As I Lay Dying was formed in the sunny city of San Diego, California in 2001. This unique group, unlike all those that sign with Sony or any of those well known record companies, signed with Pluto Records. This was a win win situation for As I Lay Dying and for the record company. After they were signed with this company, As I Lay Dying released their first full length album, Beneath the Encasing of Ashes in June of 2001.

A desire to incorporate their music with others was a challenge that As I Lay Dying took. In 2002, they decided to combine a CD and split songs with another well-known group called American Tragedy. So what other ways did As I Lay Dying try to get notoriety? Besides combining with other famous groups, they did extensive touring. Thus their popularity grew.

As other groups normally do, some branch out and expand their horizons. Some take breaks from the music industry, others continue writing music and sign with other record companies. As I Lay Dying was no exception. They signed with Metal Blade Records in 2003. There they created their other album called Frail Worlds Collapse.