Guitarist Ken Susi and drummer Nick Pierce have just quit As I Lay Dying, six days after bassist/clean vocalist Ryan Neff left the metalcore band. Susi explained that his “personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point.”
The three new exits are the most recent lineup changes since As I Lay Dying made its return following the incarceration 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 re-formed As I Lay Dying in 2018 with classic members Phil Sgrosso, Nick Hippa, Josh Gilbert, and Jordan Mancino. Hippa exited in 2020, while Gilbert and Mancino quit in 2022. Susi, Neff, and Pierce all joined the band in 2022, filling out the lineup alongside Lambesis and Sgrosso.
On Thursday (October 24th), Susi stated via social media, “My time playing with As I Lay Dying has come to an end today. I leave with so much gratitude for everyone who followed and supported me from my days in Unearth to this era of my career. I jumped into the AILD camp with full knowledge of the heightened dramatic history but had a drive to just play great music with great friends. Unfortunately, my personal 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.”
He continued, “Ryan Neff is receiving a lot of backlash for stepping down first, and I regret not sharing this decision sooner and standing confidently with my friend — he’s a flawless musician and an even better person. I’ll miss you all on this stage, and I look forward to seeing you on the next one. Anyone looking for a guitar player? My resume is ready.”
A few hours after Susi announced his exit, Pierce also announced he had quit the band, as well, stating, “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.”
For his part, Neff stated on October 18th, “This choice comes after much reflection, and I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional journey. I am grateful for the experiences and connections I’ve made during my time with the band. Thank you to all the fans for your support.”
As I Lay Dying had been scheduled to kick off a European tour on November 15th in Würzburg, Germany, but a social media post from the promoters reports that the outing has been canceled. The band’s new album, Through Storms Ahead, is also set to arrive on November 15th.
As of now, As I Lay Dying’s current lineup only consists of Lambesis and Sgrosso.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated with the news that drummer Nick Pierce had quit As I Lay Dying, as well.