The 10-Year Rise to Power: Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying
California has long been a hot-bed for metal. The SoCal tradition continues with As I Lay Dying. I caught up with founder and frontman Tim Lambesis on the other side of the country at the legendary Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ. The band was on their “Decade of Destruction” Tour, the final leg of a long tour in support of 2010′s The Powerless Rise, and celebrating the band’s 10th anniversary. It was pre-show, and people were already lined up at the door for what seemed to be a mile, which was no surprise to me.
For a metalcore band, As I Lay Dying has received a lot of critical acclaim. In 2007, they won MTV2′s Ultimate Metal God Award. In 2008, they won Artist of The Year at The San Diego Music Awards (their hometown), and were nominated for a Grammy for their song “Nothing Left” (from the album An Ocean Between Us, which peaked at #8 on the Billboard Top 200). Just a few months ago, the band released the compilation album, Decas (again, celebrating their 10th anniversary). It features a mix of new songs, greatest hits, and cover songs of heavy metal royalty like Judas Priest, Slayer, and more.
Get psyched metalcore maniacs, ’cause Tim said the band has big plans post-tour. After you watch the interview to find out what the plans are, Decas is out now on Metal Blade Records. And pray for warm weather to come quick, ’cause As I Lay Dying is on the bill for The 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. So, go get your tickets and get ready to CRANK IT UP!