As I Lay Dying

An Ocean Between Us
There’s no doubt in my mind that As I Lay Dying has made a record in An Ocean Between Us that will cement them—as well as the record—as cornerstones in the history of metal music. I know. It’s a lofty claim. It’s certainly the best metal album this year, and I would even venture to say the last five years. And even if it’s not the best record of the past five, 10, or even 20 years, time will show it will hold a place as essential listening for anyone who wants to play metal music.


From the start, As I Lay Dying has produced stellar music, catching the ears of everyone in lower California as the San Diego-based quintet release Frail Words Collapse sold over 200,000 copies. Their follow-up, a concept record called Shadows Are Security, landed them a gold mine: They were named San Diego Music Award’s Band of the Year (over Jason Mraz and Switchfoot), named MTV2’s 2006 Metal Gods, and landed a headlining spot on 2006’s Sounds of the Underground tour, over heavyweights like GWAR, In Flames, and Cannibal Corpse.


It’s a lot to live up to, and AILD managed to channel all their energy into this record, producing a heavy, technically sound, and ridiculously fast record that surpasses both of their previous releases. Many of the songs on the record showcase their musical ability, as well as their ability to create and piece together songs that make listeners grab hold—and then hold on for the entirety of the record. “Forsaken” takes bass drum hits to absurd levels before dropping into a melodic chorus that sets up an immediate breakdown that all but forces your head to bob up and down. “Within Destruction” is a throwback to old-school Pantera, with thrash riffs, quick breakdowns, and an extended interlude that ends with the fastest guitar playing and most in your face screams that a record could handle.


Do yourself a favor and pick this record up.


It’s everything you could ask for from a band that already has two previously acclaimed albums, notching the bar higher once again for themselves, as well as those within the genre. Key tracks: “Within Destruction”, “The Sound of Truth.” [Metal Blade] David Stagg




This album review was originally published in the September/October Issue (#127) of HM Magazine. Order the Print Version to read tons more reviews. You can order the Print Version of this issue online or find this issue on newsstands. You can NOW read this entire feature in the online edition of HM Magazine. If you're a subscriber, you get a free online/digital subscription with your print subscription. You can purchase a single online/digital edition (which includes access to back issues) for only $1.99. A one-year digital-only subscription can be had for only $6.




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    Comments


     By jared

    I just picked up this cd and have to say it is the best metal cd of the year right behind the likes of the Devil Wears Prada and Becoming the archetype. They have a lot more singing on this record which was missing on the last releases.
    Pick it up!

     By Paul

    I used to be into AILD. I bought both Frail Words Collapse and Shadows are Security, and after a while every song started to sound the same. When I picked up AOBU, I couldn't help but feel more of the same. I will say that Within Destruction is one of the best, if not the best, song the band has ever written. The rest of the album is heavy riff doubled by the double bass with a lead riff over it. The same thing they did the last two albums
    Best metal album of the past 5 years? Not even close. The record doesn't hold a candle to recent releases' from Darkest Hour, The Black Dahlia Murder, Dark Tranquility, Celtic Frost, Amon Amarth and of course the mighty Mastodon. All of these bands have created, in my opinion much better albums. I don't know how throwing in breakdowns in songs that end up sounding exactly the same makes a classic, but hey, to each his own.