So far 2019 has been a busy year for As I Lay Dying. The band finally released a new album, “Shaped By Fire, ” their seventh studio album and first since 2012’s “Awakening.” They are currently out on the road in support of the new record traveling across the US on the Shaped By Fire North American Tour. Unless, you’ve been hiding in a cave over the last seven years, then you’re probably familiar with lead vocalist and founding member Tim Lambesis and his legal issues. I’m not going to get into that here. Feel free to Google it if you want to read more about it but suffice it to say that Tim is back and vocally better than ever. This past Saturday night, As I Lay Dying would remind the sell-out crowd at the Fillmore exactly what metal is all about.
As I arrived, the line of fans waiting to get in the venue snaked around the block which was a pretty good indication that people were eager and anxious to see their favorite band perform once again. When the venue lights dimmed, the excitement in the air was palpable. As the band came out, the crowd went absolutely wild. Drummer Jordan Mancino took his spot behind his kit atop a riser at the rear of the stage. The lights were blinding with strobes at times and pitch black at others with lots of blues and magentas in between. Lambesis was on fire as he got the crowd riled up from the very first note, working up such a sweat he had to douse himself with water. Guitarists Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hipa lit up the venue with guitars, guitars, and more guitars while bassist Josh Gilbert was all over the stage running and jumping as well as providing some superb clean vocals. The band ran through a set of As I Lay Dying classics and fan favorites. While nobody wanted the night to end, the band closed out their regular set with “94 Hours” before returning for a two song encore.
In case there were any doubts, As I Lay Dying is back on the attack and metal fans are ecstatic about it. Do not miss your chance to see them when they roll through a city near you.
Set List:
Blinded
Through Struggle
Within Destruction
Redefined
The Sound of Truth
Forsaken
Shaped by Fire
The Darkest Nights
An Ocean Between Us
Gatekeeper
A Greater Foundation
My Own Grave
94 Hours
Encore:
Nothing Left
Confined
We would like to thank Kristen Torres from Nuclear Blast Records for the credentials to review the show.
