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\n\tTim Lambesis, the sole remaining member of metalcore band As I Lay Dying<\/a>, has issued a detailed statement following the departure of his bandmates<\/a>, citing an \u201cunhealthy environment\u201d as a primary reason for the shake-up. <\/p>\n \n\tThis response follows the recent exit of guitarist Phil Sgrosso<\/a>, bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi, and drummer Nick Pierce, leaving Lambesis as the last-standing member of the San Diego-based group formed in 2000.<\/p>\n \n\tThe exodus began last month, with Neff, Susi, and Pierce announcing their decision to quit the band over \u201cpersonal morals\u201d on Oct. 25. Shortly afterwards, longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso, who had been with the group since 2003, followed suit, pointing to creative and personal differences with Lambesis.<\/p>\n \n\tIn a statement posted to social media<\/a> on Nov. 4, Lambesis reflected on the internal issues that culminated in the band\u2019s dissolution. <\/p>\n \n\t\u201cAs I reflect, I certainly agree that there was an unhealthy environment that made leaving for a new tour with the previous lineup unrealistic,\u201d he stated. He admitted that it became \u201cdifficult to figure out even the smallest details\u201d as tensions mounted within the group. <\/p>\n \n\tHe noted, \u201cI can stick strong to my vision for the future of AILD even when others think it should go another direction.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tLambesis also addressed his fractured relationship with Sgrosso, sharing that the two \u201cno longer saw eye to eye personally, creatively, or financially.\u201d According to Lambesis, discussions with Sgrosso led to the guitarist\u2019s departure, which then prompted the other members to follow. <\/p>\n \n\tHe clarified that the band\u2019s statements were released \u201cin response to rumors\u201d amid what he described as a \u201cchaotic time.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tIn his departure statement, Sgrosso had expressed concerns over the band\u2019s atmosphere, stating that the band \u201cno longer offers a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved\u2014whether creatively, personally, or professionally,\u201d and after \u201cwitnessing some concerning patterns of behavior,\u201d Grosso \u201crealized that I can no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively affect anyone working within this space.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tHe added, \u201cI feel it\u2019s in my best interest to completely distance myself, both creatively and personally, from As I Lay Dying.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tFor Lambesis, the breakup doesn\u2019t mark the end of As I Lay Dying. <\/p>\n \n\tHe expressed gratitude for his former bandmates, saying he \u201cfully supports\u201d their decisions and that \u201cmy door will always remain open to discussing anything directly.\u201d Now, he looks forward to building a new lineup and fostering \u201can atmosphere that is supportive, positive, and fosters a creative environment.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tDespite the turmoil, As I Lay Dying\u2019s eighth studio album, Through Storms Ahead<\/em>, will still release as planned on Nov. 15. The album will feature contributions from the now-former members and guest appearances by artists including Slaughter to Prevail\u2019s Alex Terrible and former Lorna Shore vocalist Tom Barber.<\/p>\n \n\tFor longtime fans, the band\u2019s recent internal discord may come as little surprise. Lambesis has been at the center of controversy before, most notably in 2014 when he served time in prison after pleading guilty<\/a> to attempting to hire a hitman<\/a> to murder his then-wife. <\/p>\n