Rock Music Critic

	As I Lay Dying
	Frail Words Collapse

	"Frail Words Collapse" is the second release by As I Lay Dying, and their first for Metal Blade. I haven't heard this band before, but I like their name, and the CD's artwork is such that it compels me to try this band. It is immediately apparent by the melodic lead playing on the first track that this is no ordinary death/thrash style band. Not only is the guitar melodic, it is clear and placed in the mix in a way that allows for distinct notes to be heard. No wall of noise here. But before you start thinking this band is weak, let me say that everything else is completely brutal. While I can make out many of the words (due in part to years of deciphering metal lyrics), this guys voice is harsh enough to be used as sandpaper (yes, that is good.) There's plenty of double bass to keep tempo in the mosh pit. The bass drum sounds a little clicky and could maybe do with a little more low end, but as it is it stands out against the rest of the music. I really like the production on this disc, everything is nice and clear and sits well in the stereo spectrum. What's this? On track 3, "Forever", I am noticing some clean backing vocals. How very un-death-like. This CD sounds like a nice hybrid of At The Gates-style Gothenburg death and American superthrash like Killswitch Engage. (Hear that Buke? You should like this band!) Halfway through the CD, and I must say I am impressed by As I Lay Dying. For a band that I have not heard of, and for their first major release, this is pretty damn good. It doesn't get stale as some releases of this style do, because things change up just enough that they keep you guessing. I just heard some more clean vocals, and now track 6, "Behind Me Lies Another Fallen Soldier", starts off clean and sounding like a possible 3 Doors Down song. But have no fear, it gets heavier. It's those little changes in dynamics that make the difference between standard fare and something a bit more special. Song 10, called "Song 10", is another track that shows the band has heart as well as skull-splitting drive. The song is half over before it actually gets heavy. The calm before the storm. My advice to you is to pick up this CD, and go out and support this great new band on the road, I believe they are out on tour right NOW. If this CD is any indication of what they are capable of, I look forward to their future releases. Good luck!
TRACKLIST: 94 Hours Falling Upon Deaf Ears Forever Collision Distance is Darkness Behind Me Lies Another Fallen Soldier Undefined A Thousand Steps The Beginning Song 10 The Pain of Separation Elegy