Maryland group Hostile Array have just released their 5-track EP Trauma, with production and engineering work from The Ghost Inside’s Chris Davis. Like modern giants in metalcore and post-hardcore, Hostile Array do not shy away from making music that is more accessible, with the use of polished production styles, alternative beats, and of course, undeniably catchy hooks. But that doesn’t mean this release is devoid of the beloved hallmarks of the genres, like hard-hitting instrumentals, impassioned vocals, and true, raw emotion.

“This EP is a collection of singles that we felt belonged together in context,” says vocalist Brendan Frey. “Each song was written as a way to process the trauma and associated mental health struggles several of us have shared over the years. Working on these songs was not only lyrically therapeutic, but creatively as well. We really tried to challenge ourselves to experiment with our sound and not worry about holding ourselves to any specific genre expectations.”