The Hatebreed frontman talks about his conflict with Tim Lambesis and his refusal to forgive the actions of the As I Lay Dying frontman.
A firm stance
During a visit to the podcast Legion of SkanksJamey Jasta, singer of Hatebreed, has spoken out about his stance against Tim Lambesis, the controversial frontman of As I Lay Dying. Lambesis, who attempted to hire a hitman in 2013 to murder his wife, has since served time in prison and attempted to rehabilitate himself in the music scene.
However, Jasta has never hidden his doubts about Lambesis’ return and his past actions. He confided: “I was one of the only ones to publicly oppose him and say so on several shows. Few people dared. I even received hundreds of hate messages in one day.”
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Tense exchanges during his podcast
Last April, Tim Lambesis was invited to the Jasta Showwhere he was emotional in the face of the singer’s direct questions. Jasta explains: “I asked questions that everyone would have wanted to ask, like: ‘Do you still have a restraining order regarding your children and your ex-wife?’ There were things he couldn’t answer, but they were legitimate questions, especially if we were to share a stage or tour.
He continues by recalling the seriousness of the facts: “If the hitman hadn’t been a police officer, she would have died. And despite this, some continue to defend him by saying: ‘Separate the artist from his actions.’ But how can you ignore something so serious?”
The controversy continues
Since its release, Lambesis has rebuilt As I Lay Dying with various members, but ongoing tensions arose in 2023 and 2024, with several musicians leaving the group citing moral conflicts. More recently, videos showing Lambesis in turbulent situations with his last wife have reignited debates about his ability to evolve.
Jasta doesn’t mince his words on the subject: “What he did is inexcusable. This is someone who I think should have no place in this scene. I don’t understand why so many people continue to support him.”
A debate that divides
Jasta’s position highlights a recurring debate in the music industry: can we separate the artist from his actions? While some fans defend Lambesis by focusing on his music, others, like Jasta, believe that the seriousness of his actions warrants exclusion from the scene.
Despite the criticism he has received, Jasta remains firm in his beliefs: “I don’t do this to be popular. I say what I think, and if it doesn’t please, too bad. But I think the Metal scene deserves better.”
