As I Lay Dying An Ocean Between Us
Metal Blade Records 3984-14632-2 August 21, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Ever since Beneath the Encasing of Ashes (2001), San Diegos metalcore kings As I Lay Dying have released a full-length album every two years Frail Words Collapse in 03, Shadows Are Security in 05, and now An Ocean Between Us in 07. While there was a much-needed production jump from FWC to SAS, its clear that this quintet dont plan on changing anything else about their approach, which makes AOBU a consistent, if unnecessary, record. Nevertheless, its also a safe bet for the average, metalcore aficionado who doesnt mind repetition.
Following the intro Separation, Nothing Left touches down with more than a pinch of Gothenburg influence in tow, evidenced by a melodic chorus that parallels In Flames. As always, its almost second nature to nod along since As I Lay Dying prove adroit at hooking one in with catchiness. When blazing through Within Destruction, Comfort Betrays, Bury Us All, The Sound of Truth, Wrath Upon Ourselves, and This Is Who We Are it becomes clear that theres nothing inherently wrong except the unshakable feeling that weve been here before, though Forsaken, I Never Wanted, and Departed mix things up by providing light, tender beginnings. Departed is actually a breather before the group launch into their last two songs. Not to be overlooked are the facts that the annoying Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage) co-produced An Ocean Between Us, along with the band, and that several guest vocal performances come courtesy of Chad Ackerman (Destroy the Runner), Tommy Garcia (ex-AILD), and a couple other individuals.
So all in all, An Ocean Between Us is more of the same from a slick, talented metalcore outfit that sells, and as a result, hits all the charts. As I Lay Dying dont need to change drastically they certainly wont but even an immaculate recording such as this reminds me of how tired Im getting of the same ol stuff. Despite that, AOBU is good for what it is, even though the replay value doesnt seem too high. Only the devoted need apply.
Official As I Lay Dying Website
Official Metal Blade Records Website
Metal Blade Records 3984-14632-2 August 21, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Ever since Beneath the Encasing of Ashes (2001), San Diegos metalcore kings As I Lay Dying have released a full-length album every two years Frail Words Collapse in 03, Shadows Are Security in 05, and now An Ocean Between Us in 07. While there was a much-needed production jump from FWC to SAS, its clear that this quintet dont plan on changing anything else about their approach, which makes AOBU a consistent, if unnecessary, record. Nevertheless, its also a safe bet for the average, metalcore aficionado who doesnt mind repetition.
Following the intro Separation, Nothing Left touches down with more than a pinch of Gothenburg influence in tow, evidenced by a melodic chorus that parallels In Flames. As always, its almost second nature to nod along since As I Lay Dying prove adroit at hooking one in with catchiness. When blazing through Within Destruction, Comfort Betrays, Bury Us All, The Sound of Truth, Wrath Upon Ourselves, and This Is Who We Are it becomes clear that theres nothing inherently wrong except the unshakable feeling that weve been here before, though Forsaken, I Never Wanted, and Departed mix things up by providing light, tender beginnings. Departed is actually a breather before the group launch into their last two songs. Not to be overlooked are the facts that the annoying Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage) co-produced An Ocean Between Us, along with the band, and that several guest vocal performances come courtesy of Chad Ackerman (Destroy the Runner), Tommy Garcia (ex-AILD), and a couple other individuals.
So all in all, An Ocean Between Us is more of the same from a slick, talented metalcore outfit that sells, and as a result, hits all the charts. As I Lay Dying dont need to change drastically they certainly wont but even an immaculate recording such as this reminds me of how tired Im getting of the same ol stuff. Despite that, AOBU is good for what it is, even though the replay value doesnt seem too high. Only the devoted need apply.
Official As I Lay Dying Website
Official Metal Blade Records Website
