Collaspe in Hardcore & Punk Music

"Frail Words Collapse" (07/01/2003) Hardcore/Punk As I Lay Dying, Metal BladeAs I Lay Dying: Tim Lambesis (vocals); Evan White, Jasun Krebs (guitar); Aaron Kennedy (bass); Jordan Mancino (drums). Recorded in February 2003. Personnel: Tim Lambesis (vocals); Evan White (guitar). Audio Mixer: Steve Russell. Recording information: Big Fish Studio (02/2003). As I Lay Dying is one of many, many bands to throw their hat into the Swedish-influenced metal-hardcore ring in the early 2000s, joining fellow metal-label signees as God Forbid and Shadows Fall (Century Media) and Killswitch Engage (Roadrunner). Frail Words Collapse is a solid example of its genre, carrying the stereotypical hallmarks of harmonized dual-guitar riffing (often reminiscent of In Flames or Iron Maiden), heavy double-bass drumming, and roaring vocals that occasionally slip into a melodic, clean-voiced emo style. There are also a few more dissonant, "technical" passages that nod toward Converge and their ilk. The songs here are solid enough and well executed, and the production is adequate (if a little too clean and digital sounding). This album will appeal mostly to devoted fans of the genre who are looking for another slight variation on the In Flames-influenced metal-hardcore style. ~ William York As I Lay Dying is one of many, many bands to throw their hat into the Swedish-influenced metal-hardcore ring in the early 2000s, joining fellow metal-label signees as God Forbid and Shadows Fall (Century Media) and Killswitch Engage (Roadrunner), among many others. Frail Words Collapse is a solid example of its genre, carrying the stereotypical hallmarks of harmonized dual-guitar riffing (often reminiscent of In Flames or Iron Maiden), heavy double-bass drumming, and roaring vocals that occasionally slip into a melodic, clean-voiced emo style. There are also a few more dissonant, "technical" passages that nod toward Converge and their ilk. While not an obvious clone of any other specific band, As I Lay Dying doesn't really add anything new to the mix from a musical standpoint. Then again, the songs here are solid enough and well executed, and the production is adequate (if a little too clean and digital sounding). This album will appeal mostly to devoted fans of the genre who are looking for another slight variation on the In Flames-influenced metal-hardcore style. ~ William York