Papa Roach: F.E.A.R. review

Two years removed from The Connection, which saw Papa Roach experimenting with some electronics, they’re set to release their follow up- F.E.A.R. (Face Everything And Rise), which is by far one of the more positive and strongest records the band has released in their impressive career. Lyrically we see Jacoby Shaddix exploring a lot of personal avenues and themes on F.E.A.R. It’s no secret the personal demons and struggles he’s battled and conquered and he doesn’t hold back on this record. F.E.A.R. is one of the deeper and more complex records we’ve seen from the band thus far. There aren’t a lot of electronic elements on this record. Rather, we see the band going back to their rock roots and the outcome is more along the lines of Getting Away With Murder, Metamorphosis or Paramour Sessions than Infest or The Connection. The rest of the band- Jerry Horton, Tobin Esperance and Tony Palermo- are in top form on F.E.A.R. as well, really digging down deep to bring out one of the heavier and most rock-heavy records they’ve recorded yet. F.E.A.R. is loaded with anthems that will fit beautifully on the live circuit too. “Skeletons,” “Warriors” and the title track should all find themselves into the setlist at some point- not to mention this record features some of the most powerful ballads the band has written since “Forever.” Even though the lyrics are thematically more positive than on previous records, there’s still that strong element of despair that’s made Papa Roach so strong over the last decade and a half. However, we see Shaddix and company rising above the negativity and darkness to offer a message that, although things exponentially better as long as you face your demons and rise above them- which is exactly what they’ve done. At just 12 songs, it’s a quick listen that you’ll have on repeat, never wanting to stop. Rating: 9/10 -Reggie Edwards