Drummer Nick Pierce is the third member to announce their departure from As I Lay Dying in less than a week. A statement shared on October 24th saw Nick Pierce state the following of his now former role behind the kit in that metalcore band:
“As of now, I am no longer playing drums for As I Lay Dying. 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.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who followed and supported me throughout this journey. My goal has been and always will be to create unforgettable memories with my friends and write music that will truly resonate with our fans. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished on the road touring, as well as writing and recording drums for the new album.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my drumming career and pursue what I love most which is making music. My touring and session schedule is now actively open for new opportunities.”
Bassist/vocalist Ryan Neff left the band this past weekend, while guitarist Ken Susi followed suit this morning, announcing his departure from the group.
Susi in part recounted of his exit, “Unfortunately, my 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.”
The band’s latest lineup collapse has seen their fall European touring cancelled and emerges ahead of the November 15th release date that was set for their new album “Through Storms Ahead“. There’s no word yet from the group’s core duo of vocalist Tim Lambesis or guitarist Phil Srgosso.
Now, the band have issued a statement addressing these events – but not without first talking about ‘Shaped By Fire’, which they claim had disappeared from streaming after the end of a five-year distribution deal. It was first reported by Lambgoat on October 25, a day after Susi and Pierce issued their statements on social media.
“The album has reverted back to being owned by the band,” the band’s statement reads. “It will be put back online, but we just need a moment for the processing to take place.”
As for the departures, the band have chosen to withhold any further information for the time being, writing: “We are still sorting through details of what is going on within AILD and will have more details for you soon.”