The Powerless Rise
by As I Lay Dying
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    88
    Not only is The Powerless Rise As I Lay Dying’s heaviest album to date, it also features a splendor not heard on past releases.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    As a band, AILD has grown most is in their songwriting and production skills (the latter of which are now off the charts in terms of precision). The Powerless Rise, delivers on what their previous outings have handsomely promised.
  3. Alternative Press
    90
    Besides boasting some of the band's most violent music to date, what makes The Powerless Rise such a stunning metal record is the band's commitment to vigrously kicking at their boundaries while remaining true to their sound. [Jun 2010, p.104]
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  5. PopMatters
    60
    Sure, the quintet has gone back to the cookie-cutter sound of twin leads, hardcore breakdowns, and alternating clean and harsh vocals, but by essentially admitting that they have no innovative ideas whatsoever and are content to work within that metalcore template, they actually sound like a band liberated on The Powerless Rise.
  6. Rock Sound
    70
    Though ‘The Powerless Rise’ only signifies progression within strict genre parameters, AILD have stuck to their guns with flair.
  7. Sputnikmusic
    80
    The riffs are meatier, the leads are catchier and the breakdowns, while still present, are reserved for only optimal moments, making The Powerless Rise an instantly memorable modern metal album.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 48
  3. Negative: 3 out of 48
  1. Billyheel
    Oct 28, 2011
    8
    For an album that took 3 years to make, 'The Powerless Rise' makes that wait worth while. An album that never feels cliche or repetitive andFor an album that took 3 years to make, 'The Powerless Rise' makes that wait worth while. An album that never feels cliche or repetitive and is enjoyable from beginning to end. This is, in essence, a love letter to metal fans; and makes you rethink the parameters of the metal genre. The album is technical, relentless, fast and furious; it even feels as if it passes too quickly clocking in around 44 minutes. The album is very balanced, and its heavy hitters are dispersed throughout the album. The framework that this album was made on, is almost identical to 2007's 'An Ocean Between Us'; but hits a little harder. Some of the songs seem to fit better with others, and a few of the songs seem out of place. The album is finessed in a way, that it doesn't wear on listeners; but that is what keeps it from achieving a higher plateau and becoming a definitive metal album.… Full Review »
  2. Xathiahs
    Jan 21, 2022
    8
    The beggining of the thechnical AILD. The previous albums were heavier and angrier. This album marks the growth in sound and riffs of theThe beggining of the thechnical AILD. The previous albums were heavier and angrier. This album marks the growth in sound and riffs of the band. Anodyne Sea has one of the best breakdowns ever.… Full Review »
  3. SchroederRock
    Aug 23, 2017
    8
    An epic statement that blends brutal metalcore with well-placed breakdowns and splashes of somewhat clean;y-sung melodies that tend to getAn epic statement that blends brutal metalcore with well-placed breakdowns and splashes of somewhat clean;y-sung melodies that tend to get your attention and lodge deep in your memory long after the song is finished. "Anodyne Sea", "Upside Down Kingdom", "Anger and Apathy", "Condemned" and "Parallels" are incredible standout hits that will make the record worth the price of admission alone, the rest is just gravy and never feels like filling. A must-listen for metal fans.… Full Review »
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