Drummer Nick Pierce is the latest member of As I Lay Dying to split with the band; following the departure of bassist Ryan Neff, tour manager Alex Kendrick Wednesday, and guitarist Ken Susi who all left earlier this week. The band’s European tour has also been canceled as well. As of press time, frontman Tim Lambesis and guitarist Phil Sgrosso are the only remaining members in the lineup at this time. The band nor their label Napalm Records have not yet commented on the departures publicly.
Pierce joined the band in 2022 after the departure of longtime member Jordan Mancino. In a statement shared on his social media, he posted: “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.”
Bassist Neff had posted earlier in the week: “As of today, I have made the decision to leave As I Lay Dying. 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.” Guitarist Susi later posted to his socials: “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.
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As I Lay Dying are still scheduled to release of their upcoming eighth full-length studio album, Through Storms Ahead, out November 15. The new album features the tracks “Burden”, “The Cave We Fear To Enter”, and the recently revealed “We Are The Dead” featuring guest vocalists Alex Terrible (Slaughter To Prevail) and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin, Darko)
The band also recently released the video for “Whitewashed Tomb” and at the time frontman Tim Lambesis commented: “‘Whitewashed Tomb’ represents a balance between the melody and aggression that AILD is known for with an interesting modern twist from the way that Phil and Hiram produced it. When Phil wrote the original demo, I could instantly appreciate the classic melodic-metal influences in the guitar melodies contrasted with an underlying darker theme. So, lyrically it seemed fitting for me to focus on the metaphor of a whitewashed tomb. It is something clean and beautiful at a first glance until the darker hidden side is revealed. I also love what Ryan Neff added to solidify that sense of contrast vocally, as well.” See the video for “Whitewashed Tomb” – HERE.
Editorial credit: Lia Koltyrina / Shutterstock.com
