If you find your headphones craving some genuine, heart-pounding tunes, let us introduce you to The Word Alive, a modern titan in the heavy music industry. This band from Phoenix, comprised of Telle Smith, Tony Pizzuti, Zack Hansen, Daniel Shapiro, and Luke Holland, has been contributing to the metal scene since 2008.
They’ve shared stages with the likes of Killswitch Engage and A Day To Remember, and they’ve treated audiences on the Vans Warped Tour to their potent cocktail of metalcore, post-hardcore, and alternative metal. But what sets this band apart from the rest? Authenticity. Their artistry is as real as it gets, and that’s why their fan base isn’t just passing through – they’ve set up camp.
5. Someone You Loved (2019)
Kicking off our list, we dive straight into the emotive powerhouse, ‘Someone You Loved.’ This tune isn’t a solo act; it’s a symphony featuring The Word Alive, alongside Our Last Night, I See Stars, and Ashland. Released as a single by Our Last Night, it weaves together different voices. With a 18 million Spotify streams, it’s clear this song has touched the heartstrings of listeners worldwide and it’s a melodic melting pot.
4. Trapped (2016)
Next, we have ‘Trapped,’ the lead single off their fourth studio album, ‘Dark Matter,’ which saw the light of day back in 2016. This tune came out swinging like a heavyweight boxer, earning over 21 million Spotify streams. A you may have noticed, the song gives a trigger warning for suicide or self-harm topics. Way to lead the album called ‘Dark Matter.’
3. Misery (2017)
Our bronze medal goes to ‘Misery.’ Released shortly after drummer Luke Holland decided to march to the beat of his own drum in 2017, this song showcases the band’s resilience and adaptability. It’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes (which is fitting, given their hometown), and it’s been streamed on Spotify over 26 million times. Clearly, misery loves company.
2. Why Am I Like This (2018)
Coming in second place is ‘Why Am I Like This.’ This song is as much a philosophical query, with more than 31 million Spotify listeners ruminating over its haunting lyrics. It’s like a mirror that reflects your deepest questions back at you, all wrapped up in a killer melody.
1. Rise (2018)
Finally, the crowning glory – ‘Rise.’ Now, this isn’t just any song; it’s an anthem that unites gamers and music lovers alike. Born from a collaboration with The Glitch Mob and Mako for the 2018 League of Legends World Championship, ‘Rise’ truly lives up to its name. With an official remix featuring Bobby from South Korean boy band iKON and a whopping 257 million Spotify streams, this song is sitting atop its throne, looking down at the rest. It’s like the Mount Everest of The Word Alive’s discography, towering above the rest.
Authentic Music

Five songs from The Word Alive that you should add to your playlist faster than a drummer’s solo. They’ve proven that they’re not just a blip on the music radar – they earned their place in heavy metal music. In the end, it’s not just about the number of Spotify streams (though let’s face it, those numbers are pretty impressive), it’s about creating music that’s authentic.
