Tim Lambesis, the only remaining member of metalcore band As I Lay Dying, released a detailed statement following the departure of the band members, citing an “unhealthy environment” as the main reason for the reshuffle.
This follows the recent exits of guitarist Phil Sgrosso, bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi and drummer Nick Pierce, leaving Lambesis as the final members of the San Diego band that formed in 2000.
The band’s departures began last month, with Neff, Susi and Pierce announcing on October 25 that they had decided to quit the band citing “personal ethics.” , pointing out creative and personal differences with Lambesis.
In a statement posted to social media on November 4, Lambesis reflected on the internal issues that ultimately led to the band’s disbandment.
“As I reflected, I certainly agree that the unhealthy environment made it unrealistic to go on a new tour with the previous lineup,” he said. He admitted that “even the smallest details were difficult to figure out” as tensions within the team grew.
He noted, “Even if others think AILD should go in another direction, I can stand firm in my vision for AILD’s future.”
Lambesis also spoke about his broken relationship with Sgrosso, saying the two “no longer see eye to eye personally, creatively or financially.” According to Lambesis, discussions with Sgrosso led to the guitarist leaving, subsequently prompting other members to follow.
He clarified that the band’s statement was released “in response to rumors” during what he called a “turbulent time.”
In his departure statement, Sgrosso expressed concerns about the band’s atmosphere, saying the band “no longer provides a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved – whether creatively, personally or professionally” and that in After witnessing some concerning patterns of behavior, Grosso “realized that I could not in good conscience take further actions that could negatively impact anyone working in this field.”
He added, “I feel like it’s in my best interest, both creatively and personally, to completely distance myself from As I Lay Dying .”
For Lambesis, the breakup doesn’t mean the end of “As I Lay Dying.”
He expressed his gratitude to his former bandmates, saying he “fully supports” their decision and that “my door will always be open to discuss anything directly.” Now, he’s looking forward to building a new lineup and creating “a a supportive, positive and creative environment”.
Despite the turmoil, As I Lay Dying’s eighth studio album, Through the storm aheadwill still be released on November 15th as planned.
For long-time fans, the band’s recent internal discord may not come as a surprise. Lambesis has been the focus of controversy before, most notably in 2014 when he pleaded guilty to trying to hire a hitman to murder his then-wife and served time in prison.
Since his release from prison, Lambesis has sought to rebuild his career with As I Lay Dying, reuniting with former members and releasing new music in 2018.
upcoming album Through the storm ahead It is both a farewell to the old lineup and an introduction to the next phase of As I Lay Dying.
Read Tim Lambesis’ full statement posted on Instagram below.
Hello everyone,
I need some time to process all the recent happenings with AILD. As I reflected, and I certainly agree, there was an unhealthy environment that made it unrealistic to go on a new tour with the previous lineup. Even the smallest details become difficult to figure out, and I admit that I can stand firm in my vision for AILD’s future, even if others think it should go in another direction.
It makes me sad to think about the patterns of behavior, communication and interaction that led to the cancellation of the tour. Phil and I no longer focus on personal, creative, or financial matters. Discussions during this time led to his decision to leave first, and each of the tour members also decided to leave shortly after, as they did not want to continue without him. Unfortunately, that’s not the order in which everything came out, as some statements were hastily issued in response to rumors during chaotic times.
I fully support everyone’s decision to leave and believe it is best for everyone at this time. That being said, my door will always be open to discuss anything directly as I believe closing communication can lead to many assumptions and questions.
Now, about what’s next: AILD is built on persistence and determination. For anyone familiar with those foundational years from 2000 to 2004, you know that over 20 people (to whom I am extremely grateful) came and went to help realize this vision that had been in my mind since I started. He was 19 years old at the time. I look forward to building a new team and creating a supportive, positive and creative environment.
“Through Storms Ahead” will still be released on November 15th.