As I Lay Dying are continuing to rise with their hardcore riffs, incredibly brutal vocals and passionate lyrics, and this does not stop with Shadows Are Security. And quite a return it is.

Whilst the album is a good album, some people will perhaps find it too familiar. The style of each song is exactly the same as is its structure, so some people may put this album to rest after a few listens. However, some people may ignore this to see the passion As I Lay Dying bring out. Highlight songs include "Shadows Are Security," "Confined," and "Darkest Nights."

So while it is a rather good album, there is more within As I Lay Dying. The potential is still to be reached with this band, and we may see it on the next album.

Many people may remember As I Lay Dying when they debuted on Pluto Records in 2001. Their latest release, Shadows Are Security, is their second effort on Metal Blade Records.

When I first heard the album's opening song, "Meaning In Tragedy," I was struck with disappointment because the sound didn't seem as hard as their earlier efforts. Now my favorite track would have to be "The Darkest Nights," which incidently is being made into a music video as I write this (which is said to bear a Lord of the Rings theme).

Overall, now, I can say there isn't a single song I dislike on this record. It's key to note that the record also features some guest appearances from Jason Moody of No Innocent Victim, Daniel Weyandt from Zao, Matt Mentel from Throwdown, and Tonny Garcia of Please Mr. Gravedigger. I definitely recommend Shadows Are Security.