The Paper Kingdom
The Paper Kingdom (also referred to as MCR5) is an unreleased studio album by the American rock band My Chemical Romance. It would have been the band's fifth record, and followed a story about a support group of parents whose children had died. Recording began in 2012, with Doug McKean producing the album. Those who were present during the album's writing sessions described it as alternative rock and gothic-sounding.
The album's writing was highly impacted by the mental health of the band members. Gerard Way, despite his depression and lack of motivation, pushed himself to write music anyways, leading to the creation of the support group story. Other band members were unsatisfied with the album's direction. In March 2013, My Chemical Romance announced their break up, and The Paper Kingdom was scrapped.
One song from the album, "Fake Your Death", was included on their greatest hits album May Death Never Stop You (2014). Another song, "War Beneath the Rain", was played live in 2025. According to guitarist Frank Iero, most of the album was unsalvageable. It was later subject to rampant speculation throughout My Chemical Romance's fandom, believing that the band was hinting towards its release. Multiple leaks of album material also occurred, being leaked online in its entirety in 2026.
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