As I Lay Dying began writing songs for The Powerless Rise in mid-2009 following two years of touring for the band's 2007 album An Ocean Between Us.

[15][16] On April 8 the band played the song "Beyond Our Suffering" live for the first time, at the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Music Awards.

[19] A music video for the song "Anodyne Sea," directed by Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci, was released in January of 2011.

"[23] The Powerless Rise was produced by Killswitch Engage lead guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz and Daniel Castelman, and was mixed by Colin Richardson and Martyn Ford.

According to guitarist Phil Sgrosso, Dutkiewicz was chosen over ten other producers the band had talked with after "realizing that Adam understands our sound better than most.

All lyrics are written by Tim Lambesis; all music is composed by As I Lay DyingProduction and performance credits are adapted from the album liner notes.