Shaped by Fire
As I Lay Dying · 2019
44 min · 12 tracks · metalcore
A relentless assault of melodic riffs and powerful vocals that navigate themes of struggle and redemption.
Top tracks — play these first
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Blinded — This track encapsulates the album's themes of internal conflict and searching for clarity, showcasing a dynamic blend of aggressive instrumentation and melodic hooks.
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My Own Grave — As a standout single, this track deals with themes of regret and personal resurrection, resonating deeply with listeners through its introspective lyrics and heavy sound.
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The Wreckage — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound, combining intricate guitar work with raw emotional intensity, reflecting the struggles faced throughout their journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic compositions with varied vocal styles, maintaining a strong flow while exploring themes of struggle.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate dual vocal styles, alternating between melodic singing and aggressive growls, enhancing the emotional intensity.
- The album's final track features a gradual deceleration in tempo, creating a sense of closure after the preceding relentless pace.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- cathartic release through intensity
- steady pacing for focused listening
- resilient themes of personal struggle
- introspective moments amidst aggression
Maybe skip if you
- seeking light-hearted, upbeat tracks
- prefer quick, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2019, Shaped by Fire marked As I Lay Dying's return after a lengthy hiatus following frontman Tim Lambesis's legal troubles. This album serves as their seventh studio release and showcases a reinvigorated sound as they seek to reclaim their place in the metalcore scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Killswitch Engage· August Burns Red· Parkway Drive
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Burn to Emerge 0:52
- 2 Blinded 3:22
- 3 Shaped by Fire 3:38
- 4 Undertow 3:57
- 5 Torn Between 4:01
- 6 Gatekeeper 3:24
- 7 The Wreckage 4:42
- 8 My Own Grave 4:13
- 9 Take What’s Left 4:13
- 10 Redefined 4:15
- 11 Only After We’ve Fallen 3:28
- 12 The Toll It Takes 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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