Vocalist Tim Lambesis formed As I Lay Dying in San Diego in 2000, adding rich melody to the ferocious metalcore template. This emphasis on clean vocals and catchy hooks saw 2007's An Ocean Between Us hit the Top 10, and attracted a new pop audience to metalcore. As the band continued to build, they were engulfed in controversy when Lambesis pleaded guilty to attempting to hire a hitman. This led to the band going on indefinite hiatus as of 2014, with As I Lay Dying's remaining members forming Wovenwar.