Spoken

    Spoken

    Nashville, Tennessee12 reviews across 5 releases

    alternative metalhard rockrap rockrapcore
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    Spoken formed in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1996 and built its early sound from rapcore, hardcore rhythm, and funk-metal guitar. The 1997 debut On Your Feet paired frenetic rapped vocals with an organic band sound, while Matt Baird shifted between a raspy rap delivery and unexpectedly clean singing. Its Christian lyrics were direct, treating evangelism and worship as part of the attack rather than as a separate style. ...What Remains made the guitars heavier and the production sharper, though some songs remained close to the Rage Against the Machine model then common in rapcore. By A Moment Of Imperfect Clarity, Spoken had largely abandoned rap for melodic modern rock, with Baird moving from whispers to screams over polished, hook-driven arrangements. The spiritual focus remained, including the worship song "David."

    In 2003, Spoken moved from Metro One to Tooth & Nail for A Moment Of Imperfect Clarity, beginning a period in which melodic rock replaced most of the earlier rapcore. Last Chance to Breathe followed in 2005, adding renewed screaming and a guest appearance from Cory Putman of Norma Jean while retaining the softer songwriting introduced on its predecessor. After leaving Tooth & Nail, Spoken reissued Echoes of the Spirit Still Dwell in 2008 and entered a short hiatus. The band returned with Illusion in 2013, its first new album in six years, then released Breathe Again in 2015 with support from a Kickstarter campaign and IX in 2017. In 2023, Spoken signed with XOVR Records; Reflection followed in 2024.

    5 releases reviewed