As I Lay Dying - FrailWords Collapse

Tue 12th Oct, 2004 in Music Reviews

Frail Words Collapse is the new album from Californian metallers As I Lay Dying, and sees the five piece of Tim Lambesis (vocals), Evan White (guitars), Jordan Mancino (drums), Jasun Krebs (guitar) and Aaron Kennedy (bass) deviate away from their metal-core path of old towards a more straight-forward, dynamic brand of metal. In the process they have really created a stand-out sound that is all their own – this change has worked wonders for them.

Released on Metal Blade records, Frail Words Collapse spans 12 tracks of loud, furious metal mixed up with (slightly) more melodic moments and abundant energy. From beginning to end, the album rips it up and assaults your ears (in the best possible way, of course), yet within the chaos, there is enough diversity between and within tracks to ensure that this album retains vitality.

Opener 94 Hours illustrates the furious guitar work of Evan White and Jason Krebs, while the double-kicking work of Jordan Mancino is phenomenal. It is a promising beginning, and I’m happy to say the standard is maintained throughout most of Frail Words Collapse.

Falling Upon Deaf Ears is one of the best songs on the record with its thrashy, aggressive sound and soaring guitars.

Forever is probably the most melodic song on the album, in that you can hear the quality and clarity of Lambesis’ voice as he alternates between singing and growling. Yet, thankfully, the song doesn’t come across as sounding nu-metal at all – his voice is too powerful for that. It is a nice little escape from all the death-growls, snarls and screams that otherwise permeate this album.

Another great track is Behind Me Lies a Fallen Soldier. It alternates spoken word with ferocious menace and the guitars are slower and more melodic than elsewhere on the album.

Song 10, entitled Song 10, begins with guitar riffs and a rhythm section that sounds frightfully emo. It is in stark contrast to the rest of the album, and doesn’t do it any favours. Just when you think this uninspiring instrumental is going to continue throughout the whole song, Lambesis starts singing and this rescues the song somewhat.

If you enjoy your metal, if you won’t say no to an abundance of roaring and double-kicks amidst chaotic guitars, you will thoroughly enjoy this album. It is a great basis upon which As I Lay Dying can establish themselves as one of promising and powerful forces in American metal.