Artist: As I Lay Dying
Title: Through Storms Ahead
Label: Napalm Records
Cat #: NPR1338DGS
Release Year: 2024
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Digisleeve

After a career spanning over 25 years, seven successful albums and a Grammy nomination, the style-defining metalcore pioneers As I Lay Dying are back with their eighth studio album Through Storms Ahead.

The Americans' latest work shows a clear development from their 2019 album Shaped By Fire and the proven line-up around singer Tim Lambesis and guitarist Phil Sgrosso has been completed by the new members Ryan Neff (bass, clean vocals), Nick Pierce (drums) and Ken Susi (guitar).

Through Storms Ahead begins with a melancholic and riff-heavy intro that leads into the explosive first song "A Broken Reflection," which proves that AS I LAY DYING have returned stronger than ever and that all band members are masters of their craft. The clean vocals of bassist Ryan Neff combine with razor-sharp guitar harmonies, driving basses and powerful drums that make the deep growls of frontman Tim Lambesis stand out. The pre-released "Burden," which collected over a million streams within just a few days of its release, convinces with its gripping energy. The catchy chorus leads into several breakdowns and impresses with intense guitar solos from Phil Sgrosso. "We Are The Dead" is a merciless track that features the great singers Alex Terrible (Slaughter to Prevail) and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin, Darko) as guests. In addition, "We Are The Dead"" shows the album's exceptionally precise production and only gives an idea of ​​the meticulous attention to detail that went into the recording process. The track builds a menacing soundscape of synths and choirs that prepare for a brutal breakdown, underlined by grooves and growls. The atmosphere of "Whitewashed Tomb"" is initially reminiscent of film music, before powerful vocals, rhythm-focused riffs and dark electronic sounds come to the fore. "The Void Within"" and "Taken From Nothing"" are tracks in the classic AS I LAY DYING style that merges with modern metalcore parts, while "Strength to Survive"" and "Gears That Never Stop"" show that the band's songwriting has reached its peak in 2024 and make it clear that Through Storms Ahead leaves no room for mediocrity. The title track delivers intense drums and a catchy chorus, while the celebrated second single "The Cave We Fear To Enter" begins ballad-like with a quiet passage before unleashing an emotional and melodic metalcore opus that duly underlines the lyrics of Tim Lambesis and Ryan Neff.

With an impressive, breathtaking production by guitarist Phil Sgrosso and Hiram Hernandez, mixing by Aaron Chaparian, mastering by Ted Jensen and album artwork once again designed by Corey Meyers, Through Storms Ahead proves that a long wait can really pay off. Tim Lambesis, Phil Sgrosso & Co. have created a modern metalcore masterpiece and are leading AS I LAY DYING into a new era with their characteristic sound."

Recommended if you like: All That Remains, Unearth, August Burns Red, Caliban, Parkway Drive, Darkest Hour, Trivium, Killswitch Engage

Track Listing:
1. Permanence
2. A Broken Reflection
3. Burden
4. We Are The Dead
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