Murderdolls (American horror punk band)

Murderdolls are an American horror punk/metal band formed in Hollywood in 2002 by Wednesday 13 and Joey Jordison, noted for theatrical horror imagery, two studio albums and a devoted cult following.

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022 Last updated: June 8, 2026

Overview

Murderdolls are an American horror punk rock band that emerged in Hollywood in 2002. Originally conceived as a side project, the group blended punk attitude, heavy metal energy and a strong theatrical sensibility to create a compact catalogue and an intense live persona that attracted a devoted fan base.

Musical style and image

Their sound fuses fast, melodic punk riffs with hard-rock and metal production, often driven by catchy choruses and anthemic hooks. Lyrically and visually the band draws on horror, camp and shock-rock traditions: stage costumes, makeup and macabre themes are as central to their identity as the guitars and drums.

History and development

Murderdolls were co-founded by frontman Wednesday 13 and drummer Joey Jordison, who was already known for his work in other prominent rock and metal projects. What began as a creative offshoot quickly evolved into a full band with additional musicians and international touring. The group released a debut studio album in 2002 and a second full-length some years later, with intermittent activity, tours and lineup changes marking their timeline.

Notable characteristics

Hybrid genre: blends horror punk, glam and metal influences.
Theatrical live shows featuring costumes and makeup.
Collaborative project with members active in other bands.
Relatively compact discography but lasting cult appeal.

Legacy and influence

Although their recorded output is limited compared with long-running mainstream acts, Murderdolls have been influential within niche scenes that favor horror aesthetics and high-energy punk-metal fusion. They introduced theatrical shock-rock elements to a new generation and showcased how side projects can cross over into wider recognition.

Further notes

Fans and newcomers often discover Murderdolls through their striking visuals and energetic singles, then explore the members' other work in related bands. For more on the wider genres and scenes that shaped them, see linked resources and artist pages.

History

In 1994 Joey Jordison formed a band called The Rejects. In 1999, on a Slipknot tour, he met Tod Rex "Tripp Eisen" Salvador, who played for the opening band Dope and later also with Static-X. The Rejects thus evolved into the Murderdolls, and in 2001 a singer was found in Wednesday 13. The live lineup of the Murderdolls still included bassist Eric Griffin and drummer Ben Graves. Tripp Eisen later left the band, with Acey Slade joining as a replacement. In the video for Dead in Hollywood, Marilyn Manson plays a guest role.

In 2002, Murderdolls released the debut album Beyond the Valley of the Murderdolls on Roadrunner Records. The majority of the songs released on it were re-recorded and slightly altered songs from Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13, Wednesday 13's previous group, followed by an extensive tour until 2004.

After that Joey Jordison paused in favor of Slipknot. Wednesday 13 then released three solo albums, which are stylistically strongly based on the Murderdolls. Other members of the Murderdolls were also active in the band Trashlight Vision, which disbanded after one album.

Although both Joey Jordison and Wednesday 13 always stressed that the Murderdolls were a real band and not just a project, the group went on hiatus until 2010. In March 2010, the release of a new studio album entitled Women and Children last was announced for the summer of the same year. Accompanied by favorable reviews, it was finally released at the end of August.

In July 2013, Jordison announced in an interview that Murderdolls would not record any more songs. Instead, he started a new band project called Scar the Martyr. The other members of the band are Henry Derek, Chris Vrenna (Nine Inch Nails), Jed Simon (Strapping Young Lad) and Kris Norris (Darkest Hour).

Discography

Albums

2002: Beyond the Valley of the Murderdolls
2010: Women and Children Last

EPs

2002: Right to Remain Violent

Singles

2002: Dead in Hollywood
2003: White Wedding
2010: My Dark Place Alone
2010: Chapel Of Blood
2010: Nowhere