### Three Members Depart As I Lay Dying Amid Controversy

Three members of the metalcore band As I Lay Dying have decided to part ways with the group, leaving frontman Tim Lambesis, who was convicted in 2014 for attempting to hire a hitman to kill his wife, as the only remaining member. The departing members—bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi, and drummer Nick Pierce—all joined the band in 2022 following Lambesis’s release from prison.

Ryan Neff was the first to announce his departure. On Friday, he revealed his decision through an Instagram post, citing personal and professional reasons. "As of today, I have made the decision to leave As I Lay Dying," he wrote. "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."

Following Neff’s announcement, guitarist Ken Susi and drummer Nick Pierce also communicated their exits via Instagram. Susi expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure with the band, reflecting on the history and challenges he faced within the group. "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," Susi stated. He added, "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."

Susi also defended Neff, who faced criticism for being the first to step down. "I regret not sharing this decision sooner and standing confidently with my friend—he's a flawless musician and an even better person," Susi mentioned.

Drummer Nick Pierce echoed similar sentiments in his post, emphasizing his need to step away for personal well-being. "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," Pierce wrote. He also expressed his gratitude towards fans, while looking forward to new musical ventures. "My goal has and always will be to create unforgettable memories with my friends and write music that will truly resonate with our fans. I'm proud of what I've accomplished on the road touring, as well as writing and recording drums for the new album," Pierce added.

The departures come just ahead of the band’s eighth album release, "Through Storms Ahead," which is scheduled to come out on November 15. Over the years, As I Lay Dying has stirred controversy, notably when Lambesis disclosed his atheism despite the band's previous image as a Christian act.