In The Arena have flown surprisingly under the radar since initially debuting material in 2022. Comprised from members of short-lived (but highly regarded) Tooth & Nail alumnae Secret & Whisper and Cry of the Afflicted, this "supergroup" has delivered some of the most outstanding throwback post-hardcore in recent memory. Going into a release by a new project with ties to previous bands, it's always fascinating to see whether the old sound(s) will carry over or entirely new ideas will dominate - especially with over a decade elapsing. In The Arena's debut release clearly showcases elements that made the members' previous projects stand out, while also demonstrating an impressive degree of growth and cohesion.

The precise instrumental technicality of Secret & Whisper returns courtesy of drummer Ryan Loerke and guitarist Jason Ciolli, merging seamlessly with the polished and efficient post-hardcore of Cry of the Afflicted represented by vocalist Garrett Packer, guitarist James Johnson, and bassist Nik Wagener. The combination makes for a particularly powerful blend of unique and catchy hooks and riffs that simultaneously sound distinctly nostalgic and incredibly fresh. While the members' previous bands tended to play on the more melodic end of post-hardcore, that inclination is further elevated here. That's not to say that there's anything "soft" about In The Arena, but everything just flows so smoothly even at maximum energy. Given the almost complete lack of harsh vocals, it could even fit in amongst particularly riff-y pop-punk.

All five tracks on the self-titled EP take a very similar approach, but with plenty of differentiation and individual standout moments. Some of the highlights include the main riff of "Destroy, Disavow," which finds a strange line between 2000s metalcore and pop-punk, and pulls at both ends to show a rarely seen moment of musical co-evolution, the impressively shreddy guitar solo in "Outside the Lines," or the entire progression of "Turning Tables" - simultaneously the most technically restrained track and the most structurally progressive. While most of the individual standout moments result from the instrumentation, the vocals and lyrics more than hold up. Despite the all-around musical excellence, the lyrical direction deserves recognition as well. Whether intended to be conceptually tethered or simply reflecting a common motivation, each track tackles simple - yet abstract - challenges of faith, life, hypocrisy, and personal growth.

While I certainly hope In The Arena gain the recognition this release deserves, their seeming disinterest in driving commercial narratives around the project is refreshing. Sure the members have history in recognizable acts, and those influences are certainly reflected here, but it feels more like friends getting together and having fun playing the music they are passionate about instead of a meticulous calculation of how to appeal to past fans. The lyrics are simple and uncomplicated, but reflect the wisdom of Proverbs and life experience more than a writer trying to make a splash. It feels like a passion project made purely for creativity's sake, and yet the resulting music should appeal widely to fans of late 2000s/early 2010s rock of all shades.

- Review date: 11/4/23, written by Kevin McGuire of Jesusfreakhideout.com

Record Label: None
Album length: 5 tracks: 18 minutes, 10 seconds
Street Date: December 31, 2022
Buy It: Amazon Music
Buy It: iTunes

1. Instincts (3:57)
2. Destroy, Disavow (3:45)
3. Outside the Lines (3:58)
4. Embrace the Moment (3:02)
5. Turning Tables (3:27)