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{{Infobox Album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Infobox Album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
| Name = American Tragedy
| Name = American Tragedy gay
| Type = studio
| Type = studio
| Artist = [[Hollywood Undead]]
| Artist = [[Hollywood Undead]]

Revision as of 22:10, 4 April 2011

Untitled

American Tragedy is the second studio album by American rap rock band Hollywood Undead. The first single, "Hear Me Now", was released on December 13 to radio. On March 15th, "Been to Hell" was released as the album's second single and music video. A non-single track, "Comin' in Hot" was released on January 21 for free download to promote the album, and is now available on iTunes as of March 15. Originally set to release in March[1], American Tragedy is now set to be released on April 5, 2011.[2]

Background

Since the release of the live CD/DVD, Desperate Measures in late 2009, the band had begun writing material for their tentative second studio album. However, in early 2010 vocalist Aron "Deuce" Erlichman was kicked out of the group and left Erlichman and Hollywood Undead on poor terms, with Erlichman going as far to release a song "Story of a Snitch" against the group because they kicked him out. In late 2010, the band confirmed that former touring member Daniel "Danny" Murillo, who was an American Idol contestant in its ninth season and also the lead singer of the band Lorene Drive, would take over as Erlichman's replacement, providing clean vocals and J-Dog taking over on bass guitar.[3]

Recording for the album began in summer 2010 and was originally set to release in fall of that year. Recording lasted until November and was mixed after Thanksgiving. James Diener, head of the band's record label, believes that it will launch the band into more mainstream success, making it a "big next step" for the group. The band has also confirmed that producer Don Gilmore, who also worked on their debut album, has returned as executive producer for the new album.[4] On the recording process, J-Dog said in an interview, "Been a long time, were out of the studio, done recording, beat the shit out of ourselves to make sure our second record is better than our first. It was hard but we finally finished it and we're excited our first track is out there."[5]

On January 11, 2011, the band confirmed the title of the album, American Tragedy[5], and released a preview video of the album with an instrumental snippet of the then untitled track, "Been to Hell".[6][7] In an interview, Johnny 3 Tears explained the meaning of the album's title. The "American Tragedy" refers to the concept that many American youth grow up believing in certain ideals which are discovered to be false upon entering adulthood.[8] On January 19, the band released a photo of their new masks as well as new member Danny's mask. The band reasoned new masks because, "We wanted new masks because they represent us as a band, and as a whole. We all felt it's years later since the first record and time to start a new chapter." In addition, the growing fan base of the group made Jerry Constantine, the mask molder, to point out that some of the fans masks started looking better than the band's masks. "So we stepped it up", J-Dog reported when debuting the new masks.[9] Each member designed their own masks, with the new designs being much closer to the original concept for the masks than before. Johnny 3 Tears feels the masks are more sophisticated and reflect how different the new album is from their previous efforts.[8]

Johnny 3 Tears describes the album as being much heavier than 2008's Swan Songs. "There is more rock, heavier sound and more pain in the songs", states J3T, relating this to the current situation of the country. "When you write songs, you're very sensitive to what is happening in the world, and I would say that we have incorporated into the song much more than what we see around us at this time. It is hard to write happy, cheerful songs, when 14 percent of the population [is] unemployed."[8] On February 25, the band confirmed the official release date of the album as April 5, 2011.[1] Speaking about the album as a whole, Johnny 3 Tears says that, "American Tragedy is the record I always hoped that Hollywood Undead would write, we couldn't be more proud. We hope all the fans love it as much as we do. Our fans mean everything to us, and we dedicate this record to them." On March 30th, only 6 days from release, the album got leaked by Joey Minor (a bitch), via Thumbplay, thus leading to Thumbplay taking American Tragedy off of the Albums section under Hollywood Undead.[10]

Singles and promotion

The band performing in the "Been To Hell" music video. From left to right: J-Dog, Johnny 3 Tears, Da Kurlzz, Charlie Scene, Danny, Daren Pfeifer (touring member), Funny Man

To promote the album, Hollywood Undead co-headlined the Nightmare After Christmas Tour with Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, and New Medicine, which began on January 20.[6][7][9][11] On December 8, the band released the artwork for the album's first single, titled "Hear Me Now". The track was released on December 13 for radio and on the band's YouTube page, and was made available online on December 21. J-Dog says that this is his favorite song that the band has done so far. The songs lyrics tell the story of a person who is depressed and hopeless, taking a very somber tone to the track. Despite this, the instruments and melodies contrast to make a "Great rock smash", reported AOL Radio Blog.[12] The single charted variously on the iTunes Charts, Zune Rock charts, Zune Network charts, Billboard Mainstream charts, Billboard Alternative charts, and Billboard Rock charts.[13]

On January 21, the band released a new track titled "Comin' in Hot". The song was available for free for people who "Like" the band's Facebook page as a reward for the album's first single being a success. The track was reviewed by sylgraph who gave both "Comin' in Hot" and "Hear Me Now" a perfect ten out of ten score, noting that "Comin' in Hot" was much more upbeat and was extremely catchy.[14] On February 6, shortly before midnight, the band released the song "Been to Hell" along with a lyric video on their official website to promote the album.[15] On February 18th the track "Coming Back Down" was leaked to various sites and was later confirmed to be on the album and was produced by Kevin Rudolf. Brian Voerding noted that the song showed the band's strength in both singing and rapping while comparing the sound to Linkin Park.[1] Jacob Williams, from the unsigned band "Channel 12", sent Hollywood Undead an E-mail during the creation of "Been To Hell" to make an additional guitar track during the chorus.

Teasing a big announcement on February 21, the band announced the following day they will headline their own promotional tour for the album entitled the "Revolt Tour". Dates were posted on their websites, beginning April 6 and spanning across the summer until May 27, playing with Drive-A, New Medicine, 10 Years, and others at various "House of Blues" venues across North America.[10][16] The song, "Levitate", was featured in the Need For Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed trailer, "Autolog Drift Challenge", as well as on the game's soundtrack. It was announced on March 12 that the band would be releasing a music video for the song, "Been to Hell". The video was released on iTunes on March 15, 2011, and was released on the band's website on March 18.[17] On March 22, the band appeared live on the late night talk show Lopez Tonight as a musical guest where they performed the single "Hear Me Now" to promote the album.[18]

On April 1, 2011, at Midnight, Hollywood Undead released the full album of American Tragedy for free listening on their MySpace page.

Track listing

All tracks are written and performed by Hollywood Undead, with specific writers detailed for each track.[19]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Been to Hell"Charlie Scene, Danny, J-Dog, Johnny 3 TearsDon Gilmore3:23
2."Apologize"J-Dog, Johnny 3 Tears, Charlie Scene, Danny, Da KurlzzGriffin Boice3:27
3."Comin' in Hot"Charlie Scene, Danny, Funny ManGriffin Boice3:43
4."My Town"Danny, Funny Man, Johnny 3 Tears, Charlie Scene, J-Dog, Da KurlzzSam Hollander, Dave Katz3:36
5."I Don't Wanna Die"Johnny 3 Tears, Danny, Charlie Scene, J-DogGriffin Boice3:59
6."Hear Me Now"Johnny 3 Tears, J-Dog, Danny, Charlie SceneSam Hollander, Dave Katz3:34
7."Gangsta Sexy"Charlie Scene, Danny, Funny ManDon Gilmore3:54
8."Glory"Johnny 3 Tears, Danny, J-DogDon Gilmore3:34
9."Lights Out"Danny, J-Dog, Charlie Scene, Funny ManBen Grosse3:51
10."Coming Back Down"J-Dog, Johnny 3 Tears, DannyKevin Rudolf, Jeff Halavacs, Jacob Kasher3:23
11."Bullet"Charlie Scene, Johnny 3 Tears, J-Dog, DannyGriffin Boice3:18
12."Levitate"Johnny 3 Tears, J-Dog, Charlie Scene, DannyKevin Rudolf, Jacob Kasher3:24
13."Pour Me"Johnny 3 Tears, Danny, J-DogDon Gilmore4:03
14."Tendencies"J-Dog, Danny, Johnny 3 Tears, Da KurlzzGriffin Boice3:32
Deluxe Edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
15."Mother Murder"Johnny 3 Tears, Charlie Scene, Danny, J-Dog4:10
16."Lump Ya Head"J-Dog, Danny, Johnny 3 Tears, Funny Man, Charlie Scene, Da Kurlzz3:37
17."Le Deux"J-Dog, Danny, Charlie Scene, Funny Man, Johnny 3 Tears3:45
18."S.C.A.V.A."Danny, Johnny 3 Tears, J-Dog, Charlie Scene4:04
Japanese Edition bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
19."Undead" (Live)Aron Erlichman, Charlie Scene, Johnny 3 TearsDanny Lohner, Don Gilmore4:48
Japanese Ultra Deluxe Edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
19."Undead"Deuce, Charlie Scene, Johnny 3 TearsDanny Lohner, Don Gilmore4:48
20."Crazy Train"   
21."Sell Your Soul"   
22."Young"   
iTunes bonus track
No.TitleLength
19."Street Dreams"3:14
iTunes Pre-Order bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
20."Comin' in Hot" (Instrumental)Charlie Scene, Danny, Funny ManGriffin Boice3:43
21."Apologize" (Instrumental)Charlie Scene, Da Kurlzz, Danny, J-Dog, Johnny 3 TearsGriffin Boice3:27

Personnel

Credits for American Tragedy adapted from Allmusic.[20]

Musicians

Production

Release history

Region Date Label Format Catalog Ref
European Union April 4, 2011 Polydor Records CD, Digital download B004NTVMRY [21]
Deluxe edition CD and digital download B004QHBMZK [22]
United States April 5, 2011 A&M/Octone Records CD, Digital download 001527502 [20]
Deluxe edition CD and digital download 2762142 [23]
Japan April 13, 2011 Universal Music CD, Digital download UICA1058 [24]
Deluxe edition CD and digital download, DVD UICA9031 [25]

References

  1. ^ a b c Brian Voerding (February 24, 2011). "Hollywood Undead, 'Coming Back Down' -- New Song". AOL Radio Blog. Retrieved February 27, 2011.
  2. ^ Rick Florino (January 26, 2011). "Hollywood Undead Talk "American Tragedy," Darkness, Movies and "Hear Me Now"". Artist Direct. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  3. ^ Blake Solomon (November 1, 2009). "Hollywood Undead Poach Lorene Drive Member". Absolute Punk. Retrieved March 23, 2011.
  4. ^ AP (April 8, 2010). "Hollywood Undead lives vibrantly on alt scene". News group. Yahoo!. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
  5. ^ a b Amy Sciarretto (January 14, 2011). "Hollywood Undead Return With "American Tragedy"". Artist Direct. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  6. ^ a b Jermy Leeuwis (January 12, 2011). "Hollywood Undead to release American Tragedy". Music Remedy. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  7. ^ a b James Zahn (January 13, 2011). "An AMERICAN TRAGEDY ahead for HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD". KikAxe Music. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  8. ^ a b c Vic (February 5, 2011). "Interview with Johnny 3 Tears" (in Russian to English translate). Hollywood Undead (Russia). Retrieved February 20, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  9. ^ a b James Zahn (January 20, 2011). "First Photo: HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD reveal new masks for an AMERICAN TRAGEDY". KikAxe Music. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  10. ^ a b Maggie Pannacione (March 3, 2011). "Hollywood Undead to Headline Revolt Tour". Artist Direct. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
  11. ^ Tim Grierson (January 15, 2011). "Hollywood Undead Releasing 'American Tragedy' March 15". About.com. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
  12. ^ Nadine Cheung (December 12, 2010). "Hollywood Undead, 'Hear Me Now' -- New Song". AOL Radio Blog. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
  13. ^ "Hollywood Undead - Hear Me now". Billboard. December 12, 2010. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
  14. ^ sylgraph (January 22, 2011). "Hollywood Undead Comin' In Hot Review". Evigshed. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  15. ^ James Zahn (February 4, 2011). "HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD to offer FREE DOWNLOAD of "Been to Hell"". KikAxe Music. Retrieved February 6, 2011.
  16. ^ Natalie Kuchik (February 23, 2011). [www.examiner.com/music-in-national/hollywood-undead-announce-revolt-tour-2011-with-10-years-and-drive-a "Hollywood Undead announce Revolt Tour 2011 with 10 Years and Drive A"]. Examiner National. Retrieved February 27, 2011. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  17. ^ James Zahn (March 18, 2011). "HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD release music video for "Been to Hell"". KikAxe Music. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  18. ^ "Lopez Tonight (2009) - 2x66 - Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott, Jim Rome, Hollywood Undead". Episode World. March 22, 2011. Retrieved March 23, 2011.
  19. ^ Unknown (March 3, 2011). "American Tragedy - 'Hear Me Now'". Female First. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  20. ^ a b "Overview: American Tragedy - Hollywood Undead". Allmusic. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  21. ^ "American Tragedy: Hollywood Undead: Amazon.co.uk: Music". Amazon (UK). Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  22. ^ "American Tragedy (Deluxe Edition): Hollywood Undead: Amazon.co.uk: Music". Amazon (UK). Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  23. ^ "Overview: American Tragedy (Deluxe Edition) - Hollywood Undead". Allmusic. Retrieved March 23, 2011.
  24. ^ "American Tragedy (Normal Edition) - Hollywood Undead - HMV Online Shopping & Information Site". HMV Online Japan. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  25. ^ "American Tragedy (Deluxe Edition) - Hollywood Undead - HMV Online Shopping & Information Site". HMV Online Japan. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
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