Since forming in 2000, As I Lay Dying has gone through periods of meteoric success and media controversy, marked by constant lineup changes. Here is a timeline of key events, from the group’s inception to November 2024.
Beginnings and rise (2000 – 2013)
Formed in San Diego by Tim Lambesis and drummer Jordan Mancino, As I Lay Dying quickly built a solid reputation in the Metalcore scene. The group stabilized its formation in 2003 with the arrival of guitarists Nick Hipa and Phil Sgrosso, as well as bassist Clint Norris, replaced in 2006 by Josh Gilbert. This emblematic quintet will remain unchanged until 2013, a year marked by the brutal fall of the group.
The arrest and conviction of Lambesis (2013 – 2016)
In May 2013, Lambesis was arrested for attempting to hire a hitman to kill his wife, Meggan, who was going through a divorce. He was sentenced to six years in prison in 2014, but was finally released in 2016 after serving three years. While incarcerated, the other band members founded Wovenwar, an alternative project to pursue their musical careers.
Controversial return (2018 – 2021)
In 2018, As I Lay Dying made a notable return with Lambesis, provoking mixed reactions within the Metal community. Despite criticism, the group released the album Shaped by Fire in 2019 and continues touring. However, internal tensions quickly resurfaced: Nick Hipa officially left the group in 2021, followed by Josh Gilbert and Jordan Mancino in 2022, leaving only Lambesis and Sgrosso among the original members.
Reshuffles and successive departures (2022 – 2024)
In 2022, As I Lay Dying integrates three new musicians: bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi and drummer Nick Pierce. Despite these changes, problems persisted, and in October 2024, Neff, Susi and Pierce announced their departure for personal reasons. Shortly after, Sgrosso also left the group at the end of October, stating that the atmosphere within As I Lay Dying was no longer “healthy and safe” for him. Lambesis remains the only member of the group today and plans to put together a new team to continue the adventure.
