As I Lay Dying vocalist Tim Lambesis has refuted assertions that his latest relaunch of the band is a “money grab”. With his metalcore band’s latest reveal this week, Lambesis also allowed the return of comments on the band’s associated social media. That function had been closed for some time now amid all the drama and allegations surrounding Lambesis that led to the the band’s second lineup imploding last November.
Armed with an entirely new backing band and new music in the form of the track “Echoes” this week, Lambesis unveiled the third roster he’s assembled for the band alongside the launch of the aforementioned new track. He also took the time to respond to detractors on social media. Replying directly to a comment that simply said “Money grab.”, Lambesis replied:
“0% chance you have even the slightest idea how the music industry works. I sold all my motorcycles just to get this back on track. It’s pure passion”
Lambesis highlighted that exchange on his Instagram stories, not so subtly adding the track “Chill Out Dickwad” from his Austrian Death Machine project as the soundtrack. Lambesis also took the time to highlight another recent social media interaction on his Instagram stories. That comment directed at Lambesis said, “the ‘victim’ suit does not fit you anymore…”
Lambesis replied:
“I agree because I don’t consider myself a victim. This is the best quality of life for me thus far and all the loss from last year is one of the greatest blessings I’ve ever had in my life. So thankful. Maybe you misunderstand me standing up against false narratives about me as me thinking I’m a victim. I’m just part of the few people in society who cares to dig for truth rather than the media’s narrative.”
Last fall saw a dramatic mass exodus of band members from As I Lay Dying, with most members publicly citing Lambesis and his concerning behavior as the reason for the exit. The leak of home security footage and more followed, finding showing Lambesis partaking in heated exchanges with his then wife while exhibiting erratic behavior, including self-harm. Tim went on to claim to have been the victim of abuse from his wife for over three years. His by then estranged wife fired back with a statement of her own, refuting some of his claims several months later.
