With 25 years of reign and seven acclaimed albums under their belts, Through Storms Ahead further bolsters the proven line-up of vocalist Tim Lambesis and guitarist Phil Sgrosso alongside recent newcomers Ryan Neff (bass, clean vocals), Nick Pierce (drums) and Ken Susi (guitar). Featuring immense, stunning production by guitarist Phil Sgrosso and Hiram Hernandez, mixing by Aaron Chaparian, mastering by Mike Kalajian and album art once again created by Corey Meyers, Through Storms Ahead proves that good things come to those who wait. The album features crystal clear, punishingly precise technicality and quality – proving keen attention to detail and thoughtful exploration throughout. A melancholic guitar-driven introduction track blasts into a deft explosion on first song “A Broken Reflection”, showcasing the masterful melding of skills that the new incarnation of AS I LAY DYING brings to the table. The clean vocals of bassist Ryan Neff absolutely soar throughout, fortifying the high-end of the track’s multi-layered attack of searing, heart-wrenching guitar harmonics, driving bass, pummeling drums and the furious low-end gutturals of iconic frontman Tim Lambesis. Streamed over a million times within days of its initial release, first single “Burden” annihilates with instantly gripping energy, charging in with an intensely catchy chorus, multiple breakdowns and ingenious guitar soloing from Phil Sgrosso. Melodic “The Void Within” and “Taken From Nothing” evoke classic AS I LAY DYING style blended with modernized metalcore passages, while tracks such as “Strength to Survive” and “Gears That Never Stop” showcase the vital songwriting prowess of the band in 2024. Blending metallic battery with dominant accessibility, the tracks further attest that Through Storms Ahead won’t pause for a single moment of mediocrity. Title track “Through Storms Ahead” bludgeons with intense drums and an earworm chorus, while acclaimed second single “The Cave We Fear To Enter” begins pensively before charging into an emotive melodic metalcore opus. Tim Lambesis, Phil Sgrosso & Co. have created a metalcore masterpiece for the modern scene, solidifying that AS I LAY DYING are continuing to evolve and expand their trademark sound in a new era. |