New Music Review: Hollywood Undead ‘American Tragedy’ (MUSIC VIDEO)

When Hollywood Undead appeared on the scene in late 2008, their style and sound was something that no one was able to really squeeze into an exclusive category. Even now, on their third album, American Tragedy, the band still hasn’t managed to find it’s way into a specific genre, thus keeping itself outside of the proverbial box (one constant, however, has been their mystique: the band keeps its faces hidden behind their Eyes Wide Shut-esque masks). American Tragedy? Almost, but not quite.

Overall, American Tragedy begs the question, “Where is this going?” track after track. The album flows with the usual excess: debauchery and an overindulgence of drugs, alcohol, women, and sex. Still, few tracks slip into a more serious tone with the concept of suicide, although it is quickly forgotten and overshadowed by getting loaded on whiskey, pills, and women. The instability of the album gets a bit frustrating and even confusing. They are good at mixing hip-hop with metal and should stick to what they know.

If you’re in the mood for an eclectic musical rollercoaster, pick up American Tragedy. The single “Been to Hell” kicks off the album with an intense metal/rap fusion that sounds like a heavier Linkin Park; the song comes fully clad with great high-pitched, crisp vocals from Danny and Charlie Scene but the simple guitar riffs from Charlie Scene and J-Dog aren’t exactly air-guitar worthy.

Later, the band throws in a decent electronic/hip-hop beat on “Comin’ In Hot” but the lyrics are too comical to be a radio single (Me and my crew fought the feed through VIP/These bitches blow my skin flute like they’re Kenny G). Then it veers back into mainstream-pop a few tracks later with “Coming Back Down,” which ends up as a weak attempt at a love ballad. The reggae feel of “Bullet,” recalls the likes of The Dirty Heads or Jason Mraz and although it’s a catchy song, it doesn’t fit in anywhere on the album. Towards the end of the album, “Pour Me” takes us back through another poppy, hip-hop journey that isn’t worth hearing all the way through. The album comes full circle with “Tendencies;” a hardcore, heavily distorted track similar to “Been to Hell” which is refreshing because it reminds us what they do best.

More Faster Music Reviews:
-Wiz Khalifa; Rolling Papers
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-Panic! At the Disco; Vices & Virtues
-Chris Brown; F.A.M.E.
-The Strokes; Angles
-Travis Barker; Give the Drummer Some
-Lupe Fiasco; Lasers/Avril Lavigne; Goodbye Lullaby
-Dropkick Murphys; Going Out In Style

The best part about this album is its ability to make you want to head bang, bang, drink expensive tequila, smoke a joint, and grind on someone all in a matter of 14 songs. Oh, and huge porn legend Peter North makes an appearance in the “Been to Hell” video. That’s rock n’ roll.

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