As I Lay Dying has always been a band with a lot of crossover appeal with both metal and hardcore fans. They are the type of group that has the fanbase to play both Ozzfest and Warped Tour. They also draw from both Christian and secular audiences. Their latest CD is their most accessible to date.
An Ocean Between Us still has As I Lay Dying's metalcore sound with harsh vocals and big breakdowns, but there is much more depth and melody as well. It's a more balanced attack of aggressive and fast songs with slower, more intricate and nuanced tracks.
Frontman Tim Lambesis still does the harsh vocals, but new bassist Josh Gilbert sings the melodic vocals and does a really nice job. Adam Dutkiewicz from Killswitch Engage produces, and steers the band nicely in this new direction. Even though this is not As I Lay Dying's most aggressive or intense album, it is their most diverse with the best songwriting they've done so far.
