A Remarkable Trilogy: Analyzing “Underneath,” The New EP by Hostile Array

After a hectic year full of live performances and intense studio sessions, Hostile Array, the acclaimed post-hardcore band from Maryland, has finally unveiled their latest studio work: the EP "Underneath." Featuring three electrifying tracks and a total duration of 11 minutes and 6 seconds, this new release promises to be an intense and highly stimulating auditory experience, with a profound thematic backdrop that will surely make you rethink aspects of your own existence.

The band, known for its innovative and groundbreaking approach, remains committed to the pursuit of truth and emotional liberation through their music, sharing their experiences, talent, and wisdom with all their listeners. “Underneath” is no exception, as each track reflects their personal and collective struggles, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in a sonic journey that offers an important instance for self-reflection and self-healing.

We invite you to stay with us in the following article so you can learn more about the latest work of this talented band and discover all the details hidden behind each of their new songs.

Track #1: "Underneath"

"Underneath" is a song that catches us off guard from the very beginning, featuring an exquisite selection of major chords played with energy, revealing a highly emotional soundscape. Through a lively and colorful performance, the strumming of the guitar complements the vibrant touch of the synthesizers, creating an enveloping atmosphere. This highly dynamic introduction sets the stage for the intense emotional journey that lies ahead.

It is then that Brendan's warm voice greets us with a performance full of sincerity and introspection, immersing us deeply into the dark recesses of the human mind. Through his profound lyrics, he addresses the corrosive and deteriorating nature of certain mental conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

With each word, “Underneath” paints a vivid portrait of the constant struggle for emotional well-being and the self-sabotage caused by past traumas that linger as recurring negative thoughts, which take control over our sanity, distorting our reality and completely clouding our ability to see things clearly. This captivating narrative is something many of us can relate to, offering understanding and refuge for those of us trying to cope with our tormented minds on our own.

As this piece progresses, we are delighted by the inclusion of new elements that enrich the mix, including numerous sound effects and the return of Brendan's iconic fry scream technique, which once again roars powerfully, reminding us of the essence that defined the band in its early days. Its dynamic structure features constant changes that enhance the composition, alternating between moments of calm and a feeling of frenzy and complete euphoria.

But perhaps the tipping point of the song is its impressive breakdown. Instead of relying on the usual guitar ‘palm muting’ or ‘open notes’ commonly used by bands today, Hostile Array opts for a more technical and complex approach. The drums strike offbeat while the guitar builds tension with dissonances that immediately remind us of pioneering bands in the scene, like Underoath and From First to Last. However, "Underneath" takes this approach to another level with a refreshing and modern tone, showcasing the band’s inherent ability to balance classic post-hardcore elements with a precise touch of avant-garde.

Track #2: “Survive”

"Survive" stands as the second track of this spectacular EP, emerging as a raw testament to the disillusionment that comes from trusting those in whom we believed we could place our faith. Each chord and note perfectly captures that intense feeling of emptiness and abandonment that emotional breakups leave as deep, indelible scars on the soul.

Through its intense and emotional lyrics, "Survive" paints a deeply painful portrait while simultaneously offering a valuable lesson about personal growth. The song approaches its theme from a perspective of self-realization, in which the protagonist, after experiencing betrayal, reaches a state of clarity and self-awareness. In this moment of insight, he realizes that forcing things has done nothing but sustain a false illusion—an illusion in which all the weight of sacrifice has fallen upon him, while he receives only indifference and insensitivity in return. This journey of self-discovery reveals a bitter truth, but also lays the groundwork for personal empowerment and the beginning of a healing process.

From a technical standpoint, "Survive" completely contrasts with "Underneath," opting for a much more aggressive proposal, where the instrumental backdrop takes on a darker and heavier essence. This is clear evidence of Hostile Array's incredible versatility as a band, demonstrating their ability to freely explore different nuances and sonic textures without losing the unique essence that defines them. The band even manages to navigate through various styles while keeping their identity intact and evoking a wide range of emotions in listeners. Not only does each of their compositions offer a distinctive experience, but the dynamism between tracks also reflects an innate capacity to surprise and keep us continually intrigued with their melodies.

Track #3: “Slow Decay”

“Slow Decay” is undoubtedly the piece that unifies Hostile Array's proposal within this spectacular EP, as the order of the tracks demonstrates a kind of progression that ascends toward an increasingly violent and aggressive sound, revealing a continuity that points toward that long-desired emotional liberation.

“Slow Decay” is undoubtedly the most brutal track of their new repertoire, as it wastes no time in showcasing its power. With an explosive start, it features a mind-blowing introductory section that makes it nearly impossible not to headbang from the very first seconds.

Brendan's voice in "Slow Decay" enters with greater strength and determination, while the deep sound of the bass and the sharp guitar riffs align to create a strident and unsettling landscape. This song serves as the ultimate confrontation against the consequences of living trapped in fears and guilt imposed by ingrained religious beliefs, which have precisely caused the emotional wounds and mental conditions mentioned in the preceding tracks.

If we look back at their previous EP, "Trauma," the attempt to dismantle fundamentalist religious beliefs has been a recurring and highly relevant theme for the band. For example, their song "Cult" addresses a similar topic, but not with the same depth and personal perspective as "Slow Decay." In this way, it not only serves as a powerful conclusion to this impactful trilogy but also offers listeners the opportunity to reflect on their own beliefs.

One of the strongest points of this track, which culminates this masterful trilogy, is not only its intriguing theme but also the notable contribution of Andy Cizek, vocalist of the renowned band Monuments. His performance adds an extra dose of brutality to the already rich mix of sounds that this song offers. The collaboration between Hostile Array and Cizek intensifies the listening experience and adds an additional dimension of depth to its thematic backdrop.

The evident evolution of Hostile Array as a band not only demonstrates a better mastery of their creative resources by finding a perfect balance in their new sound, but also a maturity that goes far beyond the musical aspect. This time, their themes take on a more serious tone, focusing on aspects such as perseverance, learning to let go of what harms us, and the constant desire to progress. Thus, we encounter a band that, just as their sound has developed, so have its members, as they have grown both artistically and on a personal level.

We cannot overlook the fact that the three tracks of this EP showcase a performance that can only be described as "immaculate." Each member of the band demonstrates their skill and talent, allowing the sound of their instruments to shine bright at every moment. It is clear that they have put their all into it, paying attention to even the smallest details to create a magnificent work that will undoubtedly mark a before and after not only in their career as a band but also in redefining new trends within the genre.