Widely revered nu metal titans Papa Roach return for a trio of dates to celebrate two and half decades of their debut album Infest.
Kicking off proceedings was the DJ that has ed Papa Roach for this leg of UK dates. Radio 1’s Alyx Holcombe had the crowd swaying and singing with the likes of Korn, Slipknot, Drowning Pool and System of a Down. She made a great choice honing in on tracks as if she was opening a time capsule and really helped with the incoming crowd’s energy and anticipation.
Taking to the stage once the DJ set was finished were Orlando’s Wage War who made their presence felt with a thunder of heavy electro reminiscent of 00’s Godhead/Zeromancer. With constant affirmations of positivity and unity they had a commanding stage presence complete with dynamic riffs and pulsating soundscapes.
The emotive backing vocals really added a great dynamic, as too did the subtle piano-twinged “Circle the Drain”. Throughout their 10-track sets there were gritty Meshuggah-like sweeps paired with messages of self-belief delivered well on “Blur”. Many other crowd pleasers were rammed into their set, such as “Happy Hunting” which wouldn’t be out of place on a Rob Zombie album.
A great choice for an opening act and I no doubt they will some have some new fans leaving the arena tonight.
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Celebrating 25 years since the release of their debut album Infest there was a palpable atmosphere before tonight’s headliners Papa Roach took to the stage. The band opened with an explosion of pyro and their most recent single “Even If It Kills Me” which not only sounded phenomenal but has easily increased the excitement level for the album.
It wasn’t too long before a circle pit opened for “To Be Loved” and via the medium of big screen you could see that Jacoby ventured into the crowd. Honestly, I thought he was going to walk around the whole arena so much was his gratitude to the crowd for another sold-out show! He ran straight past us and gave out fist bumps to all those who could get within reach. It’s always a highlight when a band demonstrate that they know they’re safe amongst the baying horded.
“Getting Away with Murder” flowed into a cover of the band’s hometown favourite “California Love” (originally by 2Pac) which served as a re-introduction of band . There was a wonderful “full heartbreak” moment when “Forever” briefly broke into Linkin Park’s “In The End”. This was especially poignant given the message put forward this evening, partly by a public service announcement.
Mental health and suicide awareness are very much topics focused on by Papa Roach. A video message was broadcast to underline this. The band have never been quiet about their own individual struggles, and as part of the video they informed everyone in a attendance that they would be making a donation to a local charity.
The emotion of “Leave A light On” absolutely captivated the audience. There may be those who don’t like seeing phones on at shows, but at times they are appropriate. The image of so many people singing their hearts out with their phone lights held aloft… a sight to behold.
A really nice addition was “No Apologies”, followed by a great solo drum solo with a wave of pyro that was met with every voice ing in with “Scars”. “Scars” is arguably the song that reinvigorated Papa Roach, giving them that second wind that led to them being the arena-fillers they are today.
The final part of the show was pure nostalgia, turning the clock all the way back twenty five years beginning with a slightly different arrangement of “Between Angels & Insects” with added bass elements at the end. “Infest” played with a backdrop of past clips chronicling the band’s journey from conception to current day.
“Broken Home” weaved into “Blind” by Korn, celebrating the era with narratives. If Deftones’ “My Own Summer” didn’t contain enough riffs they then broke into Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff” and “Chop Suey” from System Of A Down – an all-you-van-eat nu metal buffet – before closing with arguably their most acclaimed offering, “Last Resort”.
At just over 90 minutes and nearly matching a track for every year since the band’s debut release, the show was delivered with gratitude from Papa Roach to the crowd who more than reciprocated. A staggeringly good show by consummate professionals at the top of their game, and who gave definite value for money. Those headliners playing 60-70 minute sets could learn a thing or two from Papa Roach.
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Photos by Sean Larkin Photography
