With the release of The new studio cuts produced by David Bendeth (PARAMORE, BREAKING BENJAMIN) are solid straight across the board, proving once again that PAPA ROACH are a great band that is often unfairly lumped into the whole "rap-rock" genre by elitist critics that judge the group on the sole merit of their breakthrough single "Last Resort" from 2000's INFEST.
Of the five new songs present on the disc (Burn, One Track Mind, Kick in the Teeth, No Matter What, The Enemy), there isn't a weak link to be found as all five could easily (and will likely be) singles, and, like the currently-spinning "Kick in the Teeth" - bonafide hits.
The nine live tracks that follow are all well-played and well-recorded, but as someone that prefers proper live releases to bits-and-pieces, I can't help but feeling a bit empty.
If the band or its label had released a five-song EP of new studio cuts followed by a full live album, it would all go down easier. The way it's packaged just bugs me, and there's no getting past that, as the "concept" creates an uneasy split despite the quality of the tracks presented within.
When it comes to physical albums, I still prefer those that play as a combined whole. That said, TIME FOR ANNIHILATION is an example of a record that works better in the digital realm - able to be separated and playlisted in whatever manner the listener chooses.
THE MUSIC:
Rating: 4/5 Axes
THE PRESENTATION ("concept")
Rating: 1/5 Axes
TIME FOR ANNIHILATION... ON THE RECORD AND ON THE ROAD will be released on August 31, 2010 through Eleven Seven Music. Pre-order it here.
