The recent drama surrounding Tim Lambesis has now spread to one of his side projects. Over the past several weeks, the As I Lay Dying vocalist found himself the sole remaining member of the long-running San Diego, CA-based metalcore band.
The entire situation however has remained rather cryptic, with four of the group’s latest lineup departing across the span of several weeks. 3 of the 4 members who left vaguely referenced a seemingly unsavory experience in the band and moral concerns.
Guitarist Phil Sgrosso, a longtime member of the outfit, stated during his exit, “…Recent actions have shown that As I Lay Dying no longer offers a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved—whether creatively, personally, or professionally. After witnessing some concerning patterns of behavior, I’ve realized that I can no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively affect anyone working within this space.”
Guitarist Ken Susi said during his departure, “Unfortunately, my personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point, and it’s now the saddest ending to what could have been the greatest second chance for this band.”
Drummer Nick Pierce‘s shared similar concerns, offering: “This is far from being the ending I anticipated, and I feel I need to distance myself from the band in an effort to retain my personal health and integrity.”
Bassist/vocalist Ryan Neff, who was the first to leave, was perhaps the most diplomatic, remaining vague of his reasons. Now Brandon Short, drummer for Lambesis‘ relaunched Arnold Schwarzenegger-obsessed project Austrian Death Machine has announced his resignation.
Short cited concerns of his own of in working with Lambesis in a newly published statement. Austrian Death Machine was resurrected in recent years by Lambesis, with the group having put out a new album titled “Quad Brutal” this past February.
Speaking earlier today, November 15th, Short issued the following statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to step away from Austrian Death Machine. For the sake of my mental well-being and personal beliefs, and in light of the recent developments surrounding the As I Lay Dying camp and Tim, this has become an inevitable step for me. Although it feels necessary, it’s one I made after deep reflection as these events began to unravel.
To walk away from something I cherished so deeply, that once felt like a fulfilled dream, is incredibly painful. I grew up listening to As I Lay Dying and Austrian Death Machine, never imagining that one day I’d be part of this world that meant so much to my younger self. But dreams can come at an unexpected cost, and that cost has proven to be too great. My integrity and character have been called into question in a way I can no longer accept, especially with what has come to light and being in utter disbelief.
The repeated promises, the endless cycle of “I’ll do better”—words that once gave me hope—have turned into a broken record that has brought no real change. Instead, I found myself trapped in a pattern that eroded my trust and my well-being. This cycle has reached into my personal life, affecting my mental health in ways I can no longer ignore.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who enjoyed my drumming on Austrian Death Machine’s latest album—it was a project I poured so much effort and pride into. To all who supported me and came out to the shows in Europe, thank you for being part of that incredible experience.
Here’s to embracing new adventures and creating even more music that resonates. The best is yet to come!”
Tim Lambesis has remained a divisive figure in the metal world, having developed a level of infamy after> after pleading guilty to a murder-for-hire plot in which he attempted to have his wife at the time killed back in 2013. He served several years in prison for his actions and reunited with As I Lay Dying in the years after his parole.
Given his past actions, rumors of infidelity and domestic violence between Tim and his current wife Dany spread across the internet amid As I Lay Dying‘s latest roster began unraveling. Dany herself was quick to shoot down those allegations in a statement of her own.
A statement from Tim himself eventually followed on As I Lay Dying‘s mass exodus, but offered little in the way of details as to why the group’s lineup dramatically fell apart. However, it did find Tim vowing to rebuild As I Lay Dying once again, with plans already being laid for shows in 2025.
The band’s sole album with the aforementioned lineup, “Through Storms Ahead“, arrived in stores and on digital service providers today, November 15th.
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