Smash

Nu-metal’s salvation? Some fans and critics seem to think so. With Papa Roach’s massive debut, Infest, still on the charts almost 70 weeks after its release, this band has legs. Japan moshers will finally get their chance to see them perform when they hit Akasaka Blitz in late September.

Hailing from Vacaville, northern California, Papa Roach came together when high school friends Coby Dick (vocals), Dave Buckner (drums) and Will James (bass) hooked up with guitarist Jerry Horton. They named themselves for Dick’s grandfather, adding the cockroach tag as a symbol of toughness.
With a fierce stage show and influences ranging from Rage Against The Machine to Faith No More, Papa Roach soon became a big draw on the northern California live music scene. They debuted with Potatoes For Christmas, released in 1994 on their own independent label.

Replacing bassist James with Tobin Esperance in 1996, the band’s rap influences became more overt on their next LP, Old Friends From Young Years. The album was a major local success, leading to a slot opening for funk-punk veterans Suicidal Tendencies.

Following the release of the 5 Tracks Deep and Let’ Em Know EPs, Papa Roach signed to DreamWorks for Infest. The album proved to be one of the ultimate statements in rapcore, Dick’s lyrics hitting a chord among the disaffected of Generation Y with their socially conscious treatment of issues such as divorce and drug abuse. The single “Last Resort,” an unflinching account of suicide, went as far as the US top 5.

Currently participating in America’s heavy rock Ozzfest tour, Papa Roach is reportedly at work on a follow-up album. “We’re writing it on tour,” singer Dick told Launch. “A good environment, you know. Lots of drugs, lots of alcohol, lots of rock’n’roll.”

Papa Roach play Akasaka Blitz on September 27.See listings for details.