Wovenwar

Lore & Background

In May 2013, As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis was arrested for soliciting the murder of his wife. The remaining members soon began experimenting and writing with guitarist Shane Blay of Oh, Sleeper. Lambesis' arrest negatively affected his relationships with As I Lay Dying, resulting in the departure of all members except Jordan Mancino, who had shared ownership of the band's rights with Lambesis since 2006. After a short meeting, they decided to put discussions of the future of As I Lay Dying on hold.

From 2013 to 2014, the newly formed Wovenwar worked on a self-titled debut album with producer Bill Stevenson, mixed by Colin Richardson. The debut single 'All Rise' was released on April 21, 2014, followed by 'The Mason' on June 18, 2014. The album was released on August 5, 2014, through Metal Blade Records. The third single 'Death to Rights' became the third-most added song on active rock radio in late February 2015.

Wovenwar toured extensively, opening for Black Label Society in the U.S. in July–August 2014, supporting In Flames in Europe from September to November 2014, and joining Periphery's Juggernaut Tour in early 2015. They also toured with All That Remains and In Flames in early 2015, and later supported Sylosis in Europe in May 2015. Their second album, Honor Is Dead, was released on October 21, 2016. Guitarist Phil Sgrosso departed after finishing his studio work for that album. In 2018, all members except Blay returned to As I Lay Dying, while Blay returned to Oh, Sleeper.

Reader's Guide

Wovenwar represents a notable chapter in the history of metalcore, formed directly from the dissolution of As I Lay Dying following the legal troubles of its frontman. The band's self-titled debut album blended alternative metal, melodic metalcore, hard rock, and modern heavy metal, and achieved radio success with the single 'Death to Rights.' Their formation demonstrated how musicians could pivot creatively after a crisis, and their touring schedule—supporting major acts like Black Label Society, In Flames, and Periphery—solidified their presence in the heavy music scene. Though short-lived, Wovenwar's two albums and extensive touring left a mark as a transitional project that eventually led to the reunion of As I Lay Dying in 2018. Their legacy is tied to the resilience of the musicians involved and the temporary but productive redirection of their careers.

Did You Know?

• Wovenwar formed in 2013 after As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis was arrested for soliciting the murder of his wife.
• Their debut single 'All Rise' was released on April 21, 2014.
• The band's third single 'Death to Rights' was the third-most added song on active rock radio in late February 2015.
• Guitarist Phil Sgrosso left Wovenwar after finishing studio work for the second album, Honor Is Dead, to focus on his project Poison Headache.