Braindead (Papa Roach song)
| "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 | ||||
"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.
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
It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart on October 4, 2025, their twelfth song to do so. For Morse, it's his first No. 1 appearance on a Billboard chart as a solo artist.[9]
According to Loudwire, the song was among the 25 most-played songs on rock radio in 2025.[10]
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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References
- ^ a b Adams, Gregory (August 1, 2025). "See Jacoby Shaddix Get Institutionalized in Papa Roach's New Video for "Braindead"". Revolver. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ a b "Papa Roach Releases New Single 'Braindead' Featuring Toby Morse Of H2O". Blabbermouth. June 24, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Wookubus (June 24, 2025). "Papa Roach Premiere New Track "Braindead" Featuring Toby Morse Of H2O". ThePRP. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Garner, Emily (June 25, 2025). "'A call to wake up before it's too late': Papa Roach and Toby Morse drop new collab, Braindead". Kerrang!. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ "Papa Roach Return With Blistering Single 'Braindead'". Rock Sound. June 25, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Wookubus (August 1, 2025). "Papa Roach Premiere "Braindead" Music Video Featuring H2O's Toby Morse". ThePRP. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Wookubus (October 31, 2025). "Papa Roach Release 'Narrative Version' Of Their "Braindead" Music Video". ThePRP. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ "BRAINDEAD (feat. Toby Morse) - Single by Papa Roach - Spotify". Spotify. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
- ^ a b Rutherford, Kevin (September 26, 2025). "Papa Roach Hits Milestone Among Acts With Most No. 1s on Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Childers, Chad (December 31, 2025). "The 25 Most Played Songs on Rock Radio in 2025". Loudwire. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ "Braindead (feat. Toby Morse) – Papa Roach". Apple Music. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ "Top Radio Hits Germany Weekly Chart: October 2, 2025". TopHit. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ "Papa Roach Chart History (Rock & Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ "Mainstream Rock Airplay Songs – Year-End 2025". Billboard. Retrieved January 6, 2026.