As I Lay Dying
Awakened
Release Date: Sep 25, 2012
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Heavy Metal, Speed/Thrash Metal, Metalcore
Record label: Metal Blade
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Album Review: Awakened by As I Lay Dying
Fairly Good, Based on 3 Critics
Based on rating 7/10
Honing their sound with razor-sharp precision, As I Lay Dying return with more driving, melodic thrash on their sixth album, Awakened. While the band's level of technical acumen and intensity isn't much of a surprise at this point, their decision to work with punk icon Bill Stevenson (of the Descendents and All) might seem a bit odd at first glance. Though Stevenson isn't exactly known for heavy music, he's very well-versed in the language of fast, and that common ground helps to make for a successful pairing of the two as the band deliver 11 relentless tracks that bring plenty of intensity without ever giving up control.
Based on rating 2.5/5
Review Summary: Well, it's consistent.So let’s get down to it: As I Lay Dying are more melodic than they used to be.Those pussies.Okay, just kidding. But they are, indeed, more melodic. It’s a progression – or change in sound, rather – that xhardxcorex4evax fans of the band can’t deny and that the haters can’t help but point out, over and over and over again (forever and ever, amen).
Opinion: Excellent
The latest by As I Lay Dying comes out of the gate strong, firing on all cylinders; it's as if the band realized that to "Cauterize," the title of the album opener, one must first create a wound. However, after the first four songs tear the listener open with fast, thrashy metalcore riff fests, the band (slightly) up the melodic ante and make their best use of choruses since Shadows Are Security. If the hooks are a bit too sweet for you, the band never forget to break them up with crushing breakdowns.
'Awakened'
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