Trauma by Hostile Array: EP Review

by Damien Reid May 29, 2023

May 29, 2023

Trauma by Hostile Array: EP Review

The melodic aura of Hostile Array is a mixture of groundbreaking post-hardcore and earth-shattering metalcore music. Their powerful essence is brought on through the EP “Trauma,” and what follows is a narrative that is equally epic and emotional.

Mental health is a vital aspect that makes us human, and through music’s healing nature, we can all be cured to some degree. This is the ethos behind Hostile Array’s gripping EP “Trauma” and it begins with the magnitude of “Wounds.” A tale of pain and post-hardcore combine to envision a sound full of passion and cadence. Electrifying vocals and thunderous drumming mix together for a truly eargasmic sound, all the while sharp guitar riffs keep us engaged. The next track “Numb” brings a very catchy hook to the record. It’s effortless to vibe out to the piece and hum the lyrics afterward. “Cult” has one of the best breakdowns of the entire EP. This is primarily because it exchanges the tempo from gentle verses into explosive chorus sections. The riff chugging felt unreal and put me on the edge of my seat. “Heavy” is an immensely sentimental melody. The flow of this piece and narrative pulled on my heartstrings, and the music’s feel was pretty well…heavy.

Hostile Array ends their stellar EP with “Scars,” and what follows is one last charge of sound, one final rush of metal. It initiates with a soft and graceful vocal and instrumental intro, which eventually transitions into a crescendo of metalcore that bids us farewell.