Update June 08th, 2018 12:33pm:
Sumerian Records, etc. founder Ash Avildsen has shared more thoughts via Twitter, you can find his additional tweets on the matter inserted into the story below.
Revised Story:
There’s been no shortage of opinions on the return of As I Lay Dying with their ‘classic’ lineup. While they’ve been relatively silent in recent weeks, some more of the band’s peers have now spoken out. The group debuted their new single “My Own Grave“ last night (June 07th,) but as of press time, have yet to speak out on their decision to reunite.
If you’re somehow unaware, As I Lay Dying‘s career came to a screeching halt back in 2013 when frontman Tim Lambesis was arrested for attempting to hire a hitman to kill his wife at the time. In 2014 he pled guilty to a charge of solicitation of another to commit murder and spent roughly two years in jail, eventually being paroled in December of 2016.
In December of 2017 he issued this apology for his behavior and actions and publicly hasn’t said anything since, nor have his bandmates. During his time in prison, guitarist Nick Hipa spoke out critically against Lambesis, though his participation in the band’s reunion suggests that all has been forgiven.
Yesterday, June 07th, saw Hatebreed, Jasta, etc. vocalist Jamey Jasta weigh in. And while Jasta initially joked about the matter, he deleted his tweet and went on to clarify his opinions on the matter.
Nick, Jordan, Phil & Josh are incredible musicians and very nice people. There’s a bigger discussion to be had & when the time is right hopefully we’ll do it and they can give everyone insight behind their decision. Until then I will hold judgement.
— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) June 7, 2018
Well, let’s be clear, I’m reserving judgement on the other 4 guys rejoining, I’m still processing it. I will speak to them in person when they are ready. What Tim did was lower than low, is he a changed man now? Should he be forgiven? I dont know. Maybe if his ex-wife & kids do? https://t.co/aGdYzbiGRE
— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) June 7, 2018
If your daughter or sister was married to someone who tried to have them killed would you want that person to have a second chance?
— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) June 7, 2018
Fear Factory, etc. guitarist Dino Cazares offered some thoughts on the matter via conversations on social media as well:
U did not mention that Cali Law Meagan is entitled to half if not all of his Pub/royalties etc. Tim performing these songs helps the Catalog earn money to support the Family. He’s served his time and he should be able to earn a living Regardless of what u or people may think. Imo https://t.co/JAHzw33Aky
— Dino Cazares (@DinoCazares) June 8, 2018
So your saying when people get out of prison can’t have a job ? https://t.co/lhOuA2IGZl
— Dino Cazares (@DinoCazares) June 8, 2018
It’s only rewarded if people buy his music. You do understand that his ex wife and kids also are compensated, bottomline is he has to work. It happens everyday to people w/regular jobs it just so happens that music is his job https://t.co/GKx402YNia
— Dino Cazares (@DinoCazares) June 8, 2018
Intellectual people make mistake everyday, he served the time for the crime now he’s doing what he does best. Support or don’t that’s your choice plus it don’t matter what we think he’s doing it and so far doing it well. https://t.co/SvaprxPEdB
— Dino Cazares (@DinoCazares) June 8, 2018
A 2nd chance is a beautiful thing.
— Dino Cazares (@DinoCazares) June 8, 2018
The Contortionist frontman Michael Lessard offered his more condemning take:
So, someone tried to murder their wife and still has a career afterwards? I wonder where the line is drawn for what’s acceptable. Chris Brown beats women and R Kelly urinates on little girls, and they both still have careers. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by any of this.
— Michael Lessard (@michaelcontorts) June 8, 2018
Likewise, Sumerian Records, etc. founder Ash Avildsen made a disparaging tweet widely thought to be in regards to the situation [Updated – June 08th, 2018 12:33pm]:
Enjoy the silence. Amazing what people will rationalize doing to be relevant and make money. You are all sick. A situation more toxic than Weinstein, Cosby and Spacey put together. You facilitating degenerates, get ahold of yourself. I am embarrassed to call you my peers. $ATAN??
— Ash Avildsen (@ashavildsen) June 8, 2018
My last tweet is directed towards the industry people who are supposed to be the professional adults in the room who are silently involved but will soon be public because “oh look! The kids like it! We can still make money here. Ok great back to work gang!” WHORE$$$$
— Ash Avildsen (@ashavildsen) June 8, 2018
Where is the interview? Where’s the public statement for all involved, including the other guys? You don’t just throw a new song and a video up and see what happens. Have you zero respect for everyone around except yourselves? Wovenwar doesn’t make money so sell your soul instead
— Ash Avildsen (@ashavildsen) June 8, 2018
You’ve all made money before. You know it’s not the answer. You all said no at first and then let the industry figures you trust and respect convince you to GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER. LETS GET TO WORK GUYS. DO SOME GOOD BUSINESS. YOU ARE ALL INSANE. THIS IS YOUR LEGACY.PERMANENT
— Ash Avildsen (@ashavildsen) June 8, 2018
All of you in front of a camera immediately. Speak your souls. You’re public figures. You influence the https://t.co/klP5zgGEQ5 set the example. Stop having it be about money for a minute and think about how the 16 year old version of you would feel. Song is good.Rollout is shame
— Ash Avildsen (@ashavildsen) June 8, 2018
The Atlas Moth vocalist/guitarist Stavros Giannopoulos had the following to say of Lambesis and the band’s return:
Tim from @ASILAYDYINGBAND disgusts me as a man, a metal vocalist and a #greek why not try and listen to someone who didn’t try to have his wife rubbed out like a mob hit. He doesn’t care about you, all he cares about is himself, clearly
— The Atlas Moth (@TheAtlasMoth) June 8, 2018
Also props to @metalsucks & @HeavyBlog for standing up and making room for real bands to get the spotlight, not generic ass 4th wave metalcore. Fuck that Malaka
— The Atlas Moth (@TheAtlasMoth) June 8, 2018
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