"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. The track features Morse, and frontman Jacoby Shaddix stated that Morse's contribution took the song "to the next level". Morse commented on Shaddix's sobriety and stated that the collaboration aligned with the band's long-running "one life, one chance" philosophy.
Composition and lyrics According to Blabbermouth, the song mixes Papa Roach's usual energetic rock sound with the punk-style energy contributed by Morse. Shaddix described the song as urgent and direct, and 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.
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. It was co-directed by Jesse Davey and Ed Sheers.
A narrative version of the music video was released on October 31, 2025.
Track listing
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.
According to Loudwire, the song was among the 25 most-played songs on rock radio in 2025.
Personnel Credits adapted from Apple Music.
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 + Weekly chart performance for "Braindead" Chart (2025) Peakposition Germany Airplay (TopHit)63US Mainstream Rock Airplay (Billboard)1
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for "Braindead" Chart (2025) Position US Mainstream Rock Airplay (Billboard)37
References