Illusion

Images of revival and resurrection turn up repeatedly in Illusions, Spoken's first album in six years. The Arkansas-bred hardcore band has a lot to say about the sustaining power of Christian faith—but it also may be celebrating its own ability to survive after numerous label shifts and lineup changes. Founding member Matt Baird remains a mighty-lunged frontman capable of harrowing screams and soaring melodic vocals, avoiding overkill in favor of believably impassioned testimony. “Stand Alone,” “Through It All," and the title track are ferocious spiritual anthems filled with anguish and healing. Baird stands firm against the enemy in “Beneath the Surface” and fuses romantic love and spiritual passion in “Take Everything.” Pop-tinged tracks like “More Than You Know” ride buoyant rhythms while keeping their messages uncompromised. Whether the band is delivering an all-out rock assault (“Shadow over Me”), moving with a swaggering strut (“Don’t Go”), or ascending to deliver an heroic chorus hook (“Calm the Storm”), Spoken backs up its heaviness with sharp, supple musicianship.