HOSTILE ARRAY

Hostile Array

SELF-RELEASED Politically engaged US post-hardcore crew shift their axis

Hostile Array is this Maryland metalcore quintet’s first formal release. Formerly known as My Ransomed Soul, the band have shifted their sound and message slightly to deliver a more well-balanced blend of heavy and catchy post-hardcore fuelled by fiercely political lyrics. Think solid drum work, tight riffs, and strong rumbling basslines fronted by gruff, angry shouts and smartly echoed by more hopeful and occasionally haunting tough, soaring melodic vocals behind. A few of the songs follow an overly similar formula that can blur after a few listens, but tracks like Newspeak, Disillusioned and wisely picked first single Devoid – which speaks of the civilian casualties in the Middle East and US intervention policies – are exciting and genuinely emotive. This is a promising peek into what the band are capable of and should make for a euphoric live performance. FOR FANS OF: NORMA JEAN, HUNDRETH, UNDEROATH