
Guitarist Phil Sgrosso offers about the track and video:
“‘We Are The Dead’ represents the more brutal territory from our new album, spotlighting our thrashier tendencies that we still enjoy mixing in amongst our more melodic sound. I think this is the meanest we’ve ever gone in terms of aggression, and who better to join us than two of deathcore’s finest, Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail and Tom Barber from Chelsea Grin. Shout out to our third-time video collaborator Tom Flynn for jumping in with us and pulling off another visually creative undertaking for the track.”
Pre-Order ‘Through Storms Ahead’AT THIS LOCATION.
Through Storms Ahead tracklisting:
1. Permanence
2. A Broken Reflection
3. Burden
4. We Are The Dead (feat. Alex Terrible, Tom Barber)
5. Whitewashed Tomb
6. Through Storms Ahead
7. The Void Within
8. Strength To Survive
9. Gears That Never Stop
10. The Cave We Fear To Enter
11. Taken From Nothing
Through Storms Ahead will be available in the following formats:
-Digital Album
-1CD Digisleeve
-1LP Gatefold Black
-1LP Gatefold Crystal Clear (North America only)
-1LP Gatefold Solid Verde (Napalm Records mail order only – limited to 200)
-1LP Gatefold Black Clear Dust w/ 12” Booklet, Slipmat (Napalm Records mail order only – limited to 300)
AS I LAY DYING are preparing to kick off their massive European “Through Storms Ahead Tour”, featuring support from Caliban, Decapitated and Ov Sulfur, on November 15 in Würzburg, Germany. For tickets and more information on all shows, visit https://asilaydying.com/. Before those shows, US fans can catch the band at the iconic New England Metal & Hardcore Festival on September 22!
THROUGH STORMS AHEAD EUROPE 2024
AS I LAY DYING
w/ Caliban, Decapitated, Ov Sulfur
15.11.24: DE – Würzburg @ Posthalle
16.11.24: CZ – Prague @ Sasazu
18.11.24: SE – Gothenburg @ Film Studios
19.11.24: NO – Oslo @ Rockefeller
21.11.24: FI – Helsinki @ Kulttuuritalo
23.11.24: SE – Stockholm @ Fållan
24.11.24: DK – Copenhagen @ Amager Bio
25.11.24: DE – Berlin @ Uber Eats Music Hall
26.11.24: PL – Warsaw @ Progresja
27.11.24: HU – Budapest @ Barba Negra
28.11.24: AT – Vienna @ Gasometer
29.11.24: DE – Munich @ Zenith
30.11.24: IT – Milan @ Alcatraz
01.12.24: IT – Rome @ Orion
03.12.24: CH – Zürich @ Xtra
04.12.24: FR – Lyon @ Transbordeur
05.12.24: ES – Barcelona @ Razzmatazz
06.12.24: ES – Madrid @ Riviera
08.12.24: FR – Paris @ Trianon
09.12.24: DE – Saarbrücken @ E-Werk
10.12.24: BE – Brussels @ AB
11.12.24: NL – Amsterdam @ Melkweg
13.12.24: DE – Hamburg @ Inselpark Arena
14.12.24: DE – Leipzig @ Haus Auensee
15.12.24: DE – Oberhausen @ Turbinenhalle
(Caliban & Decapitated to rotate depending on market)
AS I LAY DYING:
Tim Lambesis – vocals
Phil Sgrosso – guitar
Ryan Neff – bass/vocals
Ken Susi – guitar
Nick Pierce – drums
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