Hollywood Undead

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Hollywood Undead is an American rap-rock band who just released a studio album on January 8th entitled Notes from the Underground.

Working again with previous album, American Tragedy producer/co-writer Griffin Boice, the band has returned with a very testosterone-fueled signature sound for this album. The record boosts the knowing arena rock posturing with titanic contemporary production. Going for a grand scale enhances the power of their rap-metal attack, which can get tedious, but as they did on the previous year's outing, members Johnny 3 Tears, Charlie Scene, Da Kurlzz, Funny Man, J-Dog, and Danny divide their songs up into club pop, rap-rock, and power ballads.

Hollywood Undead released their debut album, Swan Songs, back in September 2008, and their live CD/DVD Desperate Measures, in November 2009. Their second studio album, American Tragedy, was released in April 2011. All of the band members use pseudonyms and wear their own unique mask, most of which are based on the common hockey goaltender design. They have sold over 2 million records in the United States alone, and about 3 million records worldwide.

For those looking for what they've come to expect from Hollywood Undead, the lead single "We Are" is the perfect way to introduce the new album. With military-like drums providing an ominous opening, the band blasts into an anthemic track about fighting for your dreams no matter what obstacles may fall in your way. Hollywood Undead also delivers a pair of obvious radio-ready singles with two different slants. "Dead Bite," which opens the album, is more of a sinister track, complete with a demented child's prayer that goes, "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the dead bite." From there, the various members riff on personal conflicts, with Charlie Scene going so far as to rap about chloroforming his prey. Notes From the Underground also features a handful of tracks that shows the band's desire to push their boundaries. All in all, this album is not the most cohesive and it is not an aggressive rock record throughout, but with the band's dive into several different genres, the group definitely hits on something for just about everyone.

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