As I Lay Dying out of San Diego California has been working hard in the studio trying to release a record that will be different and unique. Previous albums have been very successful and had no problem with sales. Along the success of album sales, they have had great success with touring. As I Lay Dying has shared the stage with the most respected names in the metal genre such as Behemoth, Cannibal Corpse, Lamb of God, Children of Bodom and Rob Zombie.The group's new album A Powerless Rise is some of their best work till today. I agree entirely that it’s their best work of their career. A Powerless Rise is a great metalcore album, and is perfect for any individual that likes the genre. From the vocals to the melodies and the drum work, As I Lay Dying try different techniques from previous releases.

The vocals in A Powerless Rise are deeper and more of a death metal / death core growl at some parts. Tim’s vocals are more on the demonic side on this album unlike the previous albums. There are still a lot of weakly sung parts, but Tim’s deep vocals makes up for it. The deeper growl fits Tim; the Christian singer's vocal style changes are really catchy. Like previously mentioned there is a lot of non-screaming parts. As I Lay Dying would sound much better if they just got rid of the back up vocalist who never screams one bit. When a hard hitting song comes on, the back up vocalist ruins it by sounding like he is about to cry.

The guitar work is written beautifully. The melodies are a tad bit slower and not so fast paced. It is very melodic compared to their previous albums and the guitar sounds tight throughout the album. Don’t underestimate As I Lay Dying because they create beautiful melodies; they still have the go all out with their riffs just like their older material.

Every song on A Powerless Rise is excellent and stands out. Some of their back discography sounds a bit similar, but that is not the case in this release. Each song has something special about it. You will know what I mean when you take a listen. You won't find yourself wanting to change it to something else or dozing off in the middle of the song; it never gets dull for a second. Some of the tracks, for example “Beyond our Suffering, The Plague, Vacancy and Condemned,” call for repeat listens.For a Christian band, they sure know how to tear it up. I’m not big into Christian bands but As I Lay Dying has to be the best within the sub genre (Christian Metalcore). A Powerless Rise is for all anyone into the metalcore genre, especially fans of As I Lay Dying. A Powerless Rise is a catchy and lovable record, the best work of their career.