Zanger Tim Lambesis heeft gereageerd op het massale vertrek van de bandleden van As I Lay Dying. Nadat eerst bassist/zanger Ryan Neff de band verliet op 18 oktober, volgden later gitarist Ken Susi en drummer Nick Pierce op donderdag 24 oktober. Vervolgens stapte op 30 oktober ook gitarist/zanger Phil Sgrosso op.
Vrijwel alle statements vertelde over een ongezonde relatie tussen de bandleden en het overschrijven van persoonlijk moraal. Nu was frontman Tim Lambesis al berucht vanwege het inhuren van een huurmoordenaar om zijn vrouw te laten vermoorden. Helaas voor hem bleek dit een undercover agent te zijn waardoor hij zes jaar de gevangenis in moest. In 2016 kwam hij echter voorwaardelijk vrij vanwege goed gedrag.
In het statement van Tim schrijft hij dat het Phil was die als eerste opstapte, gevolgd door de rest van de bandleden. Ook schrijft hij dat het aankomende album “Through Storms Ahead” nog altijd wordt uitgebracht op 15 november. Het complete statement luidt als volgt:
I needed some time to process all that has happened recently with AILD. As I reflect, I certainly agree that there was an unhealthy environment that made leaving for a new tour with the previous lineup unrealistic. It had become difficult to figure out even the smallest details, and I admit I can stick strong to my vision for the future of AILD even when others think it should go another direction.
It saddens me to think about the behaviors, communication, and patterns of interaction that led up to the tour cancellation. Phil and I no longer saw eye to personally, creatively, or financially. Discussions during this time prompted his decision to depart first, with each of the touring members deciding to leave shortly after, as they were not interested in going on without him. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the order in which everything was made public, as some statements were rushed out during a chaotic time in response to rumors.
I fully support each of the guys’ decisions to leave and believe at this time it is best for everyone. With that being said, my door will always remain open to discussing anything directly as I believe closing communication lead to many assumptions and problems of its own.
Now, regarding what’s next: AILD was founded on persistence and determination. For anyone who is familiar with the foundational years from 2000-2004, you know that more than 20 people (whom I’m incredibly grateful for) have come and gone to help bring to life this vision I’ve had in my head since I was 19 years old. I look forward to building a new team, and creating an atmosphere that is supportive, positive, and fosters a creative environment.
“Through Storms Ahead” will still be released November 15. I am proud of what we created and look forward to sharing it with all of you.
