Is New Empire, Vol. 2 a good place to start with Hollywood Undead?

Yes, New Empire, Vol. 2 is recommended as a starting point for new Hollywood Undead listeners. A vibrant blend of rap rock and nu metal, pulsing with anthemic hooks and introspective lyrics that confront modern anxieties. Released on December 4, 2020, 'New Empire, Vol. 2' is Hollywood Undead's fifth studio album, following their 2018 effort 'V.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their signature sound while experimenting with contemporary themes and production techniques.

Who is New Empire, Vol. 2 for?

New Empire, Vol. 2 works well if you're into steady mid-tempo engagement, anxiety release through anthemics and uplifting energy for workouts.

How many songs are on New Empire, Vol. 2?

New Empire, Vol. 2 has 12 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

New Empire, Vol. 2

Hollywood Undead · 2020

39 min · 12 tracks · nu metal

A vibrant blend of rap rock and nu metal, pulsing with anthemic hooks and introspective lyrics that confront modern anxieties.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Medicate Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Monsters — This track encapsulates the struggle against internal demons with a catchy chorus that balances darkness with hope, making it a standout anthem for resilience.
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Gonna Be OK — Offering a message of reassurance amidst chaos, the song combines upbeat instrumentals with uplifting lyrics, reflecting a much-needed optimism during challenging times.
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Idol — With its infectious energy and commentary on celebrity culture, this track serves as a high-octane critique of idolization, showcasing the band's biting wit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic compositions with varied pacing but lacks deep lyrical exploration and cohesion.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving beats and aggressive vocals, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective pieces.
Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, blending rap verses with nu metal choruses, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
The album includes multiple instances of call-and-response vocal patterns, particularly in the anthemic choruses, which engage the listener directly.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 engagement
anxiety release through anthemics
uplifting energy for workouts
introspective moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, soundscapes
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Continues to showcase the band's relevance and signature sound in a late career phase.
Themes: internal struggles· post-pandemic hope· mainstream rap rock
Career context: Released on December 4, 2020, 'New Empire, Vol. 2' is Hollywood Undead's fifth studio album, following their 2018 effort 'V.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their signature sound while experimenting with contemporary themes and production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Linkin Park· Papa Roach· Korn

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Monsters

The narrator confronts their fears directly, detailing personal battles that feel both intimate and universally relatable.

This candid exploration of vulnerability contrasts starkly with the album's more anthemic moments, revealing deeper layers to the narrative.