Braindead (Papa Roach song)
| "Braindead" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Papa Roach featuring Toby Morse | ||||
| Released | June 25, 2025 | |||
| Recorded | 2025 | |||
| Genre | Rap metal | |||
| Length | 3:11 | |||
| Label | New Noize | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers |
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| Papa Roach singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Braindead" on YouTube | ||||
"Braindead" is a song by American rock band Papa Roach featuring guest vocals from Toby Morse of the hardcore punk band H2O. It was released on June 25, 2025, through New Noize.[2] The single reached number one on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in October 2025, marking the band's twelfth chart-topping single on that chart.[3]
Background
Papa Roach announced "Braindead" on June 24, 2025, and released the single the following day. Morse said he had known Jacoby Shaddix for more than twenty years, praised his sobriety and work ethic, and described contributing to the song as "a true honor".[2] Blabbermouth, Rock Sound, and Kerrang! highlighted the track as a high-energy collaboration that coincided with the band's twenty-fifth anniversary and featured the addition of Toby Morse's vocals.[4][5]
Writing and inspiration
Frontman Jacoby Shaddix described the song as "urgent, honest, and in your face", stating that bringing Toby Morse into the project "took it to the next level" and framing the track as "a call to wake up before it's too late". Morse added that both artists share a "one life, one chance" ethos reflected in the song's lyrics.[2][4][5]
Composition and lyrics
Blabbermouth described "Braindead" as a high-energy track blending Papa Roach's intensity with Morse's punk-leaning vocal style. The publication noted themes of urgency and personal responsibility, referencing lyrics such as "You've got one life, one chance, one shot, I don't wanna waste it like I'm feeling braindead".[2] Rock Sound and Kerrang! characterized the song as a forceful, high-octane release with an emphatic, forward-driven message.[4][5] According to Revolver, the release of the rap-metal-heavy single was followed by an intense music video, described as overloading the viewer's "gray matter".[6]
Music video
A lyric video for "Braindead" was released on June 25, 2025.[2] The full music video premiered on August 1, 2025, following teasers in late July. The video depicts Jacoby Shaddix detained in an institution, subjected to rough handling by guards, strapped to tables, and attempting to escape. It also features performance sequences in a padded cell and a cameo by Toby Morse, who described the shoot as his "first acting debut".[6] According to the official music video page, this video serves as a prequel to "Even If It Kills Me" from the band's forthcoming twelfth album.
Chart performance
"Braindead" rose to number one on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart dated October 4, 2025, becoming Papa Roach's twelfth leader on that chart.[3]
Accolades and milestones
The October 2025 chart placement gave Papa Roach sole possession of the tenth-most number-one singles in the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart's history, moving them ahead of Volbeat. For Morse, "Braindead" marked his first solo credited leader on a Billboard chart.[3]
Personnel
Credits[1] adapted from Apple Music.
Papa Roach
- Jacoby Shaddix – lead vocals
- Jerry Horton – lead guitar
- Tobin Esperance – bass, rhythm guitar
- Tony Palermo – drums
Additional musician
- Toby Morse – guest vocals
Production
- Papa Roach – production
- Colin Brittain – production
- Kevin McCombs – engineering
- Neal Avron – mixing
- Emerson Mancini – mastering
Charts
Weekly charts
| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Rock & Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[7] | 7 |
| Germany Airplay (TopHit)[8] | 63 |
References
- ^ a b c "Braindead (feat. Toby Morse) – Papa Roach". Apple Music. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ a b c d e "PAPA ROACH Releases New Single 'Braindead' Featuring TOBY MORSE Of H2O". Blabbermouth. June 24, 2025. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ a b c "Papa Roach Hits Milestone Among Acts With Most No. 1s on Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart". Billboard. September 26, 2025. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ a b c Maddy Howell (June 25, 2025). "Papa Roach Return With Blistering Single 'Braindead'". Rock Sound. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ a b c Emily Garner (June 25, 2025). ""A call to wake up before it's too late": Papa Roach and Toby Morse Drop New Collab, BRAINDEAD". Kerrang!. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ a b Gregory Adams (August 1, 2025). "See Jacoby Shaddix Get Institutionalized in Papa Roach's New Video for "Braindead"". Revolver. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
- ^ "Papa Roach Chart History (Rock & Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved December, 6 2025.
- ^ "Top Radio Hits Germany Weekly Chart: October 2, 2025". TopHit. Retrieved 2025-12-02.