As I first popped this CD into my player, I had high hopes. The production on this record is very thick and heavy, as if Joe Barresi were recording a Coalesce album, and the vocal style is low and growly (which I prefer over high and screamy). As I continued to listen, I started to get bored. Many of the songs have that mid-tempo mosh feel to them and some of the guitar riffs are very repetitive. They feel like a bunch of riffs thrown together rather than an actual song.
The standout tracks incorporate more melodic guitar riffs and better songwriting, such as "Forced To Die", "When This World Fades", and "Behind Me Lies Another Fallen Soldier". Lyrically, all of the songs touch upon feelings of despair, pain, and sadness but retain a hopeful quality. As I Lay Dying could be a powerhouse band in a few years, but for now they rely a bit too heavily on musical themes already explored and mastered by bands like Zao, His Hero Is Gone, and the like.
C
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Josh SpencerThe short review: As I Lay Dying are at the bank trying to cash checks written by Zao and Converge. The slightly longer review: This is metalcore with death and black metal vocals. Mid-tempo grooves like a mutha, dropkicking basslines to shake your system. The chaos fades into soft, beautiful interludes periodically, and melodic guitar lines cruise over the top rhythms to help it all go down…Similar sounding releases
2003ZaoLegendary
1997Living SacrificeReborn
2004Mortal TreasonA Call to the Martyrs
2003A Jealousy IssueIf The Flames Don't Kill Us, We Will
2005UnearthOur Days of Eulogy
2003IntegrityTo Die For
