What should be a time of celebration ahead of a new album release has instead become a whirlwind of change for As I Lay Dying, unraveling faster than a storyline on a daytime soap opera. All members, aside from Tim Lambesis, have officially called it quits. Phil Sgrosso, who initially appeared to deflect the situation last week, has now come forward with a statement confirming his departure.
Despite the controversy, Sgrosso, the band’s long-standing member alongside Lambesis, has remained with As I Lay Dying. But something recently unannounced to the public, resulting in members quitting and a canceled European Tour, has evidently happened in the lead-up to the band’s new album, Through Storms Ahead, still scheduled (as of 10/30) for release on November 15 via Napalm Records.
While it’s tempting to speculate, we’ll let Sgrosso’s statement speak for itself:
“Thank you for your patience as I took time to gather my thoughts before speaking on the current state of As I Lay Dying.
With recent events, including the departure of band members and the cancellation of our European tour ahead of a new album release, it’s clear we’re in a difficult and serious situation.
Simply put, 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.
For these reasons, I feel it’s in my best interest to completely distance myself, both creatively and personally, from As I Lay Dying.
I also want to share my full support for Ryan, Ken, and Nick, who made the choice to step away recently. I’m grateful for our accomplishments and friendship over the past 3 years.
With 21 years that I have dedicated to this band, it does not sit well with me to leave or abandon what I’ve considered to be my “life’s work.” I don’t feel that I, or others, should be forced out like so many have in the past.
After all that’s been put into this, I believe that with the right adjustments and restructuring, our music can continue to thrive and explore new possibilities in a healthier environment.
Over time, As I Lay Dying has been held back by dysfunction, and I feel that it’s no longer my responsibility to bear that burden.
Thank you to everyone who has shown support for me and the music of As I Lay Dying. I’m looking forward to putting my energy and creativity into new, more positive ventures in the near future.
-Phil Sgrosso”
As I Lay Dying have made only a brief statement thus far, noting that their 2019 album Shaped By Fire was temporarily pulled from streaming services. Lambesis’s wife, Dany, has also refuted circulating rumors, clarifying there has been no abuse. This is a developing story, and more details are expected to surface soon.
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