The Word Alive hive has been eating good since August of 2023 when the four-piece gave us Hard Reset, their dynamic seventh full-length studio album and most ambitious offering to date. Now to follow it up, they’ve blessed us with a reprise of their 2018 League Of Legends hit collaborative track Rise, which originally featured a more edm-style instrumental with production by The Glitch Mob and additional vocals by Mako. This new version, Rise Redux, is all TWA: It’s grittier, heavier, and feels even more native to The Word Alive’s sound than the original version (which has garnered an impressive 364 million views on the official League Of Legends YouTube account).

As a long-time follower of TWA vocalist Telle Smith’s work (since the In Fear And Faith days, yikes I’m getting old...), I can personally attest to the fact that Rise Redux has everything listeners crave: Beautiful, angelic melodies, signature sound-barrier-shattering high screams and a sincerity in his words and vocal delivery that only someone who has truly overcome pain and loss can convey. In an industry oversaturated with jaded lyricism and uninspired riffs, The Word Alive have always been a vibrant beacon that stands out in their ability to acknowledge the darker aspects of life while offering messages of hope and strength in a way that feels meaningful and convincing. And Rise Redux is no exception, with the addition of TWA guitarists Zack Hansen and Jose DelRio and drummer Daniel Nelson to this song making it feel like an exciting expansion pack to Hard Reset.

"Rise became the second biggest Worlds anthem in esports history, and a staple amongst not just gamers but music fans worldwide. I’m honored to play a role in Rise, but we were always asked over the years if we would make 'our own' version,” says Smith, "With the 5 year anniversary we decided to go into the studio and give fans exactly what they’ve asked for as a thank you for all of the amazing memories. I hope you enjoy our Rise Redux!" 

Previously, fans could only see Telle perform Rise live at Riot Games' Worlds 2018 and 2023 events, but this new all-TWA version gives me reason to believe we may get to hear it live at a concert venue near you very soon (see tour dates below). Rise Redux is out now via Thriller Records and can be enjoyed anywhere music is streamed, but for the most flavorful rocking-the-heck-out experience I recommend watching their lyric video here (https://youtu.be/D7SkBe2qrEw?si=wE-NdPMEPRWi7jlo) featuring live footage captured by the amazing Wolfe Eliot (@wolfeeliotmedia) and edited by George Barnes (@CultOfHeaven). 

EUR/UK Tour Dates:

Feb. 23 - Nottingham, United Kingdom - Rescue Rooms 
Feb. 24 - London, United Kingdom - The Dome 
Feb. 26 - Munich, Germany - Backstage Halle 
Feb. 27 - Frankfurt Am Main, Germany - Das Bett 
Feb. 28 - Oberhausen, Germany - Kulttempel 
Feb. 29 - Arnhem, Netherlands - Willemeen 
Mar. 1 - Vechta, Germany - Gulfhaus (Jugend- Und Kulturzentrum)

North America Tour Dates:

Apr. 12 - San Antonio, TX - Aztec Theater 
Apr. 13 - Houston, TX - House of Blues Houston 
Apr. 14 - New Orleans, LA - The Fillmore New Orleans 
Apr. 16 - North Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues Myrtle Beach 
Apr. 17 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre 
Apr. 19 - Tampa, FL - 98Rock Fest ^ 
Apr. 20 - Orlando, FL - 101 WJRR Earth Day Birthday 2024 ^ 
Apr. 21 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution 
Apr. 23 - Richmond, VA - The National 
Apr. 25 - Norfolk, VA - The Norva 
Apr. 26 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore Silver Spring 
Apr. 27 - Worcester, MA - Big Gig ^ 
Apr. 28 - Harrisburg, PA - Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center 
Apr. 30 - McKees Rocks, PA - Roxian Theatre 
May 01 - Columbus, OH - The Bluestone 
May 03 - Milwaukee, WI - Hog Fest ^ 
May 04 - Saint Paul, MN - 93X Twin City Takeover ^ 
May 05 - Omaha, NE - Steelhouse Omaha 
May 07 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre 
May 08 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot 
May 10 - Portland, OR - McMenamins Crystal Ballroom 
May 11 - Garden City, ID - Revolution Concert House 
May 12 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox 
May 14 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades 
May 15 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues San Diego 
May 17 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues Anaheim 
May 18 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre 
May 20 - Sacramento, CA - Ace Of Spades