Papa Roach, the California rock band that exploded onto the music scene in 2000 with their hit album "Infest," has proven to be one of nu metal's most resilient survivors. While many of their contemporaries faded away as the genre declined, Papa Roach managed to evolve and maintain relevance across multiple decades.
Led by charismatic frontman Jacoby Shaddix, the band rode the initial wave of nu metal success with their breakout single "Last Resort," which helped "Infest" sell over 3 million copies in its first year. But unlike some peers who struggled to adapt when nu metal's popularity waned in the mid-2000s, Papa Roach successfully pivoted their sound.
The band's willingness to experiment with more melodic elements, as demonstrated on their 2004 hit "Scars," helped them transition beyond their nu metal roots. "We weren't going to just write 12 more songs exactly like 'Last Resort,'" says Shaddix. "We had to evolve."
The journey wasn't without its struggles. Shaddix battled alcohol addiction until 2012, when he finally achieved sobriety during the recording of their album "The Connection." The band also weathered the departure of original drummer Dave Buckner in 2008, though they've since reconciled and even reunited for special performances.
Now approaching their 25th anniversary of "Infest," Papa Roach finds themselves in an enviable position. They operate their own record label, New Noize Records, and continue to release new music while selling out arenas. Their recent collaboration with country star Carrie Underwood on "Leave A Light On" showcases their continued ability to cross genre boundaries.
"People used to say our problem was that we never went away," says bassist Tobin Esperance. "But that persistence is exactly what helped us survive."
As nu metal experiences a renaissance with a new generation of fans, Papa Roach stands as proof that bands can transcend the limitations of any single genre or era. Their upcoming "Rise of the Roach" tour, celebrating "Infest's" anniversary while featuring new material, perfectly encapsulates their ability to honor their past while continuing to push forward.