Review

As I Lay Dying are one of those bands that stick out in the metal scene for one reason – they’re dynamic song structure is like a caged up animal. You never know where it’s going to go or what’s going to happen next. This edge is brought to every song on Shadows Are Security in the most explosive way possible.

“Confined” throws down double-kick drums in rapid succession, and right when you expect vocalist, Clint Norris to shred through the song, background singing offsets the pre-chorus and chorus. “The Darkest Nights” showcases the bands’ dueling guitars ability to not only carry a melody, but to also riff through a break down seamlessly. When the tension builds to the edge of collapse – right when you expect Shadows to lose control of itself and break free – “Repeating Yesterday” changes the tempo just long enough to remind you that As I Lay Dying are musically versed as well as perfectly capable of doing whatever they please; including a piano laden close. It’s quirky parts like this that make Shadows Are Security more chaotically entertaining, not only the first time you hear it, but every time after.

Through it all, the album wouldn’t be complete without a proper ending. Right on queue, “Illusions” cuts through the static, and quickly fades, leaving you with the realization that As I Lay Dying are a unique breed of metal that will be at the head of the pack in the next generation.

Review by Jason Schleweis

4 out of 5