Papa Roach – Metamorphosis

Releasedate: 24-03-2009; Label: Universal
By: Nina Mende

Papa Roach is a four-piece alternative rock band from Vacaville, California. They broke into the mainstream with their three times platinum major-label debut album Infest (2000). The group’s success continued with later releases Lovehatetragedy (2002) and Getting Away with Murder (2004). The group’s fourth major album, The Paramour Sessions, was released on September 12, 2006. Finally their fifth and new album is released called “Metamorphosis”. But the long wait was worth it.

The intro starts with a slowly rising volume, first something that sounds like clapping or marching before the guitar riffs start to get louder and get you ready for the songs ahead of you. It’s like the beginning of an adrenaline rush floating through your body. The intro ends with the sound of something breaking. “Change or Die” begins with harsh riffs and Coby shouting “Let’s go”. Very energetic and powerful he screams the vocals. The song is fast and rough. The album continues with my personal favorite and the first single “Hollywood Whore”. Catchy melodies and vocals lead you through it. A very tragic song though, because it’s oh so true. The only difference to the radio version is the repetition before the bridge. And on we go with “I Almost Told You”. The rhythm is very catchy and easy to go along, it switches for a second in between. The lyrics made me think quite a lot. It’s an outstanding song because it doesn’t quite fit in and yet does, but it only takes you not even half of the song to fall in love with it, or at least almost. The next song is the second single release – at least in the US so far – “Lifelines”. The lyrics are very personal and touchy, the melody guides you easily through, makes you sing along in the chorus. Another gorgeous song on the album with easy riffs and touchiness, not as rough as others. “Had Enough” is a quite slow song as well. It’s about to what the world has come today, all the cruelty that’s happening and you can hear about in the news and that we can make a difference, each and every one of us. So another very thoughtful and touchy song, quite tragic and sad. Now we arrived at the second half of the album, harsher again with rougher riffs: “Life This Down”. A song about being cheated on and taking revenge. “March Out Of The Darkness” begins with acoustic guitar and Coby singing softly before it starts out with the entire band to play and getting louder and harder. It is still a song that probably causes a sight because of the lyrics. The bass line is quite outstanding in this song. “Into The Light” starts with a strong bass and Coby shouting “This is a warning” before it “breaks out” and gets the rocking on. The rhythm is simple and great to jump along, will be great to see this song live and how the masses react to it. The song. The beginning riff of “Carry Me” reminds of the beginning of Hollywood Whore, it is different reminds of it. “Carry Me” is another slow and very thoughtful song giving a deep insight into Coby’s soul. He sings clean on this one, without shouting or anything. The melody is more one to sway along. “Nights of Love” starts out very melodic and slow as well, Coby sings clean as well, but the chorus is faster and rougher than the one before. The guitar plays a singsong melody, swaying back and forth during the choruses. The last song “State of Emergency” is faster again yet not too fast. The chorus is fast and loud, the verses are slower and more melodic. Another song worth listening close to the lyrics, as actually every song on this album.

Basically you can say the second half of the album is way more personal and emotional than the first one. A wonderful album. Dear dear Papa Roach, let us never wait that long again for a new album or to hear of you at all. I’m looking forward to see the band at shows or festivals now.

Tracklist: 1. “Days of War 2. “Change or Die” 3. “Hollywood Whore” 4. “I Almost Told You That I Loved You” 5. “Lifeline” 6. “Had Enough” 7. “Live This Down” 8. “March Out of the Darkness” 9. “Into the Light” 10. “Carry Me” 11. “Nights of Love” 12. “State of Emergency”

Links:
Papa Roach MySpace
Papa Roach Official