Photo Credit: Ben Alexis
Earlier this month, As I Lay Dying’s 2019 comeback album vanished from online platforms. In an update, the band stated that Shaped By Fire was removed due to the expiration of a licensing agreement, promising fans they would share more details about the band soon. Now, the drama is unfolding.
The metalcore band As I Lay Dying has recently announced the exit of three of its members: bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi, and drummer Nick Pierce. This news came alongside the removal of their 2019 album, Shaped By Fire, from streaming services.
Earlier this month, Neff, Susi, and Pierce revealed their decision to part ways with the group, which is led by Tim Lambesis. These musicians joined the band in 2022 after the departure of long-standing members Nick Hipa, Josh Gilbert, and Jordan Mancino. Neff was the first to share his departure publicly on October 18, expressing that it was a necessary step for his personal and professional growth.
On October 24, Susi took to Instagram to explain his choice, stating that his “personal morals” had been “tested to a breaking point,” describing the situation as a heartbreaking end to what could have been a remarkable new chapter for the band. That same day, Pierce indicated that his decision was motivated by a need to protect his personal health and integrity.
In a statement addressing these developments, the band also touched on the status of Shaped By Fire, clarifying that it was removed from streaming due to the conclusion of a five-year distribution deal. This was first reported by Lambgoat on October 25, shortly after Susi and Pierce’s announcements.
“The album has reverted back to being owned by the band,” their statement said. “We will make it available again, but we need some time to handle the logistics.”
Regarding the members’ departures, the band has opted to keep additional details under wraps for now, stating, “We are still sorting through the details of what is happening within AILD and will share more information soon.”
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