As I Lay Dying Concert Review Van Buren Theater Phoenix AZ 8-7-24
Concert Review and Photos By Maxwell Williamson Edited by Roc Boyum
As I Lay Dying was set to headline a midweek show at The Van Buren Theater in Phoenix AZ. An early August Monsoon storm looming in the distant skies seen from Downtown Phoenix would not keep the metalcore maniacs from filling the venue for these metalcore pioneers!! Heavy hitters Entheos and Chelsea Grin were slated to open the gig. Both acts set the mood for this night of music with their raucous setlists that catapulted the energy level right from the start!!
Check out the websites of Chelsea Grin and Entheos.
At exactly 9:35 pm, as promised, AILD made their entrance to an enthusiastic welcome from their fans in Arizona. The band appeared on stage exuding energy and charisma, creating a vibe that the audience reciprocated. Their performance kicked off with the powerful track “Nothing Left” from their 2007 album, An Ocean Between Us, a personal favorite of mine.
Throughout the night, the audience energetically fist-pumped to the powerful instrumentals and sang along with every word as bassist Ryan Neff passionately delivered the choruses. From the first note, fans sensed they were in for an extraordinary performance.
After unleashing a blistering version of “Nothing Left,” AILD quickly treated the fans with their latest single, “Falling Upon Deaf Ears.” The band expressed their gratitude to these devoted fans, with smiles all around during the performance. Fans were enthusiastically riding on top of the barricades while the band moved across the stage with a tornadic force. It was evident that the band was thankful for the fans’ excitement over a song released as recently as July 1, 2024.
The fans were excited to experience new music live, but their excitement reached a new level when the powerful riffs of “Through Struggle” started blasting loudly from the amps! This sparked a huge circle pit on the floor, setting the tone for the rest of the performance!
AILD’s vocalist, Tim Lambesis, commands the stage with his imposing presence and powerful vocals, a challenge for any singer to match. However, Entheos front woman, Chaney Crabb, rose to the occasion when she joined AILD on stage for guest vocals on “Redefined” from their 2009 album, Shaped by Fire. The intense vocal performance by both Lambesis and Crabb was truly the highlight of the show.
During the 75-minute, 17-song setlist, fans enjoyed tracks from 7 different albums that cover the band’s extensive discography of over two decades. The set provided an energetic cardio session with minimal breaks, keeping everyone engaged and energized throughout the performance.
The performance was truly captivating, showcasing the talents of renowned innovators in the widely-loved metalcore genre. Each of the five members amazed the audience in their unique ways: Phil Sgrosso and Ken Susi wowed with their sensational guitar playing, Ryan Neff led the crowd in sing-alongs while delivering powerful basslines, drummer Nick Pierce who was perched high upon a drum riser impressed the audience with thunderous beats, and Tim Lambesis stood out with his commanding presence and unmistakable screams.
Seeing a legendary band back on tour and releasing new music after a lengthy break is truly a delight. This comeback is a nostalgic treat for early metalcore genre enthusiasts and a remarkable introduction for new fans. Whether you’re a dedicated follower or someone unfamiliar with AILD’s music, make sure to save the date when they’re in your area next time. You are guaranteed to be impressed by their performance!
Get Into As I Lay Dying Here!
Check out the As I Lay Dying Photo Gallery Below:
Chedck OUt The Chelsea Grin Photo Gallery Below:
Check Out The Entheos Photo Gallery Below:
