Phil Sgrosso has Formally Parted Techniques with As I Lay Death, Days After the Exits of Drummer Nick Pierce, Guitarist Ken Susi, and Bassist Ryan Neff
On Wednesday, October 30, Sgrosso launched the next observation by the use of social media:
“Hi there everybody,
“Thanks to your endurance as I took time to assemble my ideas prior to talking at the present state of As I Lay Death.
“With fresh occasions, together with the departure of band participants and the cancellation of our Eu excursion forward of a brand new album liberate, it’s transparent we’re in a hard and severe state of affairs. Merely put, fresh movements have proven that As I Lay Death not provides a wholesome or secure setting for somebody concerned — whether or not creatively, in my view, or professionally. After witnessing some regarding patterns of conduct, I’ve discovered that I will not, in just right sense of right and wrong, allow additional movements that would negatively impact somebody running inside of this house. For those causes, I believe it’s in my easiest hobby to totally distance myself, each creatively and in my view, from As I Lay Death.
“I additionally need to proportion my complete reinforce for Ryan, Ken, and Nick, who made the selection to step away not too long ago. I’m thankful for our accomplishments and friendship during the last 3 years.
“With 21 years that I’ve devoted to this band, it does now not sit down neatly with me to go away or abandon what I’ve thought to be to be my ‘lifestyles’s paintings.’ I don’t really feel that I, or others, will have to be compelled out like such a lot of have prior to now.
“Finally that’s been put into this, I consider that with the appropriate changes and restructuring, our track can proceed to thrive and discover new probabilities in a more fit setting.
“Through the years, As I Lay Death has been held again through disorder, and I believe that it’s not my duty to endure that burden.
“Thanks to everybody who has proven reinforce for me and the track of As I Lay Death. I[m looking forward to putting my energy and creativity into new, more positive ventures in the near future.”
On October 24, Pierce released the following statement via social media: “As of now, I am no longer playing drums for AS I LAY DYING. This is far from being the ending I anticipated, and I feel I need to distance myself from the band in an effort to retain my personal health and integrity.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who followed and supported me throughout this journey. My goal has and always will be to create unforgettable memories with my friends and write music that will truly resonate with our fans. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished on the road touring, as well as writing and recording drums for the new album.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my drumming career and pursue what I love most which is making music. My touring and session schedule is now actively open for new opportunities.”
When Susi announced his departure from As I Lay Dying, he wrote in a statement: “My time playing with As I Lay Dying has come to an end today. I leave with so much gratitude for everyone who followed and supported me from my days in Unearth to this era of my career.
“I jumped into the AILD camp with full knowledge of the heightened dramatic history but had a drive to just play great music with great friends. Unfortunately, my personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point, and it’s now the saddest ending to what could have been the greatest second chance for this band.
“Ryan Neff is receiving a lot of backlash for stepping down first, and I regret not sharing this decision sooner and standing confidently with my friend — he’s a flawless musician and an even better person.
“I’ll miss you all on this stage, and I look forward to seeing you on the next one. Anyone looking for a guitar player? My resume is ready.”
Ryan Neff announced he was leaving As I Lay Dying on October 18, in a statement which read: “This choice comes after much reflection, and I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional journey.
“I am grateful for the experiences and connections I’ve made during my time with the band.
“Thank you to all the fans for your support.”
This wave of departures comes at a pivotal moment for the band, as they were set to launch their European tour, “Through Storms Ahead“, on November 15 in Würzburg, Germany. However, due to the lineup shakeup, the tour has been canceled. TuskaLive and Grey Beard, the Helsinki concert promoters, confirmed on social media that the November 21 show at Kulttuuritalo and the entire tour “will not be rescheduled.”
As I Lay Dying is still moving forward with the release of their latest album, “Through Storms Ahead“, set to drop on November 15 through Napalm Records. This eighth studio album includes the powerful singles “Burden,” “The Cave We Fear To Enter,” and the recently premiered “We Are The Dead,” which features guest vocalists Alex Terrible (Slaughter to Prevail) and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin, Darko). Produced by Sgrosso and Hiram Hernandez, mixed by Aaron Chaparian, mastered by Ted Jensen, and featuring artwork by Corey Meyers, the album promises an intense listening experience, even amid the band’s current turbulence.
This departure marks another turning point in As I Lay Dying’s complex history. Internal issues have affected the group since at least June 2022, when drummer Jordan Mancino announced his break from the band, citing “ongoing internal issues” that remained unresolved. This followed a similar exit by bassist/vocalist Josh Gilbert, who left to “pursue other musical opportunities” just a month prior.
For fans who’ve followed As I Lay Dying through its many challenges, this latest round of changes feels like déjà vu. The band’s lineup has been in flux since August 2021, when guitarist Nick Hipa publicly exited, criticizing the group’s 2018 reunion as a “superficial pursuit” that lacked the meaningful story it was meant to embody.
As I Lay Dying has navigated both musical highs and personal lows, especially with frontman Tim Lambesis‘s past criminal convictions casting a shadow over the band. Lambesis was sentenced in 2014 for attempting to hire a hitman to kill his estranged wife, serving roughly two and a half years before his release in late 2016. In 2018, the band made a highly publicized return, even as former members like Hipa voiced strong objections, calling Lambesis a “sociopathic narcissist” in need of serious help.
Despite everything, As I Lay Dying has persevered, releasing music and maintaining a dedicated fan base. The band’s future now hangs in the balance, with fans wondering what lies ahead for one of metalcore’s most influential, albeit controversial, bands. As “Through Storms Ahead” nears its release date, fans will be tuning in not only to see how the new album resonates but also to understand what’s next for As I Lay Dying amidst their lineup overhaul.
