As I Lay Dying - Official Website


My Own Grave

United States Country of Origin: United States



Review by Felix on October 9, 2023.

There are only two places where Azaghal are staying. Either they work in the recording studios or they celebrate a release party. As soon as the party is over, they return to the studio in order to record new songs. Less busy dudes like Lord Ahriman, mastermind of Dark Funeral, are rubbing their eyes in astonishment. However, the most surprising detail is not the quantity, but the quality of their songs which result in the seemingly endless list of Azaghal's publications.

Here we have a split album with Oath, only five tracks, but a more than solid running time of 47 minutes. Many albums with a comparable structure are exhausting right from the outset, but Azaghal switch on the turbo and start with a raw yet architecturally valuable monument. Of course, Azaghal have not discovered their passion for extremely progressive patterns with the effect that some parts are offered several times. A stormy line of the lead guitar opens the track and turns out to be the main theme of the track. The usual ingredients of Azaghal's art, for example violence, insanity and pure dedication are not missing and a black maelstrom threatens the health of mentally unstable listeners, not least because of the high average speed of the number. The following, equally large-formatted song follows less rapid rhythms, but this does not mean that it lacks of blackness or bitterness in any way. "Taivaankairaaja", the only cut of the split without overlength, is another hellish creation which relies on pure raging brutality, bulky lines and physical exertion. To sum up, Azaghal impress the audience once again with their stubborn adherence to the principles of black metal and the profound, ominous sound plays also leaves its mark.

Oath are a Finnish duo. Listen to its music at home, but do not try to enjoy the songs while driving a car. They blend with the constant roaring of the engine and one hears nothing else but a humming noise. This is not a very punchy production and in particular the vocals are produced with a lot of reverb and echoes. Frankly speaking, I prefer the more organic sound of Azaghal. Nevertheless, the mix does not suffer from unforgivable flaws, perhaps with the exception of the miserable snare drum. Without exaggeration, it sounds like a hollow washing drum.

Be that as it may, the compositions themselves are of greater interest. One can discuss whether the pieces of Oath have enough substance in order to keep up the tension during the entire playtime. Both songs exceed the eleven minutes limit and it's no trivial matter to fill this frame completely with gripping sounds. Therefore, I am not surprised that their first track, the plainly designed "The King", is not the king, but rather the beggar of this album. "Evernight" is also characterised by pretty simple sequences of tones, but they have a higher degree of currishness. Easily comprehensible keyboard lines add a gloomy touch. Just like their more famous compatriots, the two musicians are permeated by the spirit of the sinister sub genre. Their solid performance deserves a grading of 70%, while Azaghal reach a rating of 78%. If you want to sniff another dose of absolutely black metal from Finland or if you want to be the proud owner of an artwork which shows an Egyptian Pharaoh with frog legs (and these options are not mutually exclusive), this one is for you.

Rating: 7.4 out of 10

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Review by Frost on December 28, 2021.

At this point in their career, As I Lay Dying have become the most controversial band in recent memory. Their lead singer, Tim Lambesis, was sentenced behind bars for solicitation of murder of his ex-wife (that ultimately failed). From there, the fate of the band seemed to be stuck in limbo. The irreversible toll it would take on the future of the recently formed supergroup Wovenwar was inevitable. Hell, it was unavoidable. The constant comparisons to Nick, Josh, Phil, and Jordan's former band and references to their jailed lead singer wouldn't help the band very much as they tried to escape the shadow of the person who harmed so many people close to him. Now they're back, with the line-up they've had since An Ocean Between Us, and there's been no shortage of opinions from people like Jamey Jasta to Dino Cazares.

If anyone has the time, please go and watch the thirty minute video where the band discusses why they decided to get back together and the process of how they ultimately forgave Tim. It's a very moving video that anyone who calls themselves a fan should at least watch once.

2018 was the year that As I Lay Dying returned to the studio to record a brand new song. The appropriately titled 'My Own Grave' is almost anthemic. It's very personal and reads as a very bare naked reflection of Tim's spirit, as he stands as a man who did wrong, knew he did wrong, and genuinely accepted responsibility of his actions. It's clear of that from the beginning as it fades in with a soothing acoustic lead while Tim's screams linger in the background, then burst to the front in a very direct display of righteous anger. It's been six years since Awakened and Tim's voice has grown significantly since then and I love hearing it like this. It's a lot deeper, gruffer, and more pronounced; not to mention the delivery of his vocals are absolutely phenomenal throughout the song. I'd argue his performance on this single is as good as it was on The Powerless Rise.

How about the others? Amazing. They've not dulled a second in their time away from the band. Jordan Mancino's performance here is very much a continuation of what he did on Awakened with exquisite fills, some great drum rolls, and a militaristic pacing that sounds a lot like a soldier march at some parts, while Nick and Phil deliver that duality they mastered so fluently they did on The Powerless Rise. I have to admit that I feel sorry for Josh. I'm sure that he has some really good bass lines, but I can't ever hear them because the guitars are always so incredibly loud. But he can sure sing, though. His cleans only get better and better and, much like Tim's gruff screams and vocalization, are certainly the best they've ever been now.

Overall, this single is solid. It's safe to say that I am excited for a new album. If you're a fan who lost hope in AILD after Tim's conviction and stopped listening to their music, which is understandable, I would understand why you wouldn't care about this new song or the new album that might be on the way soon. This song, though, is meant for everyone. It's meant at the end of the day to be an apology to every person he's wronged. Fans, friends, his bandmates, his family -- everyone. That's all. And with this amazing song, and that video on their YouTube channel, I think I'm willing to let go and forgive the man.

Rating: 9 out of 10

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