An Ocean Between Us

by

As I Lay Dying

Edit

i got into this band back in 2004 and was obviously blown away. eagerly awaiting for "shadows are security" when i caught word that they were writing material for the next album and again i was in awe. everything about this band is top notch. inciteful lyrics, stellar musicianship, high energy rythyms and heart felt melodicsm.. as i lay dying in a nutshell. now you have to give credit where it's due, i hate it when i hear some reviewer saying nothing but terrible things about this band because they're all christians. that's just being narrow minded and ignorant.

now with that being said "an ocean between us" raises the bar again. they've obviously changed their sound but kept their signature elements. the vocals are more discernable and there are more sung vocals too with out sounding like your generic "metalcore" wannabe band currently out there ripping off every good riff from as i lay dying. this time around there's even a ballad type song on this disc and it just proves that whatever this band wants to do it can and make it sound so incredibly good.

if you're into extreeeeeeeme music this is a must have.

A previous reviewer suggested that deducting points from the rating of a band's work because they are Christians would be "narrow minded and ignorant." Without going into too much detail about the irony of such a remark, it's a safe bet that anyone who thinks outside the theological box would likely find the lyrics of AOBU lacking perspective. Sorry. I didn't find the lyrics insightful... not even "inciteful". I did find the melodic vocals on several tracks especially on "Forsaken" and "I Never Wanted" to be a nice counterpoint to the power chords and riffs. Of coarse there is nothing remarkably original here but there certainly is evidence of talent in the melodies and performances. I don't claim to be an expert on heavy metal but I can comment on what resonates with my ears and sensibilities. I was drawn in to AILD from a demo CD which featured several metal artists. The track from this band was "I Never Wanted" which is certainly a standout musically along with "Within Destruction" and "Forsaken". Yes, I bought the CD based on one song and I knew they were Christian. I think the music is more accessible when the melodic vocal harmonies are used. My ears are not accustomed to the "growl" singing so I'm deducting a star for that with the understanding that all reviews tend to be subjective to the tastes of the reviewer. I further understand that the demographic for this style of rock tends to be a generation or two after mine. Though there are some interesting elements to a few of these songs, I wouldn't call it a solid musical statement.

In conclusion: If you are a young Christian head banger seeking validation for your faith in the music you listen to, you are likely to love this record. Musically it's arguably a cut above many in it's class. If on the other hand you have a progressive, freethinking mind which questions authority and you tend to enjoy the music and lyrics of such bands as RUSH for example... you may find your interest in "As I Lay Dying" to be short lived.