The Powerless Rise
by As I Lay Dying
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

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  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 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 clockingFor 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.… Expand
  2. 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 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 admissionAn 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.… Expand
  3. TheSauce
    Nov 16, 2011
    9
    Though it wasn't quite as good as An Ocean Between Us, which is as close to a perfect metal cd that you can get, it was thoroughly amazing. Great vocals, lyrics, rifts, solos, everything. Not a dull moment on the cd. If it wasn't established already, then As I Lay Dying is the best thing in Metal right now.
  4. mizzer
    Dec 5, 2011
    9
    Brutal attack on the sences! if not for the mediocre vocals it would be a 10. while Lambesis is not at his best, Sgrosso and Jordan Mancino are. This is easily one of the best metalcore albums
  5. Happymonk
    Dec 8, 2011
    9
    The best As I Lay Dying album to date, but only just. It feels incredibly similar to An Ocean Between Us, but that is no bad thing. It is heavier then previous albums and cleaner at points. From Lambesis impressing on the vocals side, delivering his most aggressive and powerful performance yet to the chugging guitars. This is pure gold.
  6. SteelSnorlax
    Oct 13, 2012
    9
    The powerless rise is a brutal but clean album. It's by far the band's best album and is worthy of a purchase. All the songs are quality and the guitars keep you entertained throughout. Not a dull moment.
  7. forestville
    Mar 14, 2013
    10
    Speaking of this album is extremely technical music and songs are well structured. No notes, chords or riffs, which are out of place. Each instrument is in a perfect place, perfect time and sound together in an amazingly epic. The metalcore genre is incredible, but we must admit that this is one of the most oversaturated genres on the heavy side of the music industry. However, As I LaySpeaking of this album is extremely technical music and songs are well structured. No notes, chords or riffs, which are out of place. Each instrument is in a perfect place, perfect time and sound together in an amazingly epic. The metalcore genre is incredible, but we must admit that this is one of the most oversaturated genres on the heavy side of the music industry. However, As I Lay Dying is by far the band is at the top of the food chain in the metalcore.
    Vocally, Tim has some extra sounds behind his voices in this album. They seem to be a little deeper and lower than in previous albums. But do not worry about the clean vocals are still present and are quite impressive. The Powerless Rise seems to have something extra out of Tim, almost like he was shouting directly to listeners on this album. As usual in the letters, there is no mention of Christ, but his lyrics have Christian center in which we invite you to not cling to the things of this world but to fight for what is eternal.
    I can not imagine what would be the music without AILD, these titans continue to put the measure on such a high level that there might not be any band that comes close to them these days. In my opinion, surpassed his previous work An Ocean Between Us.
    This album is so good that every song is excellent, You can not miss in your collection    … Expand
  8. 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 the band. Anodyne Sea has one of the best breakdowns ever.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  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.
    Read full review
  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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