As I Lay Dying Reveal the Story of ‘Anodyne Sea’ — Exclusive Video

After releasing numerous strong but traditional performance clips over the past seven years, As I Lay Dying wanted to shatter all preconceptions for their 10th music video, 'Anodyne Sea.' So they reached out to Boston-based directors Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci to create a violent, jarring and unsettling piece that takes no prisoners.

Actually, the video is all about being taken prisoner. In the clip, the band says something during a radio interview that invokes the ire of someone listening. Within moments, the station is stormed by terrorists who capture and beat up As I Lay Dying, throwing the musicians in a van. Following a bumpy, terror-filled ride, the band members are violently attacked and thrown to the ground before the video's shocking conclusion.

Watch As I Lay Dying's 'Anodyne Sea' Behind-the-Scenes Video

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Watch As I Lay Dying's 'Anodyne Sea' Video

The unique, creative video was directed by McFarland and Pecci of Killswitch Productions and produced by Ryan Kohler. Noisecreep is proud to present an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip of 'Anodyne Sea,' shot by Rod Clark and Tony Fernandez and edited by Chris O' Coin.

As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis told Noisecreep that the video captured the exact spirit of aggression, defiance and oppression they were hoping for. "The album has a lot to do with standing up for the powerless and defending those oppressed by injustice," Lambesis said. "As a result of knowing people in these circumstances, I find it nearly impossible to not do what I can to help them.

"However, standing up for any belief not popularly held by society comes with repercussions. In wealthy 'free' society, the worst things we face is ending up outcast and alone. For a huge portion of the world, boldness can take a person as far as death. 'Anodyne Sea' reminds us that we all end up the same -- eventually buried in the ground. So we might as well overcome our fear and stand up to live a life of meaning despite the consequence."

The jumpy, frantic, edgy video is strikingly different than anything As I Lay Dying have previously released. After seeing the clip, it's harder than ever to believe that many consider the group a Christian rock band.

"As a lyricist, I like that the video makes an unapologetic point similar to that of the lyrics," Lambesis said. "There isn't a happy ending, because we have to be willing to count the full costs of our actions before we stand up for what we believe. If McFarland and Pecci tried to somehow tie in a feel-good resolution with that concept, then it wouldn't be as powerful."

For the directors, this was a platform to work closely with As I Lay Dying to film a video that would surprise and challenge viewers. "With 'Anodyne Sea,' it was clear that the band had something to say -- something important -- and Ian and I were adamant about talking with them before we wrote on it.

"The idea came from multiple phone calls with Tim and the band. And through that process we were able to see how committed they were to creating something to be remembered. If we had submitted a treatment this violent through the regular channels, it never would have been made."