Yes, As I Lay Dying is an exceptional band for me. They are by no means the only metalcore band, but nothing that I heard so far in this direction comes close to AILD. My first "contact" the band emerged with the album "An Ocean Between Us" and it has sparked on the spot. This madness-tunes appealing lyrics, switching between aggressive cries and soulful clean vocals ... this was a band that I still wanted to pursue. I expanded my collection to other albums, each of which is unique in its own way and was looking forward all the more on the announcement of the new concoction "Awakened". Well what can I say? Of the albums that I own by the American metalcore troops so far (that would be all up on the debut work and "The Powerless Rise"), it is definitely one of the best - if not the best. On Awakened there is no song that would be bad or could be labeled as Filler (apart from the 1-minute instrumental "Washed Away", which you really could give). Not every face-off station is quite large, but most of the songs to hammer the first time heard already in memory, which is partly due to the very catchy choruses of Josh Gilbert. "A Greater Foundation", "Resilience" and to call it "No lungs to breathe" only a few examples of many. Some songs might need a few more passes to ignite properly and although not every song on the album a massive hit is (there would be for me about "Wasted Words" or "Defender" as less explosive grenades to mention) - worth it, also to be heard several times is definitely every song.
As I Lay Dying have delivered an album that is beyond reproach and is likely to play right at the hearts of the fans. Maybe the band manages well, thus to make new friends. For the next album, I hope, however, again a few songs that Tim Lambesis with his mighty organ recites alone. Nothing against Josh Gilbert, I like his singing a lot, but I'm missing here, the songs complete without clean singing. But that's the only slight criticism that falls not much weight and do the evaluation in the form of the maximum number of points that I forgive without hesitation, not detract.
Thanks As I Lay Dying for the great album and I'll see you tomorrow in Munich.
