Opening for a legendary band like Papa Roach would inevitably lead to comparisons, but Nothing More grabbed this opportunity by the proverbial horns. The group formed in 2003 and have been clawing their way to success with a hunger and determination that should inevitably lead to deserved greatness. Four albums in, Jonny Hawkins in particular has transformed the band into a behemoth of purpose and ambition after swapping the drums for front man duties. Hawkins has the staggering vocal rage of Justin Hawkins, the serpentine energy of Buckcherry’s Josh Todd and, more intriguingly, the enigmatic and messianic intensity of Jim Morrison. These qualities are bound to make Hawkins an icon in his own right as well as contribute to Nothing More’s continued growth and success with their current album ‘The Stories We Tell Ourselves’, the pinnacle of their journey thus far.

The Nothing More set was an exercise in shock and awe, with Hawkins sharing intimate anecdotes of addiction, relationships and familial struggles in between each powerful song. The raging crowd howled along to the glorious ‘Go to War’, the instant rock anthem ‘Do You Really Want It?’, and the mesmerising ‘Fade In/Fade Out’, but it was the introduction of The Scorpion’s Tail platform that caused an absolute frenzy. This unique element has become the signature that sets them apart from everyone else. Nothing More are renowned for not doing encores and this performance showed everybody why that is; they leave nothing in the tank, every ounce of energy and dedication is utilised in each brutal performance that leaves everyone breathless and satisfied.

Papa Roach entered and immediately reminded the expectant crowd of their distinct and consummate status. Opening with the career defining ‘Last Resort’ could’ve been a risk, but experience and confidence shone through as the venue erupted in recognition and adoration. Shaddix, Horton, Esperance and Palermo knew exactly what the crowd wanted and withheld nothing. The hits flowed furiously like a hurricane of nostalgia; ‘Falling Apart’ moving into ‘Angels & Insects’,
‘Forever’, and ‘Scars’, with a rapturous response for the more recent addition of ‘Who Do You Trust?’.

The show continued at a breathtaking pace, but it was the first song of the encore that truly brought the boundless magic of music into focus. Papa Roach turned the O2 Academy into a temple of reverence, respect and rage as they performed ‘Firestarter’ in honour of the late, great Keith Flint. The crowd echoed every verse and chorus in memory of one of the industry’s pioneers, and in an instant the crowd was reminded how fragile, yet fundamental our connections with one another are.

LOUIS CYPHER

Papa Roach said “We are really excited to go deep in the UK and double the number of cities we played last year. We have the opportunity to visit places we’ve wanted to go to for a while like Edinburgh and Aberdeen as well as Exeter and Southampton and it will be more convenient for fans to travel to us this time.  Reading & Leeds Festivals were off the chain and now we get to play for longer. The Monday – Thursday shows will finish at 10.30 p.m. to make sure our fans can catch their ride home.”

APRIL
13 SOUTHAMPTON, Guildhall
14 EXETER, Great Hall
15 BRISTOL, o2 Academy
17 LONDON, Kentish Town Forum
20 MANCHESTER, Academy
21 LEEDS, o2 Academy
23 NEWCASTLE, o2 Academy
24 EDINBURGH, Usher Hall
25 ABERDENN, Music Hall
27 NORWICH, UEA
28 NOTTINGHAM, Rock City
29 BIRMINGHAM, o2 Academy

Support on the tour will be San Antonio’s Nothing More. “We brought them out with us this year in America and they put on such an amazing show, we wanted to have them with us in the UK” said frontman Jacoby Shaddix.

Up first however are a band making their own waves throughout the industry, while perhaps not being the obvious choice of a support act, New Jersey hip hop come punk band Ho99o9 take to the stage. If you’ve ever had the privilege of seeing them live you’ll know that they’re not like anything else around. Their raw power and energy is unmatched and they manage to merge the two genres perfectly. Their hip hop flows are as good as any out there and when it comes to punk these guys know how throw down with the best.

It’s because of this that their performance seems a little lost on the huge Brixton crowd, sure there’s the hardcore group of fans down at the front but around them a lot of the crowd seem to be simply trying to take it all in. But this in no way reflects on what is another excellent performance for a band on the rise.

The crowd do eventually get what they’ve come for and what they’ve come for are Papa Roach. As the intro track plays the band take their places and explode into the title track from ‘Crooked Teeth’ as a huge curtain drops to the ground. Frontman Jacoby Shaddix’ vocals are as great as ever delivering classics such as ‘Getting Away With Murder’ and ‘She Loves Me Not’ in exemplary fashion while the crowd lap up every second.

But the crowd lose their collective mind when Shaddix explains that for the next track they’ll be finishing up the filming of the live video for next single ‘Geronimo’. Throughout the 90 minute set the guys jump back and forward through their considerable catalogue of tracks ensuring that there’s something for everyone. They sound incredible through it all, never putting a foot out of a place through some huge choruses and brutal riffs.

There’s even time for a fun cover of Blur’s ‘Song 2’ something which surprisingly is lapped up by the crowd and sparks mosh pits galore. That’s not the only cover we get though, during a beautiful rendition of ‘Forever’ Shaddix launches into Linkin Park’s ‘In The End’ which is still incredibly emotional for a lot of people, it’s a beautiful and hair raising tribute to the late Chester Bennington.

Closing what has been a great night on arguably the bands two biggest hits ‘Last Resort’ and ‘… To Be Loved’ reminds us all just much of a pivotal band were for not only the generation that have grown up listening to them in the early days but also the generation growing up listening to them now, Thank you Papa Roach.

CHRISTOPHER LEE

“America is struggling, America is divided, America is hurting right now,” explains Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix. “We’re at a fever pitch of confusion, smoke and mirrors, blatant lies. The American Dream is on the chopping block.”

“Have you ever thought that war was a sickness?” asks Shaddix, the lifelong pacifist in the lyrics for the track. “My father is a Vietnam veteran. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the disintegration of the American family are things I’ve dealt with personally. I know other people relate.”

Papa Roach also announced rescheduled dates for four shows on their Headline European Tour this fall, with support from (-) Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and (*) Callejon. The tour will now kick off in Hamburg, Germany on Friday September 15th.

Tour Dates:
Friday, September 15 – Hamburg, Germany – Sporthalle (-) (*)
Saturday, September 16 – Berlin Germany – Velodrom (-) (*)
Sunday, September 17 – Prague, Czech Republic – Mala Sportovni Hala (-)
Tuesday, September 19 – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja (-)
Wednesday, September 20 – Vienna , Austria – Gasometer (-)
Thursday, September 21 ­ – Munich, Germany – Zenith (*)
Saturday, September 23 – Winterthur, Switzerland – Eulachhalle (-)
Sunday, September 24 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz (-)
Monday, September 25 – Ludwigsburg, Germany – Arena (-) (*)
Wednesday, September 27 – Fürth, Germany – Stadthalle (-) (*)
Thursday, September 28 – Offenbach, Germany – Stadthalle (-) (*)
Friday, September 29 – Tilburg, Netherlands – O13 (-)
Sunday, October 1 – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix (-)
Monday, October 2 – Luxembourg – Rockhal (-)
Tuesday, October 3 – Oberhausen, Germany – Turbinenhalle (-) (*)
Thursday, October 5 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Academy
Friday, October 6 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City
Saturday, October 7 – Glasgow, UK – Academy
Tuesday, October 10 – London, UK – Brixton Academy
Wednesday, October 11 – Manchester, UK – Apollo
Friday, October 13 – Paris, France – Olympia
Saturday, October 14 – Barcelona, Spain – Sala Apolo (-)
Sunday, October 15 – Madrid, Spain – Riviera (-)
Tuesday, October 17 – Lisbon, Portugal – Lisbon Coliseum

Rescheduled dates:
Sunday, October 22 – (Rescheduled from Wednesday, September 13) – Copenhagen, Denmark – Amager Bio
Monday, October 23 – (Rescheduled from Tuesday, September 12) – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller
Tuesday, October 24 – (Rescheduled from Monday, September 11) – Stockholm, Sweden – Klubben
Thursday October 26 – (Rescheduled from Saturday, September 9) – Helsinki, Finland – The Circus

If you’re a fan of the band’s earlier work that was nose deep nu-metal then you’ll enjoy the direction that they’ve taken on ‘Crooked Teeth’. The title track has an old school feel that combines that nostalgic, aggressive, rap-meets-rock style with a heavy beat, which even steps into a slight metalcore direction thanks to a huge breakdown.

Just like all of the band’s best tracks from the past, when vocalist Jacoby Shaddix reflects on his inner demons he sounds most himself and most visceral. ‘My Medication’ and single ‘Help’ would have sat comfortably on Lovehatetragedy. These are the only times where he really shines, with both his vocal technique and a pair of killer choruses that do their reputation proud. Not to mention the importance of opening up about the likes of addiction and mental health.

Unfortunately the rest of the album is a different story. Lyrically this is the poorest Shaddix has ever been and that’s really saying something. He regularly talks about being marginalised but never elaborates on it and they don’t ease you into their regurgitated style either, as opener ‘Break The Fall’ meshes cringe-worthy rapping and a tired riff with a forgettable chorus.

The reggae tinged ‘Born For Greatness’ is just as vomit-inducing. As commendable as it is to take a new route musically, trying sound like Imagine Dragons was never going to work out, although the chorus and riff are an aggressive combo that somewhat wins you over by the end. ‘American Dreams’ is boring and unmemorable AOR fodder and ‘Sunrise Trailer Park’, with guest vocals from Machine Gun Kelly, at the very least contains a bit of passion from Shaddix, whilst Kelly puts on a substandard performance, shunning ‘Crooked Teeth’ the chance of getting any kind of outside appeal. Elsewhere, there’s an appearance from Skylar Grey on ‘Periscope’ as Papa Roach pull all the strings to get some attention outside of their core fan base. After such collaborative and directionless tracks though, they’ll probably regret it straight after.

If Papa Roach have succeeded with one thing, it’s reminding us that they are always trying to latch onto a trend and they still can’t make it sound genuine. When Shinedown were getting big, Papa Roach started releasing metal ballads. When Skrillex was changing the game, Papa Roach were suddenly electronic lovers. ‘Crooked Teeth’ is no different as they’ve suddenly decided that they’re Kendrick Lamar meets OneRepublic. 

To some, Papa Roach will sound like America’s greatest bandwagon jumpers and to others it might feel like a genuine reinvention of the band. All in all, ‘Crooked Teeth’ is gritty, full of singalong moments and adds to the band’s consistent discography nicely but it isn’t Papa Roach’s ‘nu’ beginning… it’s their last resort.

LOUIS KERRY

Up early to beat the M1’s notorious pre-Download traffic, we hit the tarmac for the most rocking of all the UK road trips, headed to Castle Donington with excited chatter dissecting everything from Ronnie Radke to Miley Cyrus. By the time we get ourselves through the front doors via the hotel (not punk) and a small palava to get to gate B, nothing could really dampen our spirits (even the damp). Soon enough we edged our way inside, dodging the raindrops in time to catch the tail end of Rise To Remain, who were on top form. [JA]

Next, Asking Alexandria had some opinions to change, and I can’t deny they managed to be utterly brilliant live this afternoon. They have the energy, some rowdy bangers and stacks of charisma today, and they could well be headlining this stage one day if they play their cards right. [LMW]

Next up, we tussle over to the Jagermeister stage where Rob Lynch treats us to what may be a slower paced set, but it’s full of people cracking shapes and our esteemed editor even goes about topping a human pyramid. A true sight to behold that has left me feeling good about feeling bloody good. [JA]

Over on the main stage around now is Papa Roach, who are up there with the highlights of the weekend for us. This is largely down to the fact that Jacoby Shaddix is an insanely good frontman, but the rest of the band are fantastic as well. Today they crack out all the hits like they know they had to – ‘To Be Loved’, ‘Getting Away With Murder’ and then ‘Last Resort’, delivering the good in particular. The crowd lose their minds to the latter, and it’s an unbelievable moment. [LMW]

Spreading our time between dodging raindrops and catching all the rock we can get our mitts on, a triple threat of Korn, Blood Command and We Are The Ocean meets our requirements. Korn bring back the best of 00’s nostalgia and some very questionable fashion choices, but it’s fine performance from the nu metal legends, who do and should feel right at home in the Donington mud. [JA]

Despite vocals being the overly nasal side of pleasant, Blood Command dictate the Red Bull stage effortlessly today. Their brand of punkcore/deathpop madness is catchy and brilliant, and is hard not to love. Front woman Silje Tombre is every inch the leading lady: talented, dressed to perfection and oozing gothic Norwegian charm. Give it a few months and she will have the fashion pack beating down her door. On her terms, naturally. [JA]

Back to the Jagermeister stage we catch up with indie rock Londoners, We Are The Ocean, commanding a swlled large crowd with hits like ‘Runaway’ bringing huge singalongs which pump up the volume around the smaller, neon stage. They’re between dates with Muse right now so this semi acoustic jaunt must feel like a tiny slot compared to their second stage position last year and the shows either side of this, but it’s great fun nonetheless. [JA]

Topping off our night with Slipknot – oh please, as if anyone else competes! – is perfect. Enormous production and even bigger sound, the forever ninesome show no signs of ever slowing down and bring every decibel to mosh our socks off. Not too near the front, we particularly lose ourselves during Wait And Bleed, Psychosocial, disrupting our semi-static neighbours with a mosh pit of bodies who probably should know better. But just give zero shits. it’s no patch on their emotional Sonisphere 2011 closedown but this is so, so fun. [JA]

When it all comes to a halt, there is nothing left for us to do except party some more with Last Resort DJs slamming us into the early hours, and how we’re planning on sustaining this for another two days is anyone’s guess. A successful day one of Download 2013, and one to remember.

Check out an interview with the band here.

A couple of weeks ago, the legendary Papa Roach came to London to play two shows at Brixton Academy with Stone Sour. We went and hung out in their dressing room to get the lowdown on feeling festive, the end of the world and what we should expect from P-Roach in 2013.

ARE YOU PLANNING ON MAKING TONIGHT’S GIG FESTIVE?
Tobin: Well we just did a photo shoot for the fans, a little Christmas card, so we’re just giving back to our fans, a little something special for them. Not only are we handsome but we are also very charming and we do nice things. Tis the season! Onstage we have Christmas lights, reindeers, Santa, a baby in a manger, fake snow…not really.

HOW WAS LAST NIGHT’S SHOW?
T: Last night was good. It was really good. We always have great shows here in Brixton. London’s up there with the top five places to play, for sure. I’d say the other four would probably be Germany, Glasgow, Russia – we have great shows there – and then South America. Maybe Mexico, they’re very good.

WILL TONIGHT BE BETTER THAN LAST NIGHT?
T: I think so, because tonight is the last show. Ever, in the history of Papa Roach. Just kidding. In the history of Papa Roach in 2012. Before the end of the world and the zombie apocalypse. This is gonna be the last even number year show for us. Shit’s gonna get weird. We’re not really gonna be done, we’re gonna go to an island with Tupac and we’re gonna come back together in five years and take over music and we’re gonna go fucking katrillion times platinum. Tupac, P-Roach collabo. 2045.

APART FROM THE END OF THE WORLD, ARE YOU GONNA DO LOTS OF SHOWS NEXT YEAR?
T: Yeah, but we’re gonna have to teleport. Or magic carpet, whichever one seems more feasible.
J: Whichever one has less traffic. Traffic sucks.
T: We’re gonna do some festivals. I’m not sure which ones yet. Basically we’ll be where we’re at and you’re just gonna have to come join us.

YOU’RE GONNA COME BACK TO THE UK RIGHT?
T: We really really need to do a proper UK tour, like all up and down it and side to side and round and round. The last couple of times we’ve been over we’ve only done a couple of shows and we’re not proud of that. We had a talk to the man in charge, we call him God, and we said ‘Look dude, next time you put us on a UK tour we gotta do it proper’ so we’re gonna come back. We need to come to Scotland and all that shit too. I wanna do like four shows in London, small ones, big ones, medium sized ones, ones for the little people.

HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED IN WALES?
T: No, we haven’t. I’d love to play in Wales. I’ve heard that some bands do go there. They’ve got a scene there. A lot of great bands come from there. And all the best journalists come from Wales…We love Skindred. And you can surf there. Have you ever seen a whale in Wales?!

HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE COLD OVER HERE?
Jerry: This is nothing though, because we started this tour in Siberia. It was -17 there.
T: Many many years ago we did a show in Brazil, called Rock In Rio, a very decadent rock show in front of many many people, thousands and thousands, hundreds of thousands, and we flew from the hottest place to the coldest place, Helsinki in Finland. Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve done it all. We have superhuman powers.
J: Then we did the Italian Alps.
T: It was outside and it was -13. In the snow.

HOW’S ‘THE CONNECTION’ GOING DOWN LIVE?
T: It’s going down great live. We’ve played like four or five new songs off the record and all of them have been great. I mean, on this tour, we’re only playing three new songs but when we come back and do a headline tour we’ll play a shit ton, so maybe people can get on our message boards and tell us what songs they wanna hear live. Because I would like to play all of the record if possible, and if the fans really wanna hear it, then you know….

WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING TONIGHT? A MIXTURE OF ALL THE ALBUMS?
T: Yeah, we’re doing some new songs, some old songs, some cult classics. We only get 50 minutes which is very strange because we have many records and songs to choose from so we have to get all the good ones in there.
J: Hopefully it’ll sound good…
T: At least we’ll look good. That’s what we say when we don’t sound good: at least we look good.

ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE WEARING THE CHRISTMAS SWEATERS! SO HOW HAS IT BEEN TOURING WITH STONE SOUR?
T: We started a couple of weeks ago in Italy and in Germany and Switzerland and basically worked our way over here to the UK and it’s been great. We’re gonna do some more touring together in the States and yeah it’s cool. Great band, great guys. We go way back with Corey and Jim, of course, the Slipknots, and then we also go really far back with Roy because Roy used to work at the Roxy, and the first time we ever played the Roxy when I was 16 he was there and I remember him. He’s played with so many bands and we’ve crossed paths for years so it’s great.

I’D LIKE TO SWAP THE BILL SO YOU’RE HEADLINING…
T: Yeah, I’d like to do that. I’d like to play for a lot longer. Because we have a lot of songs that I’d like to play. We have many hits. Hot hits.

ANY LAST WORDS?
T: Well I’d just like to say that this is the last show of the tour and it’s gonna be an amazing show and I can’t to wait to start next year strong. And we’re gonna talk to our agent about coming to Wales! And do a proper UK tour. 2013 is a lucky year. Shit is gonna go down.

LAIS MW