Papa Roach

While the nu metal scene and its accompanying quiet-loud and urbanized sound is mostly a thing of the past, and perhaps often sheepishly remembered as an unfortunate period for the metal and hard rock genres, California's Papa Roach have successfully weathered that storm, surviving the backlash that was levied against the genre. They've stayed together and continue to put out records that radio wants to play, thanks to hooky licks and singable choruses which continue to define their catalog of tunes.

The obvious next question is what's the secret to the band’s longevity? Why did Papa Roach make it out alive after the rap-rock meltdown? For starters, the band was never really a rap-rock act and was often erroneously classified as such. To the band's credit, their crunchy, hard rock anthems were devised with a melodic punch and crunch, and an aggression that was mutually complementary. That skill has never dulled or been blunted and hence, the Roaches have a career—and an enviable one at that. It’s what propelled them to fifth longplayer.

Metamorphosis tosses glammy tunes ("Hollywood Whore") into the mix with the ragers, like the catchier-than-an-STD "Lifeline” or “Had Enough,” both of which spill into your car speakers or your iPod earbuds with an urgency that can shake the earth. There’s a whole lotta riffing going on, and it’s the kind that attracts strippers, moshpit dwellers and those of you who like a simple, quality groove. Singer Jacoby Shaddix screams and grunts and wields his voice like a dangerous, maniacal weapon, but he also knows how to effectively carry a tune, which lifts the album above mookishly angry, aggro rock status. This is the band's most polished and glam rock-tinged (and we do mean tinged, as this platter isn't a parody of its influences) moment to date and the songs carve a place for themselves in your brain. It's quality songwriting that keeps a band in business and that's why Papa Roach won't die off anytime soon.

— Amy Sciarretto
03.24.09

At the dawn of the decade, Papa Roach were one of many angst-ridden, tattooed alt-metal bands who mixed in rap with their grim guitars. At the close of the 2000s, the quartet has shed the rap and the angst, ditching all the alt-metal accoutrements to become a knowing update of an '80s Sunset Strip sleaze rock outfit. This is indeed the Metamorphosis hinted at in the title of their fifth album, and while it's possible to debate whether this transformation was inspired by creative or commercial motivations, there is no denying one key fact: Papa Roach may be all about parties now but they're still kind of grim, perhaps a result of the decision to bring back producer Jay Baumgardner, who helmed their 2000 debut, Infest. Still, Papa Roach is a long long way from the depths of Hinder -- that decade of work does give the band a professional snap, plus it never quite seems that Jacoby Shaddix's heart is into slagging that "Hollywood Whore" he berates on the album's first single. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide