Hed Pe INSOMNIA

Additional personnel: The Rabbi Michael Zimmerman, Kottonmouth Kings, Tech N9ne, Big B, Young Roscoe.
Southern California's (hed) p.e. are known for their rap-metal hybrid and their ferocious sonic attack. The band's 2007 release, Insomnia, upholds the band's reputation with 14 tracks that draw from hardcore punk, hip-hop, reggae, and heavy metal. A slamming rhythm section and riffalicious guitars drive the songs, but it's frontman Jahred's vocals, which alternate between full-throated screamo and nimble, rapid-fire raps, that make Insomnia unique. The G-funk-inspired "Game Over" and "Comeova2night" are standouts.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop