Album Review: As I Lay Dying - Shaped By Fire
‘Shaped by Fire’ is the seventh studio album from San Diego natives As I Lay Dying, but the first for their new label Nuclear Blast. Using the label debut as a platform; the phoenix is rising from the ashes with this new release. It is their first body of new work since 2012.
The bands rebirth remains rooted in their impressive legacy. Having sold over a million albums since their formation and received a Grammy nomination in 2008. The foundations previously laid are the building blocks in which their latest album has been created. Following a five year hiatus to iron out personal issues the band are back, refreshed and revitalised and ready to destroy once more.
The opening track feels like the opening scene from a high budget action movie. Sounds growing from the background, the thunderous roll of drums in wave after wave of attack. The chanting growing louder all coming to a crescendo at the end of the fifty two second intro.
Into the album proper and ‘Blinded’ reveals the bands revitalisation. A wall of angst driven guitars and blast beats pummel the listener. A haunting cry “Have you ever been blinded by the pain?” comes forth. Perhaps a reference to the troubles that led to the bands hiatus, the lyrical content adds depth to the brutal offering. The more melodic vocals melding well with Tim Lambesis guttural screams to produce a cacophonic resonance with the listener.
The album continues in much the same vein. A genre many would consider “metalcore”. The band certainly mix metal and hardcore elements with thrash riffs and outright aggression. The lyrical content driven from the bands five year intermission adds so much to the recording, an insight into the struggles they (and many others around the world) face on a daily basis.
‘Undertow’ is the most violent sounding track on the album. It’s fast paced, heavy as hell but they’ve changed it up a gear. This song has an edge in all elements of its delivery and is by far the stand out work of the album.
The near perfect production on the album song with superb musicianship have resulted in a masterpiece. The band have returned to work inspired. Whilst previous releases have garnered critical acclaim, ‘Shaped by Fire’ is a cut above. A potentially career defining album that will elevate the group to the next level and beyond.
As I Lay Dying's album 'Shaped By Fire' is released on September 20th via Nuclear Blast.
