What makes Awakened by As I Lay Dying notable?

The album debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a strong commercial performance in the band's career. Its themes of struggle and perseverance resonated deeply with fans, solidifying its place within the metalcore scene, particularly during an era when the genre was experiencing both growth and scrutiny. Awakened is As I Lay Dying's sixth studio album, released during a period of significant turmoil for the band. Following lead vocalist Tim Lambesis's arrest in 2013, the album was pivotal as it showcased their resilience and determination to return to form after previous controversies.

Awakened works well if you're into dynamic progression with interludes, wave-like pacing for reflection and cathartic release through intensity.

How many songs are on Awakened?

Awakened has 21 tracks, running approximately 102 minutes.

Awakened

As I Lay Dying · 2012

102 min · 21 tracks · metalcore

A fierce blend of melodic riffs and aggressive vocals, capturing the essence of metalcore's emotional and sonic weight.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cauterize — Opening the album with intense energy, this track sets the tone for the entire record with its driving rhythms and introspective lyrics about healing from pain.
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A Greater Foundation — This song encapsulates the album's central themes of resilience and hope, featuring powerful lyrical imagery that encourages listeners to overcome adversity.
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Resilience — As one of the standout tracks, it blends melody with aggressive instrumentation and showcases the band's signature sound while addressing personal strength in difficult times.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong metalcore elements but lacks cohesion due to bonus tracks diluting its core message.

What we noticed

The first six tracks maintain a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and intense drumming, while the seventh track introduces a slower tempo.
Several tracks feature breakdowns that emphasize rhythm over melody, which is characteristic of the metalcore genre.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic progression with interludes
wave-like pacing for reflection
cathartic release through intensity
journey of personal redemption
engaging deep listening experience

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
avoid long, unfolding tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Awakened is As I Lay Dying's sixth studio album, released during a period of significant turmoil for the band. Following lead vocalist Tim Lambesis's arrest in 2013, the album was pivotal as it showcased their resilience and determination to return to form after previous controversies.
Stylistic neighbors: Killswitch Engage· August Burns Red· Parkway Drive