Braindead (Papa Roach song)
2025 single by Papa Roach featuring Toby Morse
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"Braindead" is a single by American rock band Papa Roach featuring guest vocals from Toby Morse of the hardcore punk band H2O. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in October 2025.
| "Braindead" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Papa Roach featuring Toby Morse | ||||
| Released | June 25, 2025 | |||
| Genre | Rap metal[1] | |||
| 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 | ||||
Background
The single was released on June 25, 2025. It followed a UK tour including a performance at Wembley Arena and cover features in Kerrang! and Metal Hammer. It was released alongside a lyric video, with the band later announcing that a full music video would follow in July 2025. The song is set to appear on the band's upcoming album.[2] The track features Morse, and frontman Jacoby Shaddix stated that Morse's contribution took the song "to the next level".[3] Morse commented on Shaddix's sobriety and stated that the collaboration aligned with the band's long-running "one life, one chance" philosophy.[4]
Composition and lyrics
According to Blabbermouth, the song mixes Papa Roach's usual energetic rock sound with the punk-style energy contributed by Morse.[2] Shaddix described the song as urgent and direct, stating it was intended as a call to wake up before it's too late. He and Morse both connected the song's message to the band's long-standing "one life, one chance" philosophy.[5]
Music video
The original music video premiered on August 1, 2025. It depicts Shaddix confined in an institution under restraint, intercut with the band performing in a padded cell. Morse appears for a cameo, which he described as his first acting experience.[1] It was co-directed by Jesse Davey and Ed Sheers.[6]
A narrative version of the music video was released on October 31, 2025.[7]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Jacoby Shaddix, Tobin Esperance, Anthony Esperance, including additional noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Braindead (feat. Toby Morse)" (Explicit) | 3:11 | |
| 2. | "Even If It Kills Me" | 3:32 | |
| 3. | "Even If It Kills Me (Reimagined)" |
| 2:54 |
| Total length: | 9:38 | ||
Notes
- Track 1 is stylized in all caps.
Chart performance
Personnel
Credits adapted from Apple Music.[11]
Papa Roach
- Jacoby Shaddix – lead vocals, songwriter
- Jerry Horton – guitar
- Tobin Esperance – bass, songwriter
- Tony Palermo – drums
Additional musicians
- Toby Morse – guest vocals, songwriter
- Anthony Esperance - guitar, songwriter
Additional credits
- lil aaron - songwriter
- Papa Roach – producer
- Colin Brittain – producer, songwriter
- Kevin McCombs – engineer
- Neal Avron – mixing engineer
- Emerson Mancini – mastering engineer
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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