Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying) Interview

The San Diego metal band As I Lay Dying formed in 2001. They released their debut CD, Beneath The Encasing Of Ashes later that same year. In 2002 they recorded a split CD with the group American Tragedy. The group toured relentlessly and also transferred their popularity to the online world, becoming the most downloaded metal band on MP3.com.

Earlier this year As I Lay Dying signed with Metal Blade Records, and their latest CD, Frail Words Collapse, has just been released. I recently spoke with the band's lead singer, Tim Lambesis.

Chad Bowar: How would you compare the sound of Frail Words Collapse to your last CD?

Tim Lambesis: Musically we've really come a long way. Stylewise, I'd say it's a little bit faster and it has a greater energy to it as a whole. It's similar in that it draws a lot of hardcore influences. Some of the hardcore bands that we've grown up on naturally influenced us, but also a lot of the European metal bands like At The Gates and In Flames.

What does the album title Frail Words Collapse signify?

It comes from a song on the record that speaks of words not being enough to help a friend of mine. I wanted to help out a friend of mine so badly, but my words really meant nothing at that point. All I could do is be there through my actions. The whole album in general talks about the age-old saying that actions are louder than words.

I've read articles that have categorized your music as everything from death metal to hardcore punk to Christian metal. Do you agree with any of those?

I would not. A lot of people that aren't familiar with the metalcore genre consider a lot of the heavier stuff to be death metal. I could see where you could draw some similarities, but I'd say we're good blend of mainly metal and a little bit of hardcore. I wouldn't call it death metal. I think we carry a little bit more emotion and we're a little bit more raw than most death metal bands.

How did you hook up with Metal Blade Records?

When we were on Pluto Records we had an agreement that after our last CD we were free to pursue other record labels. When Brian from Pluto Records heard we had an offer from Metal Blade, he was really supportive. He gave us a lot of advice on moving from Pluto to Metal Blade. Metal Blade's offer as far as an artist relations level and on all levels was the best. They've been really great to work with. They are incredibly supportive and want to help build a career, not just put out a couple good albums.

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