As I Lay Dying guitarist Ken Susi has just left As I Lay Dying, six days after bassist and vocalist Ryan Neff left the metalcore band. Susi explained that her “personal morals have recently been tested to the breaking point.”
The two new departures are the latest lineup changes since As I Lay Dying returned following the imprisonment of frontman Tim Lambesis, who served two and a half years in prison for attempting to hire a hitman to murder his wife.
Lambesis initially reformed As I Lay Dying in 2018 with classic members Phil Sgrosso, Nick Hippa, Josh Gilbert and Jordan Mancino. Hippa came out in 2020, while Gilbert and Mancino came out in 2022. Susi, Neff and drummer Nick Pierce joined the band in 2022, completing the lineup alongside Lambesis and Sgrosso.
On Thursday (October 24), Susi stated via social media: “My time playing with As I Lay Dying came to an end today. I say goodbye with a lot of gratitude to everyone who followed and supported me from my days in Unearth until this era of my career. I jumped into the AILD camp with full knowledge of the dramatic history, but I had the urge to play great music with great friends. Unfortunately, my personal morals have recently been tested to the breaking point, and now is the saddest end to what could have been the best second chance for this band.”
He continued: “Ryan Neff is receiving a lot of backlash for quitting first, and I regret not sharing this decision sooner and confidently supporting my friend – he is an impeccable musician and an even better person. I will miss you all on this stage and hope to see you on the next one. Anyone looking for a guitarist? My resume is ready.”
For his part, Neff stated on October 18: “This choice comes after much reflection and I believe it is the right step in my personal and professional career. I am grateful for the experiences and connections I have made during my time with the band. Thank you to all the fans for your support.”
As I Lay Dying was scheduled to kick off a European tour on November 15 in Würzburg, Germany, but a social media post from the promoters reports that the outing has been cancelled. The band's new album, Through the coming stormsIt will also arrive on November 15.
As of now, As I Lay Dying's current lineup only consists of Lambesis, Sgrosso, and Pierce.
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