Papa Roach - Metamorphosis

Since Papa Roach's 2000 album 'Infest' was released they have never managed to regain the giddy heights which that album brought. Being constantly compared with Linkin Park and subsequently being less successful has taken it's toll. But Papa Roach are a hardy band. They have released four albums, including 'Metamorphosis', since then and to be fair have had some worthy mainstream success, with 'Lovehatetragedy' peaking higher than 'Infest' did.

But enough with where Papa Roach have come from. Now on Linkin Park's label they have released what is their most commercial record to date. 'Metamorphosis' starts with a Linkin Park-esque intro which then follows into a definite crowd pleaser 'Change Or Die'. With these two tracks alone you can see the arena tour kicking off. The first single off the album, 'Hollywood Whore' follows. And it all seems very superficial. Taking a stab at socialites in the Hollywood scene is a bit old hat now. We don't start to see what Papa Roach are capable of until track 5, 'Lifeline'. Possibly a reflection on his past Jacoby Shaddix shows a deeper side to his lyrical armory. The following track 'Had Enough' holds its own and keeps the momentum going but this is really where the album peaks, and it starts to go downhill after that. The rest of the record is not bad, it just doesn't speak volumes.

Over the course of 9 years Papa Roach have honed their talents. Jacoby has sharpened his vocals (possibly to the band's detriment?) and they are a well-polished band that can hold their own on a US arena tour. But is this why you really bought the CD? Unlike Linkin Park (yes, another comparison) who have managed to be dynamic over their career, and have released heavy rock, rock ballads and remix albums, Papa Roach have churned out the same radio-friendly content since they rocked the genre in 2000.

When a band release an album like Papa Roach did with 'Infest', it's hard not to compare everything else they do, to that album. Sometimes a band can overcome this. Sometimes a band is just comfortable to play it easy and satisfy their fan base but never really touch any new members.