Tim Lambesis, the sole remaining member of metalcore band As I Lay Dying, has issued a detailed statement following the departure of his bandmates, citing an “unhealthy environment” as a primary reason for the shake-up.
This response follows the recent exit of guitarist Phil Sgrosso, bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi, and drummer Nick Pierce, leaving Lambesis as the last-standing member of the San Diego-based group formed in 2000.
The exodus began last month, with Neff, Susi, and Pierce announcing their decision to quit the band over “personal morals” on Oct. 25. Shortly afterwards, longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso, who had been with the group since 2003, followed suit, pointing to creative and personal differences with Lambesis.
In a statement posted to social media on Nov. 4, Lambesis reflected on the internal issues that culminated in the band’s dissolution.
“As I reflect, I certainly agree that there was an unhealthy environment that made leaving for a new tour with the previous lineup unrealistic,” he stated. He admitted that it became “difficult to figure out even the smallest details” as tensions mounted within the group.
He noted, “I can stick strong to my vision for the future of AILD even when others think it should go another direction.”
Lambesis also addressed his fractured relationship with Sgrosso, sharing that the two “no longer saw eye to eye personally, creatively, or financially.” According to Lambesis, discussions with Sgrosso led to the guitarist’s departure, which then prompted the other members to follow.
He clarified that the band’s statements were released “in response to rumors” amid what he described as a “chaotic time.”
In his departure statement, Sgrosso had expressed concerns over the band’s atmosphere, stating that the band “no longer offers a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved—whether creatively, personally, or professionally,” and after “witnessing some concerning patterns of behavior,” Grosso “realized that I can no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively affect anyone working within this space.”
He added, “I feel it’s in my best interest to completely distance myself, both creatively and personally, from As I Lay Dying.”
For Lambesis, the breakup doesn’t mark the end of As I Lay Dying.
He expressed gratitude for his former bandmates, saying he “fully supports” their decisions and that “my door will always remain open to discussing anything directly.” Now, he looks forward to building a new lineup and fostering “an atmosphere that is supportive, positive, and fosters a creative environment.”
Despite the turmoil, As I Lay Dying’s eighth studio album, Through Storms Ahead, will still release as planned on Nov. 15. The album will feature contributions from the now-former members and guest appearances by artists including Slaughter to Prevail’s Alex Terrible and former Lorna Shore vocalist Tom Barber.
For longtime fans, the band’s recent internal discord may come as little surprise. Lambesis has been at the center of controversy before, most notably in 2014 when he served time in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to hire a hitman to murder his then-wife.
Since his release, Lambesis has sought to rebuild his career with As I Lay Dying, reuniting with former members and releasing new music in 2018.
The upcoming album Through Storms Ahead serves as both a farewell to the old lineup and an introduction to the next phase for As I Lay Dying.
Read Tim Lambesis’ statement posted to Instagram in full below.
Hi everyone,
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.
