As I Lay Dying return with new lineup amid ongoing Tim Lambesis controversy

Metalcore veterans As I Lay Dying have reemerged with renewed energy, unveiling a brand-new lineup and releasing their single “Echoes”, sparking a fresh chapter in the band’s long and turbulent history. At the same time, the return is shadowed by lingering controversy surrounding frontman Tim Lambesis.

Alongside with frontman-vocalist Lambesis the new formation includes, bassist-vocalist Chris Clancy (Mutity Within), guitarist Bill Hudson (NorthTale, U.D.O., Dirkschneider), guitarist Don Vedda (Casino Madrid, Oceans), and drummer Tim Yeung (Divine Heresy, Morbid Angel). “Echoes” is the first piece of music from this lineup, leaning into emotional tension, internal struggle, and reinvention.

This shift follows a dramatic series of lineup changes in late 2024, when guitarist Phil Sgrosso, drummer Nick Pierce, guitarist Ken Susi, and bassist Ryan Neff all exited within days of each other. The sudden departures led to the cancellation of the band’s planned European tour, including a show in Helsinki.

The internal upheaval is not just musical. Earlier this year, leaked home security footage appeared to show Lambesis involved in heated altercations with his estranged third wife and lashing out at his dog. Lambesis later claimed he had filed restraining orders against his wife and accused her of ongoing physical and emotional abuse. She denied those claims and stated she had been silenced by his management. A public petition later gathered tens of thousands of signatures demanding an investigation into the alleged animal abuse.

Lambesis’ troubled past continues to shape the band’s public image. In 2014, he was convicted of hiring an undercover police officer to murder his then-wife and was sentenced to six years in prison. After serving roughly half of his sentence, he was released on parole in late 2016. He later issued a public apology, which paved the way for the band’s controversial 2018 reunion.

In the years since, former bandmates have voiced concern about Lambesis’ behavior and questioned his claimed rehabilitation. Former guitarist Ken Susi recently suggested that Lambesis used his time in prison to construct a “redemption” narrative for fans, while Nick Hipa, another ex-member, has described him as “a sociopathic narcissist in need of help.”

Despite the continuing backlash, As I Lay Dying are pressing forward. “Echoes” was written and produced under Lambesis’ direction, with new members bringing experience from acts like Mutiny Within, War of Ages, and Divine Heresy. To mark the 20th anniversary of “Shadows Are Security”, the band plans to tour Europe later this year, performing both classics and new material.

The return of As I Lay Dying signals an attempt to rebuild and move forward — though for many, the shadow of Lambesis’ past and the controversy surrounding his recent behavior continue to cast doubt on whether this revival can truly mark a new beginning.