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