Album Review: Lost In Hollywood – Lost In Hollywood (Arising Empire)

Modern metalcore band, Lost in Hollywood continue their startling rise with the release of their sophomore self-titled album, out March 20th, 2026, via Arising Empire.

I’d say that this is the album that firmly puts Lost in Hollywood on the map, but let’s be honest, they’re already a notable name in the world of metalcore and beyond. The debut album ‘The Beauty of Death’ and their live shows put them on the map, this album is all about solidifying that position and showing off deeper range that tells us that they’re a band with ambition.

Which is a damn good think to experience, especially as Lost in Hollywood know what makes modern metalcore anthemic and are more than willing to experiment with the idea. Not only that, they’re also willing to collaborate and that gives us three mighty bangers with three incredible artists. Namely Ov Sulfur’s Tyler Ennis, who adds some real fire and fury to Like a River. As well as Philip Strand of Normandie, who adds a ton of heart and soul to Love is Dying. Before Christopher Zühlke of Half Me makes an inspired appearance on the crushing The Art of Being Torn Out. Three varied efforts that showcase a modern fusion of metal, melody, electronica, and more.

It’s an anthemic album with tons of replay value, especially for those who like their heavy music to come with potent emotion and undeniable authenticity. Lost in Hollywood’s intensity comes in many different forms but the most prevalent is the passion they throw into delivering soaring highs, brutal lows, and everything in between. They can be unbelievably poppy and unbelievably heavy, sometimes in the same song. Just check out the opener I Should Have Known Better, which has such an infectious chorus, but ends with an eye-watering breakdown.

Of course, like a lot of modern metalcore releases, there’s polarising aspects too and Lost in Hollywood are guilty of slipping into some of the same trappings as others. As strong as it is, there’s no denying there is a whiff of familiarity throughout the album, which speaks of the over-saturation of the scene, and Lost in Hollywood inevitably suffer because of this.

Early on, I did find Pretty Skin to be a bit forgettable (aside from the breakdown), but I think it’s followed by such a banger in the form of Pieces, it’s easily ignored. Whereas later, following the highs of the collaborations (Like a River and Love is Dying), Ghost in the Water showcases plenty of earnest heaviness and Can You Feel the Pain gets quite experimental with the effects. This, alongside the penultimate track Chasing Dreams, are the most polarising tracks of all, however, I feel confident in saying that the majority will love what is on offer and both tracks, alongside most of the album, has the potential to turn a ton of heads within the mainstream and that is where success, whatever that means, lies.

More attention than ever feels like a guarantee, especially as every track on the album could be a single and capping off that level of accessibility is The Fire, one of the album’s most potent efforts, in my opinion.

Lost in Hollywood – Lost in Hollywood Track Listing:

1. I Should Have Known Better
2. Pretty Skin
3. Pieces
4. Like a River (feat. Of Virtue)
5. Love Is Dying (feat. Philip Strand)
6. Ghost in the Water
7. Father
8. Can You Feel the Pain
9. The Art of Being Torn Out (feat. Half Me)
10. Chasing Dreams
11. The Fire

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