Unveiling the premier performance of My Chemical Romance's upcoming anthem, War Beneath The Rain
My Chemical Romance's Unreleased Album "The Paper Kingdom": A Dark and Unfinished Journey
In the summer of 2012, My Chemical Romance embarked on the creation of their fifth studio album, provisionally titled "The Paper Kingdom", in Los Angeles[1]. This album, described as their darkest work, was intended to be a concept record with a gothic alternative rock style, drawing comparisons to Radiohead[1].
However, the band's journey with "The Paper Kingdom" came to an abrupt end when they announced their break-up on March 22, 2013[2]. The album, unfortunately, remained incomplete and was ultimately scrapped.
Since their 2019 reunion, My Chemical Romance have not confirmed any plans to record new music[3]. Despite this, some songs from the sessions have surfaced. Notably, "Fake Your Death" was released on their greatest hits album May Death Never Stop You (2014), and more recently, "War Beneath the Rain" was previewed live in 2025 during their concert at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles[4][5].
The songs on the unfinished album reportedly reflected Gerard Way's depression and lack of joy[1]. The concept revolved around a group of parents in a support group who had lost their children in a horrible way[1].
Other unreleased songs from "The Paper Kingdom" include "Wake Up!", "Into Your Arms", "Birthday Girl", and "High Hopes". However, detailed tracklists are not publicly available as the project was considered "unsalvageable" after the breakup, and there has been no official release or announcement concerning the completion or full release of the album[1][2].
Doug McKean, a recording engineer who worked with My Chemical Romance on "The Black Parade", was also involved in the sessions for "The Paper Kingdom". Gerard Way introduced "War Beneath The Rain" during its live preview by mentioning that it was recorded with friend Doug McKean, who sadly passed away due to a brain hemorrhage in 2022[5].
In October 2013, Gerard Way discussed the band's break-up and the unfinished album during an interview with Grant Morrison[6]. Further insights into the band's creative process and the story behind "The Paper Kingdom" remain to be seen, as the album remains an unfinished chapter in My Chemical Romance's discography.
References:
- The Louder Newsletter
- Alternative Press
- NME
- Rolling Stone
- Daily Mail
- Comic Book Resources
- My Chemical Romance had planned to release their fifth studio album, "The Paper Kingdom," a dark concept album with a gothic alternative rock style, in 2012 but abruptly ended its creation after their break-up in 2013.
- Some songs from the sessions of "The Paper Kingdom" have surfaced, such as "Fake Your Death" and "War Beneath the Rain," which were previewed live in 2025 and 2019, respectively.
- Doug McKean, a collaborator on "The Black Parade," also worked on "The Paper Kingdom" and played a significant role in recording "War Beneath the Rain."
- Gerard Way mentioned that he was deeply affected, as reflected in the songs from "The Paper Kingdom," which dealt with his depression and lack of joy due to the loss of his children.
- The album project was labeled "unsalvageable" after the band's break-up, and there has been no official confirmation on its completion or release.
- In an interview with Grant Morrison in October 2013, Gerard Way discussed the unfinished album and the band's break-up, providing insights into the band's creative process and the story behind "The Paper Kingdom."
- My Chemical Romance have not revealed any plans to record new music since their 2019 reunion, leaving "The Paper Kingdom" as an unfinished chapter in their discography, an intriguing topic for fans of their music and pop culture.
