Papa Roach - Infest
- FaceOff - עימות חזיתי
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
Editor's Choice...
In the summer of 2000, we found ourselves cruising through California in a rented Nissan, heading straight to the iconic Venice Beach. The sun was shining, the sky was a perfect blue, and the breeze was just right. Playing in the background was the legendary rock station "KROQ," which we instantly fell in love with upon arriving in the U.S. Suddenly, Jacoby Shaddix's voice pierced through the air with the unforgettable line:
"Cut my life into pieces, this is my last resort"
At the time, the term "Nu-Metal" was a magical label that propelled many bands to stardom. While some rode the wave of the trend, others, like Papa Roach, proved their success was rooted in genuine talent. Their album Infest solidified their place in the music world, showcasing their authenticity beyond the fleeting trends of the era.
Since then, Papa Roach has released eleven albums, with their latest dropping in April 2022. They continue to prove they’re not just a passing phase but a band with staying power. Much like their contemporaries—Korn, Staind, POD, and others—their lyrics delve into heavy themes like troubled childhoods, depression, abuse, and the struggles of teenage life.
An interesting backstory surrounds their hit song "Last Resort." Written by Shaddix, it was inspired by a close friend and roommate’s suicide attempt. Shaddix admitted he missed the signs of his friend’s struggles and didn’t know how to help at the time. The song resonated with millions of teenagers, connecting them deeply to the band’s music. Shaddix himself later experienced moments that mirrored the song’s raw emotions.
The album cover, featuring a close-up of a cockroach, is hard to forget. Formed seven years earlier, Papa Roach had already released their debut album independently before signing with Dreamworks Records in 1999. A year later, they released Infest, their second album, which became a massive success.
(Photo: mhf-mag.com)
Infest ranked as the 20th best-selling album in the U.S. in 2000, selling over 7 million copies and earning Grammy nominations. It produced iconic singles like "Last Resort," "Broken Home," and "Dead Cell." Interestingly, only two new songs were written during the album’s recording sessions; the other nine were reworked versions of tracks recorded before their debut album.
Listen to the album, embracing the year 2000, you are welcome to click Play on Spotify, Apple Music
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