The Taste of Chaos tour added a dash of metal this year when it began in February. As I Lay Dying, who just concluded their first headlining U.S. tour with Norma Jean, Madball and A Life Once Lost in late 2005, will be performing with the Taste of Chaos tour for the first time in its musical career. The tour will be playing at the Long Beach Sports Arena March 30.

“I love to be out there playing shows,” the band’s drummer, Jordan Mancino said “I love being on the road.”

Originally from San Diego, the band emerged under Pluto Records with the release of their first album, “Beneath the Encasing of Ashes.” The music on the album consisted of a considerable amount of the typical metal attributes such as fast paced drums, enticing guitar solos and raspy vocals that sounded similar to the roar of a demonic lion.

Their sophomore release “Frail Words Collapse” launched in 2003 under a new record label, Metal Blade Records.

The band’s most recent album “Shadows are Security” was released just over a year ago and embodies the growth of the musical talent of the band. The music is more precise, the beats more commanding and the vocals contain more melodic aspects concurrently with the distinctly metal animal like growling vocals.

“We wanted to show people we aren’t this typical metal band,” Mancino said about “Shadows are Security.” The band, which consists entirely of Christian members, could never be the typical metal band. Though, Mancino says, “We want people to like us for our music, not our beliefs.”

As I Lay Dying, most frequently associated with William Faulkner’s 1930 novel of the same name, was adopted by the band in early 2001. The band claims no direct relation between the two.

The band, which has been touring nearly nonstop since their debut, is accompanying the Deftones, Thrice, Atreyu, Story of the Year and Dredge for the Taste of Chaos tour.

The 22 year-old Mancio, as well as the band’s singer Tim Lambesis, remain the last of three original members of As I Lay Dying.

The line-up for As I Lay Dying although altered since its formation, has stayed the same since the departure of Evan White (the original guitarist) and the addition of guitarist Nick Hipa on New Years Day 2004.

Over the past three years with Metal Blade Records, As I Lay Dying has been touring intensively, playing hundreds of shows around the globe. Presently on the Taste of Chaos, they wll continue on to the Sounds of the Underground tour this summer. Yet, even with all the shows played and experience gained, Mancino still gets nervous before taking the stage during any tour.

“The day that I don’t get nervous before a show is the day I should stop playing music,” said Mancino.

Mary Alex Andrusco can be contacted at ane@sundial.csun.edu