Hollywood Undead Go Underground In Massachusetts

Los Angeles rap rockers Hollywood Undead came to the Middle East in Cambridge, MA on Monday night in support of their newest album, "Notes From The Underground". Just days after the band’s debut album "Swan Songs" was certified platinum, the group’s latest effort was instantly met with great success, rising to the top of the charts, including a number two debut on Billboard’s Top 200 albums in the US. For a band doing so well at the moment, you’d find it unlikely for them to still be playing a 575 capacity club room, but Hollywood Undead’s current tour is taking them back to the underground and to their roots, playing in the clubs that got them where they are now.

Monday’s show in Cambridge, MA was a hot ticket in the area, selling out months in advance. Upon arrival at the venue it was apparent how hotly anticipated the show was, with a line wrapped around the corner and a few blocks down the street. In a shining example of how passionate Undead’s fans are, the merch table had sold all apparel and was down to only wristbands and stickers before the show even began. With no opening act, the whole night belonged to Hollywood Undead; fans received instant gratification as they didn’t wait long after entering for Undead to hit the stage. 

Entering to a haunting recording of Kansas’ famed track "Dust In The Wind", Hollywood Undead launched right into their signature show opening track, "Undead". As is customary in their live shows, the band removed their trademark masks after the third song of the set. Upon being unmasked they gave fans a brief taste of their newest record, performing the lead single from the album, "Dead Bite". Undead showed off their genre mixing as they worked their way down the set list with hip hop tracks and their heavier tracks like "Paradise Lost" and "Sell Your Soul", even mixing in the acoustic guitar driven "Bullet".

The main set came to a close with the popular track "Hear Me Now" which has become another staple at their live show since the release of "American Tragedy" in 2011. They opened a brief encore with Undead fan favorite "Everywhere I Go", and finished things off with another new song, "We Are". Throughout the entire night, Undead had the whole crowd moving in every direction and singing along with every word. Another trademark of the band’s live show is their use of humor and onstage chemistry, fitting perfectly into their set, and almost worth coming out to see on its own. Also interesting to note, Hollywood Undead had asked fans to film the first three songs of their set for an upcoming music video to be made with the fan footage.

Anyone in attendance who wasn’t familiar with Hollywood Undead on Monday night quickly learned one of the most appealing aspects of the group, their dedicated fan base. A diverse and dedicated crowd, they were in line hours before doors even opened and many stayed hours after the show had ended hoping for an encounter with their heroes. The Undead Army, as they are referred to, are loyal to the group and make the experience of a Hollywood Undead show even better. While the band does have its fair share of critics, it’s difficult to argue after witnessing their live act. They are truly one of the strongest up and coming acts in the industry today.