Bands always talk about wanting to change up their sound from album to album, only for you to buy a record and find that it sounds pretty much the same as the last one.

So when Papa Roach announced that its sophomore album, the follow-up to the multi-platinum “Infest,” would lack many of the musical qualities that “Infest” was filled with, many didn’t take the band seriously.

But Papa Roach wasn’t kidding. “lovehatetragedy” is a far cry from “Infest” as it blends pounding rock riffs with singing and melody.

The hip-hop influence that was spread throughout “Infest” is knowhere to be found on “lovehatetragedy”.

To take whatever point that is trying to be made even further, frontman Coby Dick is now going by his birth name, Jacoby Shaddix.

With the new Papa Roach sound also comes musical maturity. Shaddix recognized the fact that though his band rode the wave of rap/rock into the mainstream, it should stay true to whatever music its writing evolves.

Instead of displaying his emotions through raps and screams, Shaddix is a full-blown singer, filling “lovehatetragedy” with lyrics about the good and the bad the world has to offer. His singing voice is as unique as his rapping voice, but sometimes lacks that catchy sound.

The high energy level that Papa Roach became known for is still evident since guitarist Jerry Horton tears up every song with razor-sharp riffs and bassist Tobin Esperance and drummer Dave Buckner lay a heavy backdrop of rocking beats and pounding rhythms.

The rock ‘n’ roll element that “lovehatetragedy” displays is something for other rock bands to take note of. Though it will take a few listens to take it all in, each song is put together perfectly, allowing for Shaddix’s array of emotions to get out.

“She Loves Me Not,” the first single from “lovehatetragedy”, harbors the only rapped verse on the entire record, as it was actually written for “Infest.” But the driving rock force in the song is a perfect example of what “lovehatetragedy” has to offer.

Other stand-out tunes such as “Code of Energy” and “Never Said It” (one of two bonus tracks) are proof that Papa Roach still has something special and that “lovehatetragedy” is a successful sound makeover.

Perhaps what is even more special is that Papa Roach took a chance. And with the spotlight it has in the music industry, that takes a lot of balls.

-Kyle Moss