The infectious rap-rock collaboration is back. But this time around fans of Papa Roach’s major-label debut may be a little surprised to find a new crowd at its concerts.

Its latest effort, “lovehatetragedy,” has a more radio-friendly, rock ’n‘ roll edge to it.

Singer Jacoby Shaddix focuses more on his singing than rapping and screaming the pain away like he used to. His voice has matured into a down-tuned and melodic, yet still profoundly captivating and emotional segment of P-Roach.

The lyrical content also has slightly shifted away from the enraged high school kid’s journal of abuse, applying more references to current relationships with life, the lonely road and the unforgiving world.

Even the catchy guitar riffs which thrust P-Roach into the spotlight have settled down mildly.

Take a listen to the opening of “Decompression Period.” You can tell it’s P-Roach, yet it sounds a little different - but that’s not a bad thing.

The music should progress, evolve and continually change in order for it to succeed in the uncertain music industry. It’s simply Darwinism.

“Life is a Bullet,” struggles with the complexities of life which tears everything apart, loathing what it can do to a person. “Life is a bullet/The bloodstains prove it/I’m in love with too many things/And I hate everything.”

“Born With Nothing, Die With Everything” is a contagious song which hooks you in and never lets go, while the title track brushes against the emotion and impact of Sept. 11.

If you’re looking for some older P-Roach, small glimpses can be heard on the screeching “Singular Indestructible Droid” and the only song with Shaddix rapping, “She Loves Me Not.”

Another song which stands out is “Black Clouds.” It displays the symbolic and beautiful side of P-Roach’s sound, with lyrics: “My emotions are storming/And tears fall just like rain/Pain strikes like lightning/Despair is becoming my friend.”

Regardless of whether its new approach can keep hard-core fans interested, the album will definitely capture new ones and captivate the dedicated fans who care more about the music than the image.

Even the “Black Clouds” that have shadowed this difficult year and the risk of pursuing songs that diverge stylistically, can’t stop Papa Roach from shinning through.