Hard-rock band Hollywood Undead has released their highly anticipated sixth studio album New Empire, Vol.1, via Dove & Grenade Media / BMG. The record has nine fervent, full-of-energy tracks that expose the band’s heavier, hard-rock sound, while also precisely hitting their signature sound. Some features on the record include Kellin Quinn from Sleeping With Sirens on “Upside Down,” and Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden on “Second Chances.”

“To be blunt, [New Empire, Vol.1] is our attempt at reimagining Hollywood Undead, not just a new sound for this release, but a new sound for the band altogether. Our goal from the outset was to make music that stands alone from our other albums, yet seamlessly fits with what we’ve made before. Building upon the old to create a new sound and a New Empire,” explains Johnny 3 Tears (vocals, bass guitar). “This was a fresh canvas, and we approached [the album] as if it was the first time we sat in a room to write music together. After 15 years, that’s difficult to do, but it was our goal, nonetheless. For reinvention, you have to be honest with yourself and honest with the listeners. New Empire, Vol. 1 was our opportunity to disregard expectations and say, ‘F*ck everything we’ve done. Let’s pretend we’ve never made a record before and do something different,’” he adds.

Hollywood Undead decided to use one producer for the entirety of New Empire, Vol.1, a different approach to creating an album than what they have done in the past where they used multiple producers to create several tracks. The main difference for this LP is the overall lyrical vibes. In the past, the band would use more aggressive lyrics, but now their lyrics are, yes, still aggressive, but more uplifting as heard in the tracks “Heart of a Champion” and lead single “Already Dead.” The songs “Killin’ It” and “Second Chances” is the feel-good songs of the album.

In New Empire Vol. 1’s closing track “Nightmares,” the lyrics are so personal you can feel them in your soul. But then the tracks “Enemy” and “Empire” are no soft tune. In the end, this album is still thriving and catchy like the other albums the band has released in the past, and still everything the fans love about Hollywood Undead. Many might argue that this is the band’s most hard-rock album to date, but it still works so well with their vibe. But as the band continues to dabble in different genres, it opens the door wider for new and all-around different listeners.

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