AlbumsNovember 29, 201127,065 views

As I Lay Dying Frail Words Collapse


Frail Words Collapse
01. 94 Hours 02. Falling Upon Deaf Ears 03. Forever 04. Collision 05. Distance is Darkness 06. Behind Me Lies Another Fallen Soldier 07. Undefined 08. A Thousand Steps 09. The Beginning 10. Song 10 11. The Pain of Separation 12. Elegy
2003 Metal Blade Records
Our score 7

6/23/2003

Historically speaking, there’s something very wrong with Metal Blade putting out a metalcore record. For years, this label has prided itself on releasing some of the most "metal" records you’ll ever hear. They might not be my cup o’ tea, but its integrity was always firm and intact. As I Lay Dying is a step in a new direction for the label and it's surprising that it took this long for one of the world’s first metal labels to explore the potential of this genre. This release features twelve blistering tracks of Christian-tainted metalcore that at times seem better fit for release on Solid State rather than Metal Blade. If there is one thing to be said about As I Lay Dying’s "Frail Words Collapse," it’s that this is one of the more over-produced records of the year. Particularly blatant are the drums, which are far too triggered, leaving you wondering if you are listening to popcorn pop, or, the pounding mid-paced bass drum kicking prominently throughout the entire record. The best way to describe As I lay Dying’s sound is imagine Hopesfall and Killswitch Engage collaborating (minus the clean singing) on a record with some metal session musicians. The outcome could possibly be what you hear on this album. Gratuitous comparisons aside, As I Lay Dying are just enough of what I like in metalcore to keep me interested and eagerly awaiting their next move. With a more live-sounding recording, these guys could easily have what it takes to write a stellar record. Although not found within these twelve tracks, I have high hopes for this band and look forward to our next meeting, be it a new album or live show. Bottom Line: If what you yearn for is typical Metal Blade Records fare, then "Frail Words Collapse" is not what you are looking for. But, if Killswitch Engage-styled metal/hardcore is your joint, by all means, dive into the pit for this one.

22 comments

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c_ 10/6/2004 9:08:17 AM

Great album.

cjdoobie_ 10/30/2004 12:06:09 PM

great fo a nigga on lockdown

aaron_ 11/13/2004 5:11:23 AM

its good

xpipeyx_ 11/15/2004 3:22:31 AM

f*ck that review, all it spoke of was the label not the music...

Matt_ 12/30/2004 10:58:55 AM

This review is misleading and this guy focuses on the label too much. Quit worrying about labels and listen to the music. It gets your adrealine going with some kick ass guitar and pounding drums.

kneel_ 1/13/2005 11:20:05 PM

man, this shit just rocks. a really agressive album i must say. this is their best release.

krystal_ 3/4/2005 2:42:36 PM

as i lay dying f*cking tox they are an awesome abnd.i am one of there friends from my space they are a cool band

Jonathan_ 4/3/2005 11:48:10 AM

kickass shit!! enough said..

Tony_ 4/7/2005 7:57:30 AM

(10)

The REAL Bob Rock_ 5/1/2005 4:33:07 PM

Appalling record, appalling band.

anonymous 5/28/2005 10:23:47 PM

AILD kicks f*cking ass!

the warrior_ 6/14/2005 5:38:37 PM

who shytes a f*ck if it's jesuscore or christian metal. yes winger sucked, but they could take lessons from these guys as well as nodes of ranvier. saw the video, needed the album. damn near trashed my living room listening to it. took a few heads off at their shows. i convinced him that baltimore would tear it up for him and they've been hear more than several times. the album is flawless. there were many a victim in the pits at their shows. warrior

fhl75_ 6/21/2005 6:30:11 PM

metal blade records was a key label in distributing the original crossover bands of the 80's. (d.r.i., corrosion of conformity, cryptic slaughter, ect...) that a person writing for a so-called metal/hardcore website could be so ignorant of this is ridiculous and sad, really.

Jefferz88_ 10/1/2005 11:52:16 PM

Well your review is pretty blunt...but i believes a bit miscontruing....I like the bass kick on the drums Jordan happens to be one of the most accomplished drummers ive ever listened to. Dont base your review on the fact of the record label theyre on because that means nothing....maybe htey knew someone and they got them the label....The guitar was pretty incredible as well. And if you wanna go on labels....now theyre on roadrunner records...they played ozzfest and theyre new album Shadows Are S

haha_ 12/13/2005 5:55:33 PM

more like as i lay crying

anonymous 12/6/2006 12:14:00 PM

This band is terrible live. Get a metronome.

Alexander_ 12/18/2006 1:38:18 AM

As I Gay Crying

RyanATF_ 1/22/2007 12:29:41 PM

f*ck this fake ass trigger-using band.

RyanATF_ 1/22/2007 12:30:06 PM

Listen to Tomorrows End instead.

She_Stopped_Time_ 3/1/2007 11:30:01 AM

Who ever wrote this review doesn't know what they are talking about. This record is a 10/10. I don't like anything that came out after this, to me the new shit is a waiste of time. But, this album changed my life. this is the album that made me think that chaos was so great. In songs "the Pain of Seperation" and "Distance is Darkness" it is completely chaotic yet there is some controlled sense there (mainly because they play it really tight). This is a great album and if you don't know or own th

KevinJordan_ 5/5/2009 12:42:22 PM

One of the first Metal records I ever listened to! Amazing! And if you don't know what triggers are, stfu!

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