As I Lay Dying’s long-standing guitarist, Phil Sgrosso, has officially left the San Diego-based metalcore band, joining a wave of recent departures. Just days earlier, guitarist Ken Susi, bassist Ryan Neff, and drummer Nick Pierce also exited, leaving controversial frontman Tim Lambesis as the sole remaining member.
Sgrosso’s Statement on Departure
In a statement posted to social media, Sgrosso explained that recent events—including band member departures and a canceled European tour—have made it clear that As I Lay Dying is in a “difficult and serious situation.” He described the band as an increasingly “unhealthy” and “unsafe” environment and noted “concerning patterns of behavior” that he could no longer “in good conscience” support.
“For these reasons, I feel it’s in my best interest to completely distance myself, both creatively and personally, from As I Lay Dying,” he wrote, though he added that the door isn’t fully closed if “the right adjustments and restructuring” are made to improve the environment.
Lingering Controversy Surrounding Tim Lambesis
Lambesis, who founded As I Lay Dying, has been at the center of significant controversy for nearly a decade. In 2014, he was sentenced to prison for attempting to hire an undercover agent to kill his then-wife, Meggan Lambesis. After nearly three years in prison, Lambesis was released in 2016, but the incident has continued to cast a shadow over the band.
Future of As I Lay Dying Uncertain
Despite these challenges, the band’s eighth album, Through Storms Ahead, is still scheduled for release on Nov. 15. However, with the core lineup effectively dismantled, the band’s future is uncertain, and it remains to be seen if Lambesis can rebuild a new lineup in time to support the album’s release.
This latest departure leaves As I Lay Dying facing an identity crisis as it attempts to carry on amid significant upheaval. Whether the band can emerge from this period of restructuring with a fresh direction—and potentially a healthier working environment—will likely determine its future in the metalcore scene.
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