If you don't like it, too bad. It's what I do. You're going to have to suffer through it, because deep down, you know you want to.
You'd think that at 2 in the morning, I might have better things to do. Something about me that will never change is that when I really get something in my head, the only way to let it go is to share it with others (poor Malorie is usually my victim).
Now, I don't review/share these albums with you just for kicks and giggles. I seriously hope that someday one of you tries with an open mind to listen to some of this stuff and feels the connection that I do. I realize that some of my older readers (Mom, Grandma) are probably not about to stop listening to Billy Joel or Mormon Tab, but as for the rest of you, what do you have to lose?
As I lay Dying...I must admit...has overtaken TriViuM's spot as #1 on my list of favorite metal bands. Are you happy now (Brett & Tyson)??????????
An Ocean Between Us has officially knocked my socks off. Again, it's ironic because I first listened to this album a week after it's release in 2007, but only recently think it's freakin' awesome. How a band can be brutally heavy, musically smooth, and extremely religious is beyond me. Amazing record!!!
As always, some incredibly inspiring lyrics are apparent. That is not even half of the equation. The music is....there's no word...........bowel-shakingly stupendous. The lyrics speak for themselves (pun was intended, laugh). I want to break this album down track by track. It's more of a concept album than most people will realize:
Track 1 - Separation - We begin with this cool little intro. Clean and relaxing guitars ease us into the second track.
Track 2 - Nothing Left - With a Halloween type melody, the drums take over into a breathtaking double bass. Tim sounds very angry, and with good reason. The lyrics make me think of just how much we take for granted the gifts of God. This album is partially about the end of the world.
"If All my sorrow has led me here
Then I would cry all of my tears
To have this chance again
And know there's more than this
And know there's more than you."
Makes me think of repentance and second chances. Wonderful!!!
Track 3 - An Ocean Between Us - With very similar music, Tim screams about how we can't afford to wait for everything/everyone to appease us. We need to be our own person, our own master, and go out there and be what we know we should. I couldn't agree more. We have to earn things. We are not entitled.
Track 4 - Within Destruction - This song doesn't really follow the theme of the album in my opinion, but it rocks my world!! Give it a listen, if you can stand the brutality of metal. Cool lyrics.
Track 5 - Forsaken - Fun little guitar intro to this little number. Be patient, it's a little repetetive for about 55 seconds, then this one hits you with an open fist (is that possible? Yes. Yes it is). I think this song is about relizing that we occasionally leave someone behind, finally realize it, and then feel penitent. I know that there are a few people that I have somewhat abondoned/let down. I definitely understand the feelings found in this song.
"I know you are the one we left behind
Yet somehow we are the ones who are alone
you are the one we left behind
you are the one we left be...
I will no longer turn my head
I will never forget you
You are the one we left behind
You are the forsaken."
Track 6 - Comfort Betrays - Someone obviously pissed of Tim Lambesis. I remember him saying something about his former bass player. Maybe it's about him.
Track 7 - I Never Wanted - This song didn't mean much to me, and was kind of boring, UNTIL I READ THE LYRICS. This song is not only unique musically, but the message is one of overcoming things that once consumed us. For many, it's drugs. For many, it's pornography, for almost all, it's pride. This song is very meaningful to me.
Track 8 - Bury Us All - This song is about seizing the day and not suffering the consequences in the last days due to slothfulness. It's not worth waiting until we die and lose out on the blessings of heaven.
Track 9 - The Sound Of Truth - My personal favorite, both conceptually and musically. This song really calls people out in some ways. Here are the lyrics.
"We have all heard what we wanted to hear
"Truth" that sounds right to our ears
But what wisdom is there within us
To live based on the feeling of our hearts
How many times has instinct let us down
Never to be thought through
Never to be questioned
Say what you really mean
When your ambition calls you
For what use is there in praying
If you will only hear what you want to hear?
We speak of fighting to resist this world
But what about the battle within us?
If we have chosen to live against the grain
Then why are we all facing the same way?There is no difference between us and them
If we all blindly seek truth from sentiments."
Track 10 - Departed - A cool instrumental interlude. Me gusta le mucho!!
Track 11 - Wrath Upon Ourselves - Once you get past the first 20 seconds, it's pure musical genious. POWERFUL on so many levels. The music on this one takes me on a roller coaster ride. I LOVE IT! Off-beats galore. The drummer kills it on this song, especially when it's only the drums and Tim singing.
"But is regret only a word that the living possess?
I long to see their faces
Regardless of the decay
For in the eyes of the deceased...
We would see hope in our last day
Inside this dying world
For there is still beauty
Inside this dying world."
WOW..........
Track 12 - This Is Who We Are - Bringing it home with authority. "I'd rather be called weak than die thinking I was strong." Takes my breath away. This song gleams of As I Lay Dying's humility. I love these lines:
"Now this is who we are
I am no one's hero
For we are not the giant men
That some may think
You are faithful when we are not
So I'd like to tell this story
The way it is meant to be
Without the burden that's in our hearts
None of us would have ever found You
For You are faithful when we are not
You began a work
That only you can complete."
Mind blowing humility. This is why I listen to CHRISTIAN metal and not Death metal. There are messages that I can't let myself forget. GOOD messages.
Tell me you're not impressed with these long-haired, tattooed, gritty rock stars. They do know a lot of valuable things, and they share it with a lost generation. My appreciation is great. Thank you As I Lay Dying.
