Tim Lambesis, vocalist for As I Lay Dying, Austrian Death Machine, Born Through Fire and more, has issued a statement regarding the controversy surrounding himself and As I Lay Dying as of late. The implosion of the San Diego, CA-based metalcore band’s latest lineup has played out across social media over the past two weeks.

Bassist/vocalist Ryan Neff exited on October 18th, with guitarist Ken Susi and drummer Nick Pierce following this past Thursday, October 24th. Guitarist/vocalist Phil Sgrosso followed on October 30th.

Their individual statements alluded to an unhealthy relationship within the band, with Susi stating of his departure, “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.”

Pierce‘s exit statement carried a similar tone to that of Susi‘s, he in part offered: “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.”

Guitarist Phil Sgrosso, a holdover from the band’s previous lineup, indicated last week that a statement of his own was in the works, though, he had business and ‘bureaucracy’ ties to navigate first before commenting on his future with the band. Given his lengthy tenure in the group, it was understood that he had potential stakes in the business end, while the newer recruits were likely operating more in the form of hired guns.

Sgrosso said in his exit statement, “…Recent actions have shown that As I Lay Dying no longer offers a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved—whether creatively, personally, or professionally. After witnessing some concerning patterns of behavior, I’ve realized that I can no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively affect anyone working within this space.”

Three of the above-mentioned now departed members were recruited to replenish the band’s ranks in 2022, following a similar mass exodus staged by three classic era members of the group. Among that wave of departures were guitarist/vocalist Nick Hipa & bassist/vocalist Josh Gilbert. Around that same timeframe, co-founding drummer Jordan Mancino became estranged from the band.

Only Sgrosso stayed onboard alongside Lambesis for this latest failed lineup from the group. While turmoil in the ranks of As I Lay Dying, isn’t a new development, in the past it hasn’t entirely been unwarranted.

Lambesis infamously served several years in prison after being caught in a murder-for-hire plot that found him attempting to have his wife at the time killed back in 2013. He was initially sentenced to six years in jail for solicitation of another to commit murder, but was paroled after roughly two years in prison.

During that time, Hipa, Gilbert, Mancino and Sgrosso went on to form Wovenwar with vocalist Shane Blay. They largely collectively denounced Lambesis for his actions in 2013 during that period. However they all eventually reunited with him in As I Lay Dying in 2018, after undergoing therapy together.

This latest roster meltdown however has surprisingly gone unaddressed by the band’s official social media, as well as Lambesis. Only the opening bands and venues of As I Lay Dying‘s planned November headlining European tour this fall have confirmed its cancelation.

The wall of silence on the matter hasn’t done Lambesis any favors either, as rumors of domestic violence and infidelity surrounding him and his current wife Dany quickly spread last week in light of all departures and cancelation. Dany has denied those rumors in a statement of her own issued on October 24th.

Of course, all of this has also unfolded ahead of As I Lay Dying‘s planned November 15th release date for their eighth studio album, “Through Storms Ahead“. Speaking this morning, November 04th, Tim Lambesis has finally publicly addressed the matter, issuing the below statement:

“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.”