Is Papa Roach a Nu Metal Band?

Papa Roach propelled themselves to stardom in the early 2000s when they released their iconic album Infest, and went on massive tours with some of the most popular bands at the time. However their music has changed a lot since that period. They added elements of alternative rock and alt metal, as well as hard rock to their sound. So when music fans ask – if Papa Roach is a nu metal band, the answer is very clear:

Papa Roach is not a Nu Metal band any longer. They used to be, when their album “Infest” (2000) came out. It’s a supreme example of nu mental sound. But with all the consequent albums Papa Roach deliberately moved away from the nu metal genre.

So while technically you can list Papa Roach as a nu metal band, that will be factually true only regarding their debut album.

Is Infest The Best Papa Roach Album?

So what about Infest? It is still their most successful album after all these years. Many argue it was the best nu metal album of that era. It’s on the same level as music done by such heavyweights as Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. Jacoby Shaddix and his band-mates created absolute hits for entire generation of music fans.

Amazing songs from that incredible album still sound just as great. They are nu metal songs, but they don’t sound dated or out-of-place even today. For me that’s a definite mark of timeless quality.

The good thing about Nu metal as a genre is that it can be quite different. Surely, it has some common recognizable characteristics, but it can come with drastically different vibes, vocals, riffs and lyrics. Papa Roach had their unique take on that style of music, and millions of fans loved it.

While I can’t name Infest as the best Nu metal album ever, it is in the top 5 for sure. It belongs in the same category as Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) by Limp Bizkit, Hybrid Theory (2000) by Linkin Park, Satellite (2001) by P.O.D., Iowa (2001) by Slipknot, Break the Cycle (2001) by Staind, or Follow the Leader (1998) by Korn.

But yes, Infest is their best album. In my humble opinion, of course. And also from what I can see online, where band’s fans discuss their favorite songs.

Why Papa Roach is NOT a Nu Metal Band

Well, the band itself stated multiple times, that they are not a nu metal group. They do agree that their first album was definitely a genre hit. But they did explore other styles in following years. And they tell the truth. Even if you listen Lovehatetragedy (2002) which came right after Infest (2000), you can already hear the difference in the sound. I featured more singing that its predecessor.

And the consequent albums parted away from Nu metal even more. They did not become worse or less, they were simply different. Some people liked those changes, some didn’t. As always – it comes down to your personal preferences. But if you enjoy nu metal in particular, I’m afraid Infest is your only true option.

The Role of Papa Roch in Nu Metal

It may appear weird that the band that had only a single truly Nu metal album had such an impact on the genre. But for me it just proves the greatness of that album.

Infest was so good that it still has some of the very best songs by Papa Roach. And even today day people who like to trash Nu metal as a genre, and who dislike the bands from that era, these same people still can’t help but to play tracks like “Between Angels and Insects”, “Last Resort”, “Broken Home” on repeat. Here, just to remind you:

Papa Roch will forever be one of the brightest stars of the genre. Doesn’t matter how many songs they made in that style. The songs from that 2000 iconic album are more than enough.

And if you want to hear more of their music, I’ve made a Playlist of the TOP 10 Papa Roach Songs. See it here: