As I Lay Dying Deliver A Career Spanning Crushing Performance At The Theatre of Living Arts

 

 

As I Lay Dying has made a significant impact on the metal and metalcore genres over their 20-year career. Known for their aggressive yet melodic sound, the band has been instrumental in popularizing metalcore, blending elements of melodic death metal with hardcore punk. Their early albums, such as “Frail Words Collapse” (2003) and “Shadows Are Security” (2005), became landmarks in the genre, influencing a new generation of metalcore bands. As I Lay Dying’s music is characterized by intricate guitar work, powerful drumming, and a blend of screamed and clean vocals, which became a hallmark of the metalcore style.

Beyond their musical contributions, As I Lay Dying’s consistent presence in the scene and dedication to touring have helped solidify their reputation as a leading act. Despite challenges, including legal issues and lineup changes, the band’s ability to evolve and adapt has kept them relevant. Their later albums, like “An Ocean Between Us” (2007) and “Shaped by Fire” (2019), show a matured sound and lyrical depth, reflecting personal and collective growth. As I Lay Dying’s influence is seen not only in the bands, they have inspired but also in their role in the broader metal community, promoting a message of resilience and perseverance.

The band has been steaming rolling across the country on their current Summer Tour with crushing acts Entheos and Chelsea Grin. And tonight, the fans in Philadelphia filled up the Theatre of Living Arts wall to wall for an event that is sure to quake South St to its foundation.

Entheos, a progressive metal band known for their technical prowess and dynamic compositions, has carved a niche in the metal scene with their innovative approach and powerful performances. The band consists of vocalist Chaney Crabb, who delivers an intense and versatile vocal range; drummer Navene Koperweis, renowned for his complex and precise drumming; and bassist Evan Brewer, whose intricate bass lines add depth and texture to the band’s sound. Their music often blends elements of death metal, progressive metal, and electronic music, creating a unique and immersive listening experience.

Songs like “All for Nothing” and “Absolute Zero” showcase Entheos’s ability to merge technical complexity with emotional intensity. “All for Nothing” features Crabb’s fierce vocal delivery, complemented by Koperweis’s dynamic drumming and Brewer’s fluid bass work. The track is characterized by its shifting tempos and intricate guitar riffs, highlighting the band’s technical skill. “Absolute Zero” follows a similar path, with aggressive vocals and complex instrumental arrangements that create a sense of urgency and chaos. The song’s lyrical themes often explore existential and introspective topics, adding a thoughtful layer to the band’s aggressive sound.

“I Am the Void,” “White Noise (II),” and “The Sinking Sun” further demonstrate Entheos’s versatility and depth. “I Am the Void” is a standout track with its haunting melodies and atmospheric elements, creating a sense of desolation and introspection. “White Noise (II)” showcases the band’s ability to blend brutal heaviness with moments of melodic clarity, featuring intricate guitar work and a compelling vocal performance. “The Sinking Sun” offers a more atmospheric and contemplative vibe, highlighting the band’s progressive influences and their knack for creating immersive sonic landscapes. Through these tracks, Entheos continues to push the boundaries of modern metal, earning them a dedicated following and critical acclaim.

Chelsea Grin’s live performance at the Theatre of Living Arts was a visceral and electrifying experience, showcasing the band’s raw power and technical prowess. The lineup, featuring Tom Barber on vocals, David Flinn on bass, Stephen Rutishauser on lead guitar, and Pablo Viveros on drums and clean vocals, delivered a set that was both relentless and engaging. As the lights dimmed and the band took the stage, the audience was immediately captivated by the intense energy emanating from the band members. Tom Barber’s commanding presence and dynamic vocal range set the tone for the night, while the rest of the band provided a tight and aggressive musical foundation.

The setlist featured a mix of classic tracks and newer material, with songs like “Recreant” and “Sonnet of the Wretched” drawing enthusiastic responses from the crowd. “Recreant,” a staple from their early days, was delivered with a ferocity that resonated throughout the venue. The crowd responded with headbanging and moshing, reflecting the song’s intense breakdowns and dark lyrical themes. “Sonnet of the Wretched” followed, showcasing the band’s ability to blend technical guitar work with brutal heaviness. Stephen Rutishauser’s intricate riffs and solos were particularly impressive, adding a layer of complexity to the performance.

As the set progressed, Chelsea Grin introduced tracks from their more recent albums, including “Bleeding Sun” and “Dead Rose.” “Bleeding Sun” highlighted the band’s evolving sound, with a more melodic and atmospheric approach that still retained their characteristic intensity. Tom Barber’s vocal delivery was powerful and emotive, capturing the song’s brooding tone. “Dead Rose” demonstrated the band’s continued exploration of new musical territories, with Barber’s versatile vocals and the band’s precise instrumentation creating a dynamic and memorable live rendition.

The performance reached its peak with fan-favorite tracks like “My Damnation,” “Sing to the Grave,” and “Hostage.” “My Damnation” was a standout moment, as the band executed the song’s intricate breakdowns and haunting melodies with precision and energy. The crowd’s reaction was palpable, with many singing along to the anthemic chorus. “Sing to the Grave” provided a moment of reflection, with its introspective lyrics and atmospheric arrangement creating a poignant atmosphere. The set concluded with “Hostage,” a track that encapsulates Chelsea Grin’s blend of brutal and melodic elements. The band’s tight performance and Tom Barber’s commanding stage presence left a lasting impression, solidifying their reputation as one of the leading acts in the deathcore genre. The concert at the Theatre of Living Arts was not just a display of musical skill but also a testament to the band’s connection with their fans and their commitment to delivering an unforgettable live experience.

As I Lay Dying’s live performance was a masterclass in metalcore intensity and musical precision, showcasing the band’s enduring appeal and skill. The lineup, featuring Tim Lambesis on vocals, Ken Susi on lead guitar, Phil Sgrosso on rhythm guitar, Ryan Neff on bass and clean vocals, and Nick Pierce on drums, brought a powerful presence to the stage. The band opened with “Nothing Left,” a blistering track that set the tone for the night. The crowd erupted as Lambesis’s commanding growls filled the venue, backed by the tight, synchronized riffing of Susi and Sgrosso. Pierce’s drumming was relentless, driving the song’s intense rhythm and adding a dynamic edge to the performance.

The energy continued with “Through Struggle,” another fan favorite that highlighted the band’s skillful blend of aggression and melody. Gilbert’s clean vocals provided a compelling contrast to Lambesis’s harsh screams, creating a dynamic interplay that captivated the audience. The intricate guitar work from Susi and Sgrosso was a standout, with melodic leads intertwining seamlessly with the heavy rhythm sections. The band’s chemistry was palpable, as they moved in unison, feeding off the energy of the crowd.

A special highlight of the evening was the performance of “Redefined,” featuring guest vocalist Chaney Crabb from Entheos. Crabb’s powerful vocals added a new dimension to the song, complementing Lambesis’s deep growls with her own intense delivery. The collaboration brought a unique energy to the stage, with both vocalists engaging the audience in a call-and-response style that elevated the performance. The song’s message of personal transformation and resilience resonated strongly with the crowd, adding an emotional depth to the show.

“A Greater Foundation” and “Condemned” continued to showcase As I Lay Dying’s ability to deliver hard-hitting metalcore anthems with precision and passion. “A Greater Foundation” featured anthemic choruses and intricate guitar solos, with Susi and Sgrosso’s dual guitar work shining through. Neff’s soaring clean vocals provided a melodic anchor, creating a powerful contrast with the heavier elements of the song. “Condemned” maintained the intensity, with its relentless pace and aggressive riffs, pushing the crowd into a frenzy.

“Shaped by Fire,” the title track from their 2019 album, was a poignant moment in the set, reflecting the band’s journey and resilience. The song’s lyrics, dealing with themes of redemption and perseverance, struck a chord with the audience. Lambesis’s vocals were particularly emotive, conveying a sense of introspection and resolve. The band’s performance was tight and cohesive, with each member contributing to the song’s powerful atmosphere.

The classic track “94 Hours” brought a wave of nostalgia to long-time fans, with its iconic opening riff and relentless energy. The crowd responded with fervor, moshing and singing along to every word. Peirce’s drumming was a highlight, providing a relentless backbone that drove the song forward. The band’s performance was a testament to their enduring appeal, demonstrating their ability to connect with fans through their music.

“Anodyne Sea” and “The Sound of Truth” rounded out the main set, offering a mix of melodic and aggressive elements. “Anodyne Sea” featured a blend of clean and screamed vocals, with Gilbert’s melodic lines adding depth to the song’s intense atmosphere. “The Sound of Truth” showcased the band’s lyrical and musical maturity, with introspective lyrics and complex arrangements. The interplay between the guitars and vocals created a rich tapestry of sound, highlighting the band’s technical prowess and emotional depth.

For the encore, As I Lay Dying delivered powerful renditions of “My Own Grave” and “Confined.” “My Own Grave,” a track that marked the band’s return after a hiatus, was performed with raw emotion and intensity. The song’s themes of self-reflection and accountability resonated strongly, with Lambesis delivering a particularly impassioned vocal performance. The closing track, “Confined,” was a fitting end to the night, encapsulating the band’s signature blend of aggression and melody. The crowd sang along to every word, creating a powerful communal experience that underscored the deep connection between the band and their fans. As the final notes rang out, As I Lay Dying left the stage to a standing ovation, their performance at once a celebration of their legacy and a testament to their continued relevance in the metalcore scene.