The band Hostile Array, hailing from Maryland, United States, has recently released their EP titled "Trauma," which consists of a compilation of previously released singles presented now in the form of an album, along with an additional surprise: their new song titled "Scars."
If we had to describe this release in one word, "emotional" would immediately come to mind. However, we don't just mean an emotional charge associated solely with the lyrics, which are incredibly deep and filled with strong sensations. Nor are we limited to referring solely to the impeccable instrumental composition executed by the musicians, or the impressive vocal lines performed by vocalist Brendan Frey. Rather, there is something much more concrete that achieves a significant connection with their listeners.
“This EP is a collection of singles that we felt belonged together in context,”
Brendan Frey - Vocalist
The rapport achieved among all the elements that make up each of the songs, in relation to how the band communicates their message through their performance, creates the feeling that the songs were written with a profound understanding of the listener's darkest feelings. And this is something very difficult to achieve because while there are certain emotions we all experience at some point in our lives, such as loneliness, communicating them with such level of detail and with so much passion and sensitivity constitutes the real challenge that the talented guys from Hostile Array have surpassed by far.
As the listener immerses themselves in the EP and already knowing the other previously released songs, there is an immediate sense of continuity between one song and another. It's not exactly a story told in chapters, but rather an important concordance between one song and another in the order they are arranged. In this EP, that sense of continuity is confirmed, with the remaining element that kept that work unfinished being "Scars," the new song of the band and the final track of this emotionally charged EP, which provides the necessary closure to this new stage of the band.
Track-by-track Review
"Wounds": The EP opens with this incredible song, which seems to be a raw expression of emotional pain and the difficulty of overcoming the past. Through its lyrics, feelings of anguish and despair are reflected when faced with the idea that time should heal emotional wounds, but the narrator still feels hurt and bleeding. This song offers an introspective view of the lasting effects past experiences can have on our psyche.
The narrator expresses exhaustion in dealing with someone else's lies and manipulation, which deeply affects their emotional well-being. Despite attempts to bury the past, they feel it still haunts them and consumes them alive. Memories and past experiences disturb their mind, and they find it difficult to find peace and mental stability. This internal struggle becomes a recurring theme throughout the song.
Musically, "Wounds" starts with a powerful introduction that immediately grabs the listener's attention. The guitars have a prominent presence, using characteristic nu-metal harmonics to create an intense and dark atmosphere. As the song progresses, the chorus becomes very catchy, making it easy to remember after hearing it just once. The melody of the chorus is appealing and hooks the listener, but what's interesting is how it is balanced with certain drum and string cuts during the part that says "eating me alive." These cuts provide a necessary contrast and serve as a reminder that we are in the presence of a heavy song with intense emotional charge.
"Wounds" addresses the idea that time is not always capable of healing emotional wounds. The song shows how the past can continue to affect and consume us despite our efforts to move on. Distress, despair, and the struggle to maintain mental stability are central themes in this composition. Both lyrically and musically, "Wounds" effectively conveys the intensity of emotions and the difficulty of leaving behind past traumas.
"Numb": "Numb" addresses the theme of emotional numbness and the internal struggle of not being able to escape negative feelings. Through its lyrics, the song reflects the narrator's frustration at feeling their patience running out and not knowing where to start. It expresses the desire for change and finding something different, but also the sensation of being trapped in their own skin.
The narrator exposes their need for change, alluding to possible "chemicals in their brain" that could be contributing to their mental state. They prefer to feel numb rather than experience emotional pain, as there are feelings they cannot escape from. The song conveys a clear desperation to break free from those thoughts and emotions that torment their mind but cannot be openly expressed.
The lyrics also mention the idea of self-perception and how the narrator sees themselves in relation to what they want to show to the world. However, they consider themselves their own worst enemy and feel unable to let go of certain things. This internal struggle can be exhausting and contribute to the desire to feel numb.
From a musical perspective, "Numb" has a slightly brighter tone due to the use of lead guitars that start the song and remain present during the choruses. However, this feeling is interrupted at the beginning of each verse and pre-chorus, where the intense drum toms and a distinct vocal line create a sense of nostalgia. This oscillation between happiness and optimism with small touches of sadness relates perfectly to the message expressed in the lyrics: the desire to "change and find something different" and the feeling of being "trapped in their own skin".
"Cult": The song "Cult" critically addresses themes such as hypocrisy, moral blindness, and lack of personal responsibility. Through its lyrics, it calls for not ignoring conscience and values and highlights the fragility of building a solid foundation without facing problems.
The narrator challenges someone's self-evaluation capacity and raises the question of whether they are proud of the person they see reflected in the mirror. At the same time, it highlights the hypocrisy of those who criticize the narrator's nonconformity, asking them why they don't practice what they preach.
The song raises the question of whether this is the issue one would be willing to fight to the death for, if it is the place where a firm stance is taken. It emphasizes that those who quickly point the accusing finger are the ones who bear responsibility for questionable actions.
The question is posed of whether the person lacks reason or if they are so blinded by their faith or convictions that they cannot see reality. Furthermore, a sense of desperation is expressed in finding something to believe in, even if it leaves a bitter taste.
Regarding the musical composition, the song begins with an intro where the voice is alone accompanied by ambient sounds, creating a sense of curiosity in the listener. Then, percussion joins with energetic and dynamic rhythms typical of Trap music, providing a distinctive intensity and drive, creating a contrast and a sense of anticipation.
The first chorus of the song, performed only once instead of twice, delivers a dose of euphoria but in an incomplete manner, arousing the desire for more, which gives the second and third choruses of the song that sense of complete satisfaction.
Throughout the song, dissonant notes are used to create an atmosphere of darkness and seriousness.
"Heavy": "Heavy" is the penultimate song of this EP. It addresses the internal struggle against emotional oppression and the search for relief. Through the lyrics, the narrator expresses a sense of heaviness and anguish that weighs him down. They feel besieged and abandoned, fighting against negative thoughts and emotional pain.
In the song, the narrator is awake, with the lights off, trying to combat the pain in their head. Despite their sincere desire to open up and share everything, they find it difficult to find the right words to express what they feel. The inability to let go of those feelings and thoughts intensifies their sense of being trapped in their own mind.
Additionally, the song mentions the presence of persistent voices that never cease, which may suggest the struggle against recurring negative thoughts or even the battle against mental disorders. The narrator longs to feel good again, to free themselves from that emotional burden and find peace.
The chorus of the song repeats the question of whether they will be able to feel good again, reflecting the desperation and desire to find relief and hope amid the internal struggle.
Musically, "Heavy" stands out for its powerful chorus accompanied by lead guitars that add emotional emphasis with octave notes and slides along the neck. This technique, commonly used in genres like alternative rock, pop-punk, and metalcore, showcases the versatility and skill of guitarists Héctor Fernández and Garrison Frey throughout the EP.
The drums and bass in this song, performed by drummer Fredy Menjivar and bassist Brody Barbour, create a perfect combination, as both have a significant presence throughout each verse. With complex hi-hat arrangements and precise bass notes, they add the necessary virtuosity component to make this one of the band's best and most memorable songs.
"Scars": "Scars" is the perfect closing for this album. If we listen to the songs in the order they are arranged, this song is the missing dose of emotion to complete this incredible collection.
In this song, the narrator speaks about the process of personal reconstruction after going through difficult and painful situations. Through the lyrics, the question is posed of whether past experiences are distorting the perception of reality or if it is human to see beyond what is in front of us.
The song speaks of the feeling of being isolated and lacking clarity, as if illusion and disillusion are altering reality. However, the veil has been torn and the ability to breathe again is felt. It's about picking up the pieces that have been taken, reconstructing what has been lost.
The weight and cost of starting over are mentioned, as well as the pain and loss associated with that process. The song invites to unveil the layers and reveal all the scars, showing that one has come this far but is starting anew.
In the final part, it speaks of the ability to see and breathe, but also acknowledges that not much of the person remains. However, the veil has been torn and freedom is finally felt. The intention to rewrite the story and take control of one's own life is mentioned.
At this point in the EP, "Scars" is a kind of climax for the listener, especially because it has a powerful breakdown filled with anger and energy executed through different techniques of guttural vocals that accompany the listener until the end of the song, releasing as a necessary catharsis after all those deep emotions repressed and expressed as questioning throughout the EP. This time, it is seen from a liberating point of view that highlights the evolution of the human being through questioning life itself after going through various unsettling situations, ultimately finding a new being within themselves.
Without a doubt, Hostile Array is a great band that will always deliver an incredible and profound auditory experience in their music. In this impressive work, they will transport you through introspection and mental catharsis, leaving you with a sense of liberation and rebirth. We invite our entire community not to miss the opportunity to immerse themselves in this great album and discover the magic of the guys from Hostile Array.
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