The Word Alive

The Word Alive

The Word Alive is a metalcore, post-hardcore and emocore group from Phoenix, United States, active since 2008. Their earlier work is associated with metalcore and post-hardcore, while later material also draws on alternative metal and ambient elements. They are signed to Fearless Records.

Formation and early line-up

The band forms in 2008 around Craig Mabbitt on lead vocals, with Zack Hansen on lead guitar and Tony Pizzuti on rhythm guitar. They previously play in Calling of Syrens and Clouds Take Shape. Mabbitt also works on the project while still involved with Escape the Fate, and the original line-up is completed by Nick Urlacher on bass, Dusty Riach on keyboards and Tony Aguilera on drums. The group records material intended for a self-titled EP, but it is never issued.

Tyler “Telle” Smith later joins as frontman, after earlier having been one of the vocalists for In Fear and Faith and bassist for Greeley Estates. Smith becomes the band’s long-term vocalist and, from 2022 onwards, the only original member still in the group.

Recordings and releases

The Word Alive’s label debut is Empire, which reaches number 15 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. The EP is recorded with producer Andrew Wade in Ocala, Florida and released in 2009. The track “Epiphany” is issued as a single from the release.

The band’s debut full-length album, Deceiver, follows in 2010. It is also recorded with Andrew Wade in Ocala, Florida and reaches number 97 on the Billboard 200 and number 15 on Independent Albums. “The Hounds of Anubis” is released as a single from the album and is described by Zack Hansen as having an Egyptian feel.

Life Cycles is recorded for release as the band’s second studio album after a period of line-up change. Dusty Riach and Justin Salinas leave before the recording sessions, and drummer duties on the album are handled by Matt Horn. Luke Holland joins as the new drummer after those sessions are completed.

In 2014 the band releases “Play the Victim” and announces Real, which becomes their third full-length album. Real is the first album to feature Luke Holland on drums. The band’s fourth album, Dark Matter, follows in 2016, with “Trapped” as its lead single.

Later releases include Monomania in 2020 and Hard Reset in 2023.

Line-up changes

The band’s line-up changes repeatedly over the years. Tony Aguilera leaves and is replaced by Justin Salinas. Dusty Riach and Justin Salinas then depart before the next album cycle. Luke Holland later leaves after the end of 2016, and Matt Horn takes over on drums in 2017. Daniel Shapiro also leaves in 2017.