For nearly two decades, Hollywood Undead have operated in a lane that few bands can replicate. Part rap crew, part rock band, and fully built for the chaos of modern live music culture. The Los Angeles group has spent seventeen years building a catalog that connects with fans across rock, hip-hop, and heavy music scenes worldwide.
Their newest single, “1×1,” released through Sumerian Records, is the latest reminder that the band understands exactly who they are and exactly where they sit in the modern rock conversation.
The track pulls from one of the most iconic pieces of metal history. Built around a slowed and reimagined sample of the legendary riff from Slayer’s “Raining Blood,” “1×1” arrives with a level of aggression and confidence that feels earned rather than manufactured.
Hollywood Undead have spent years proving their staying power. “1×1” sounds like a band fully aware of that history.
And they lean into it.
The Riff Behind Hollywood Undead’s New Anthem
Sampling a riff from Slayer is not something a band does casually. “Raining Blood” stands as one of the most recognizable riffs ever written in heavy music. It is sacred territory for metal fans.
Hollywood Undead approach it with intention.
Instead of simply recreating the moment, the band slows the riff down and builds an entirely new sonic structure around it. The guitar line becomes the spine of the track while hard hitting beats and rap driven verses stack on top.
The result feels modern while still paying respect to the source material.
Nu metal inspired production sits at the center of the record, blending punchy drums, distorted guitars, and layered vocals that explode into a massive chorus. When the hook lands, the message is clear.
One by one, they fall. Let the reaper take them all.
It is bold. It is aggressive. It is exactly the type of anthem Hollywood Undead have spent their career perfecting.
Check out the official music video for “1×1” below:
A Band Built On Longevity
Hollywood Undead are not new to the spotlight. The band has built one of the most consistent followings in modern rock over the past seventeen years.
The numbers tell part of that story.
Across streaming platforms, Hollywood Undead have surpassed 3.2 billion total streams. On Spotify alone, the band pulls in more than 4.1 million monthly listeners. Those are numbers that place them firmly among the most successful rock acts of their era.
What makes those numbers even more impressive is the way the band has maintained relevance through constant evolution.
Early Hollywood Undead records introduced their unique blend of rap verses and heavy guitars. Over time, that sound has grown into something bigger, drawing on influences from alternative rock, metal, hip hop, and electronic music.
“1×1” feels like the next step in that evolution.
Production From Matt Good Pushes The Sound Forward
Behind the boards for “1×1” is producer Matt Good, known for his work with artists including Skrillex and The Haunt. His production approach brings clarity and punch to the record while preserving the band’s core aggression.
The beat structure drives the track forward with precision. Heavy drums slam through the mix as the slowed Slayer riff builds tension toward the chorus.
Hollywood Undead have always balanced rap delivery with rock instrumentation. Here, the balance feels dialed in.
Verses move with rhythmic intensity before opening into a huge hook that feels built for festival stages and packed arenas.
It is the kind of record designed to hit hard both through headphones and through massive live sound systems.
A Message Of Resilience
While the sonic direction of “1×1” carries plenty of aggression, the song’s message focuses on resilience.
The band describes the track as a reflection of persistence in the face of doubt.
“This song is about resilience,” Hollywood Undead shared when speaking about the release. “People are always going to doubt you or try to bring you down, but the point is getting back up every time and reminding them you are still here and that you cannot be replaced.”
That sentiment reflects the band’s own journey.
Few groups stay active at a high level for nearly two decades without encountering criticism, setbacks, and shifting trends in the music industry. Hollywood Undead have weathered all of it.
“1×1” sounds like a response to those years.
It is not defensive. It is confident.
Building Momentum From Recent Releases
“1×1” also continues the narrative that the band began with their recent releases through Sumerian Records.
Their 2024 single “Hollywood Forever” marked the start of this current chapter. The track quickly gained traction, racking up more than 20 million cross platform streams while climbing to number 18 at Active Rock radio.
It reintroduced the band with a renewed sense of identity.
The follow up arrived in June 2025 with the single “SAVIOR.” That track explored darker emotional territory, pulling listeners deeper into the band’s personal storytelling.
Where “SAVIOR” felt introspective, “1×1” shifts the tone back toward confrontation.
It is a deliberate pivot.
Together, the three songs hint at the broader direction for Hollywood Undead’s upcoming ninth studio album, which the band has continued developing behind the scenes.
About Hollywood Undead
Since releasing their RIAA platinum certified debut Swan Songs in 2008, Hollywood Undead have built one of the most recognizable identities in modern rock. The Los Angeles group carved out a lane that blends rap, heavy guitars, and arena ready hooks, building a global fanbase that continues to show up year after year.
Their music has connected across generations of rock and alternative listeners, selling out shows around the world and earning recognition from outlets like Consequence of Sound, Billboard, and Revolver.
The numbers back up the longevity. Hollywood Undead have surpassed 3.2 billion streams across platforms, crossed 1 billion views on YouTube, and maintain more than 4.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Now signed to Sumerian Records, the band continues to evolve while staying rooted in the sound that helped define their rise. Nearly two decades into their career, Hollywood Undead remain one of the most consistent forces in modern rock and alternative culture.
