On 'Shadows Are Security', As I Lay Dying seemed to have lost a good portion of technicality and drive that they'd showcased on their Metal Blade debut, 'Frail Words Collapse'. And with guitarists Nick Hipa and Phil Sgrosso having had some input on 'Shadows', it wasn't entirely apparent which direction As I Lay Dying would go in.

Fortunately, the guessing games and the wait were more than worth it, as their latest album, 'An Ocean Between Us' has a heavy modern thrash feel to it, sounding alot like All That Remains 'The Fall Of Ideals'. Normally when one band comes off sounding like another, it's not really favorable, as rip-off and clone bands become more and more prevalent within extreme metal. In this instance however, that's far from being a bad thing. Another redeeming quality is in new bassist Josh Gilbert's clean vocal performance on the new record. Though he sounds absolutely nothing like what was put down on the last two records, it's easy to see that he's got alot more range within his vocal ability, and that can only aid the band in a positive manner.

Main vocalist Tim Lambesis is as brutal as ever, with his vocals that range from hardcore screamer to beast-like growls. He's still not reached the point of having a completely signature vocal style, though with the thousands of other bands out there playing the exact same style, it's not exactly the easiest thing to do.

Musically, this album is head and shoulders above anything the band has done in the past. the guitarwork is razorsharp, and one would imagine that the band was on a major thrash binge when writing this record, because the album is chalk full of nothing but intense thrash riffing coupled with some solid melodic leads. Nick and Phil, (along with Tim) did a phenomenal job with that. But the one that never ceases to amaze is Jordan. His drumwork is the highlight of the whole album, from the way the album opens, with the super fast double-kick work on "Separation", all the way through to the closing track.......his performance is flawless.

Here's to hoping that As I Lay Dying can manage to influence just as many bands this time out as they did last time. If so, we'll have a ton of worthwhile talent putting out some of the best modern thrash-influenced metal albums to date.

With as good as 'An Ocean Between Us' is, this album immediately brings to mind a conversation with the one and only Phil Labonte of All That Remains, and the discussion of their then brand new record, 'The Fall Of Ideals'. The statement was made that it was an instant classic, comparable to the likes of 'Alive or Just Breathing' and even 'Vulgar Display Of Power' in terms of showcasing a band's progression from one album to the next and the potential for influence. Phil, on the other hand, was of a mind that while 'The Fall Of Ideals' was the best album of ATR's career thus far, it wasn't going to be one of those albums that would help to "shape" the genre.......

Well Mr. Labonte, now you can pat yourself on the back and just admit that it really was that goddamn good. The proof is in albums such as 'An Ocean Between Us', and others (Himsa, The Agony Scene) that are following along with more of a thrash style and including alot more lead guitar work and less of the breakdown heavy typical metalcore formula. For those who might have thought that a more "varied" album meant that As I Lay Dying was going soft.......think again. 'An Ocean Between Us' is easily the most varied work to date from As I Lay Dying, just like the band said it would be. The beauty of it lies in the fact that they didn't sacrifice one iota of aggression or heaviness to achieve their intended result.....and because that, As I Lay Dying have managed to craft what is easily their most complex and accomplished record to date.