After two albums for Tooth and Nail where the band explored more anthemic avenues, the quintet found itself re-examining its hard rock and metal roots on its third record for the label. The resulting album is an 11-song sonic attack that knows when to slow down the pace and when to pounce back like a slap to the face. "We didn't intentionally go for a heavier sound," guitarist Jef Cunnigham said. "We just wrote what came to mind and I think it turned into some of our best material."
Late last year the band's hectic touring schedule slowed enough for them to start working on the record, though they had a few geographical obstacles to overcome before starting. With members spread across four states, each created a secret Myspace for a non-existent band where they would post song ideas for the others to listen to.
Singer Matt Baird would download these parts to his iPod, where he began to craft the lyrics for the record. His finished work centers on topics like redemption and restoration, and reaches its pinnacle on the album's tenth track, "When Hope is All You Have," which began as a phrase he used during his father's funeral just before recording began.
"There are songs about healing and hope and about moving on after we've made mistakes," Baird said. "I felt some pressure in writing, hoping my parts would turn out as good as the music. But I think it all came out better than I could've imagined." After their internet-aided pre-production, the band decided to set up shop in a one-room cabin in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee for over a month to mold those song ideas into the core of the album. After three weeks of work, Baird joined the band for the final two weeks to add his lyrics to the fray.
With songs in hand the band then headed to Lakeside Studios in Knoxville for a month-long session with producer Travis Wyrick (P.O.D., Disciple), who also produced 2005's "Last Chance to Breathe," a record that helped the band expand its fanbase as it ventured into poppier leanings.
"I'm blown away by the finished record," Cunnigham said. "We wrote these songs to please ourselves, to write songs that we wanted to play live and we ended up with a few that were heavier and harder than anything on the last two records." Wyrick and the band have created a sound less reliant on overdubs and layering and more focused on bringing the band's live show to mind with a more sparse sound that still rocks as hard as ever. Maybe more so. "We wanted to experiment with heavier songs and think further ahead in the lifespan of the band," Baird said. "And with these heavier songs it really feels like a step toward the future and a reflection of the past."
Illusion
Spoken Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell you when we're no longer revived
Dripping in the way correct you stay
When you went so low expect the gray
Won't give in to you
Won't give in to you
There is nothing left to say
Burning off your memories
Hope is fading away
Surrender all your faith
Surrender all your dreams
And forget the pain of yesterday
Into the night, into the flame
Out of the ashes where healing begins
Into the heart, into the world
That is where all our healing begins
One day you'll bring your lies
And life then pass you by
Wake up and bring your lies
And life then pass you by
Won't give in to you
Won't give in to you
Because of this illusion
There is nothing left to say
Burning off your memories
Hope is fading away
Surrender all your faith
Surrender all your dreams
And forget the pain of yesterday
Into the night, into the flame
Out of the ashes where healing begins
Into the heart, into the world
That is where all our healing begins
The lyrics of Spoken's song Illusion is a commentary on the struggle of individuals to break free from their past and move forward in life. The song begins on a hopeful note, talking about a bright light that will help individuals fight their battles. But soon, the lyrics take a darker turn, with the mention of being "dripping in the way" and the expectation of "gray" when someone hits rock bottom. The singer then emphasizes their resolve to not give in to the illusions that may be holding them back.
The repeated refrain of "Because of this illusion, there is nothing left to say" is a powerful statement that explores the exhaustion and frustration of trying to hold onto something that is not real. Burning off memories and surrendering dreams is painful, but it is necessary to recognize the illusions that prevent growth and progress. The chorus then brings the listener's attention to the hope of healing and starting anew. The night and the flame represent the journey of transformation, the ashes being the remnants of the past that need to be left behind. The healing, as emphasized in the lyrics, starts with the heart and extends into the world.
Overall, the song Illusion is about the painful process of letting go of illusions and beginning the journey of healing and transformation that comes with it. It highlights the strength and perseverance required to move away from the comfort of a familiar illusion and into an unknown but fulfilling reality.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to fine light when it comes to the fight
We enter a world where everything appears bright and hopeful, but when difficulties arise, we lose our sense of vitality.
Tell you when we're no longer revived
We'll let you know when our energy and enthusiasm have disappeared altogether.
Dripping in the way correct you stay
The right path is not always obvious, but if you allow yourself to be guided by the correct principles, you'll stay dry and avoid getting soaked by the storm.
When you went so low expect the gray
When you find yourself in a state of despair, expect to feel dull and lifeless.
Won't give in to you
We will not be swayed or influenced by you.
Because of this illusion
As a result of this deceptive perception of reality
There is nothing left to say
There is no more discourse or communication that will be effective.
Burning off your memories
Letting go of your past, forget it and leave it behind
Hope is fading away
Optimism is diminishing
Surrender all your faith
Abandon any belief you have
Surrender all your dreams
Give up on your aspirations for the future
And forget the pain of yesterday
Erase the memories of yesterday's hurt and turmoil from your mind.
Into the night, into the flame
Entering the unknown, facing the fire and braving the heat
Out of the ashes where healing begins
Transformation and healing can emerge from the aftermath of destruction and devastation
Into the heart, into the world
Venturing into the depths of our emotions, and exploring the world around us is where our healing experience truly begins.
That is where all our healing begins
Our true healing journey commences as we connect our souls with our surroundings and explore the depths of our mind.
Contributed by Emily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bruce M. Axtens
on Wind In My Sails
I35. The highway.