As I Lay Dying - An Ocean Between Us Review
"An Ocean Between Us", AILD's 4th full length release together, is a step up from an already amazing group of releases that preceded it, including 2005's "Shadows Are Security" and 2003's "Frail Words Collapse". It seems with every release, AILD just gets harder and better, all the while reinventing what it means to be a metal band.
The album gives the perfect build-up in its opening track with "Separation", a brief musical interlude that tears right into the band's scorching first single and video track, "Nothing Left". What ensues is a brutal onslaught of metal that doesn't let up the closing refrain of the album's last track, "This Is Who We Are".
Musically, AILD is consistent and simply amazing. Well-written songs, scorching leads, none of which come off clich� or forced, fill the album from beginning to end. Lyrically, it is clear that Tim Lambesis is unashamed and upfront about his Christian beliefs. In all that is said, however, just like in past releases, there's no thumping over the head with a Bible, and certainly no air of shoving a "holier than thou" attitude down the listener's throat. It is apparent that while there may be a difference in beliefs between the band and their listener, it's not something that As I Lay Dying would ever try holding over their fans head.
This is without a doubt the best metal album of the year. As I Lay Dying, according to an interview in Metal Edge earlier this year, wanted to write and record a memorable album, not a collection of songs that would be easily forgotten, but a release that would stick with the listener for a long time to come. With "An Ocean Between Us", they've done just that. This is an album that will stand the test of time, and will stay in the listeners "now playing" rotation for some time to come.
CD Info and Links
As I Lay Dying - An Ocean Between Us
Rating:
Preview and Purchase This CD Online
More articles for this artist .
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Days 4 & 5: Starship Lands on the Pearl, Alan Parsons Takes It Home
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Hot In The City: Prog Band Tu-Ner Coming to Phoenix
blink-182 Launching North American Stadium And Arena Tour
Watch David Gilmour's 'The Piper's Call' Video
Check Out Powerman 5000 'Dancing Like We're Dead'
The String Cheese Incident Take Fans On Epic 'Roll Around The Sun'
Watch Motley Crue's 'Dogs Of War' Video
Richie Sambora Returns With 'I Pray', The First Of Four New Songs
The Smashing Pumpkins Reveal New Guitarist
Linkin Park Top Hard Rock And Vinyl Albums Charts With Papercuts