New Empire, Vol. 1 cover

New Empire, Vol. 1

Hollywood Undead · 2020

32 min · 9 tracks · nu metal

A high-energy blend of rap rock and nu metal, layered with anthemic choruses and introspective themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Time Bomb Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and themes of urgency and self-reflection, showcasing the band's signature sound.
  • →
    Heart of a Champion — This track combines motivational lyrics with powerful instrumentals, making it an anthem for resilience that resonates with listeners facing challenges.
  • →
    Already Dead — Exploring themes of existential dread and vulnerability, this track features poignant lyrics and a compelling melody that exemplifies the album's introspective nature.
  • →
    Empire — Title track 'Empire' encapsulates the overarching themes of ambition and struggle while delivering a memorable chorus that highlights the band's evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

44 /100
Lowland
Higher than 4% of albums we've rated

The album blends high-energy nu metal with introspective themes but lacks standout moments that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and rapid-fire verses, establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the album's opening.
  • Choruses often incorporate sing-along elements, with layered vocal harmonies that contrast with the verses' intensity.
  • Several tracks, such as 'Already Dead' and 'Nightmare', shift to more introspective lyrics, creating a dynamic between aggression and vulnerability.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo anthemic energy
  • uplifting choruses for motivation
  • introspective themes for reflection
  • short bursts of high intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking slow, sounds
  • prefer longer, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — The album represents a deliberate shift in sound for the band, seeking to redefine their style.
Themes
chaotic ambition· explosive urgency· resilient determination
Career context
Released on January 1, 2020, New Empire, Vol. 1 is Hollywood Undead's fifth studio album, following their 2017 album, Five. At this point in their career, the band was looking to redefine their sound while still maintaining the genre-blending elements that initially gained them popularity. The album marks a significant shift toward more melodic and introspective songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Linkin Park· Papa Roach· Korn

Tracklist

  • 1 Time Bomb Start here 3:37
  • 2 Heart of a Champion 3:30
  • 3 Already Dead 3:56
  • 4 Empire 3:59
  • 5 Killin It 2:55
  • 6 Enemy 3:11
  • 7 Upside Down 3:04
  • 8 Second Chances 4:13
  • 9 Nightmare 3:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata