Maturity is something that everything has to go through, every plant, animal, person and what I’m getting at is every band has to show some maturity (or immaturity) as well. Some examples of different patterns of this are Sum 41; with their third album “Does this Look Infected?” they showed small signs of metal influences but still were goofing off as usual. In the summer of 2003 after almost loosing their life’s in an ambush in the Congo they came back with “Chuck”; a heavily metal influenced, much more mature punk album. Their latest release “Under Class Hero” saw them return to their pop-punk roots and saw them in a more immature state. Guns’n’Roses on the other hand seemed to constantly immature after every album until the point that they couldn’t release their own material *Cough* Chinese Democracy *Cough*. Then there are bands like As I Lay Dying, bands that seem to mature with each album. “Frail Words Collapse” was not much more then average generic metal core but showed a lot of potential, “Shadows are Security” showed they could break through into the mainstream with it’s instant hooks and catchy melodies but still didn’t unleash their full potential. Maturity is what this album is about.
“An Ocean Between Us” shows that potential, it continues the catchiness of “Shadows are Security” and makes it more technical, faster and less generic. Even after loosing bassist/vocalist Clint Norris, As I Lay Dying went on and hired Josh Gilbert to record the bass and the clean singing on the album. Josh does an excellent job on vocals, especially on songs like “Forsaken” and “The Sound of Truth” while he and Tim Lambesis work together to make some stellar vocal layering. Though the bass is rarely heard it does a fine job when you can hear it the mix, as he usually contributes very well to any of the breakdowns on the album giving the sound of a certain track more thrashy or threatening. Some songs on the album that use this sound are obviously the previously released track “Within Destruction” that has probably the most thrashy riff on the album ala Slayer. “Comfort Betrays” fallows a similar style but has a breakdown or two to compliment Tim’s angered lyrics of how one of his loved ones betrayed him. My personal favourite of the thrash influenced songs is “Wrath upon Ourselves” that adds a little hardcore flavour and clean vocals to keep you head banging.
The album is mostly split up into two styles: either a thrashy head banger or an emotional metalcore song. Every other track has a different sound to keep it fresh until the end where everything seems to just some up how well the album was. The two song styles will keep old fans listening and have new fans wanting to listen to more, as the two song styles can appeal to a large radius of fans. Tim’s vocals are fairly varied as he can pull off many different pitches of screaming but usually keeps to his mid range roar, shown on previous albums. But most of the thanks for the balanced styles go to the guitarists: Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hippa who show a fine repertoire of technicality and emotion in their solos and riffs that for the most part builds the feeling and atmosphere of the album which is usually a dark, dreary feeling, a perfect example of this is “I Never Wanted” a song that has an intro that I thought could be found on the Deftones “White Pony”. The idea of to song styles is what keeps me coming back for more.
Though the true identity of the album is the varied sound, the band no doubt has talent as each member has at least improved since “Shadows are Security”. Most notably the guitarists that shred through every single second of the album with blistering emotional solos and genuine riffing, though my hat goes off to the heart of the rhythm section Jordan Mancino, he makes the album a wonderful experience as he has mastered the double bass technique and can pull different patterns out of his sleeve. Tim Lambesis has mostly improved on his lyrical content as most songs seem to have to a main theme about a strained relationship but have enough variation so they can be considered different subjects. Usually the songs express a certain emotion as a song like “Comfort Betrays” is complete hatred while “The Sound of Truth” is remorseful tune. Overall the mix is a perfect success that can not be called your average metalcore band.
Overall the album is a modern metalcore classic, As I Lay Dying have matured from a generic metalcore band to releasing a superb album. The musicianship has evolved into the perfect sound and the vocals round the sound beautifully. The concept and lyrics are well thought out and are not overly cheesy ,like Atreyu or Bullet for My Valentine. But most importantly the song styling’s are what make the album unique and give the half thrash, half metalcore sound that will appeal to many listeners over the years to come. Tim made us a promise, and like any good Christian boy he kept it, this is As I Lay Dying heaviest and fastest record to date.
Recommended Tracks: Forsaken
The Sound of Truth
Wrath Upon ourselves
Nothing Left
