P.O.D. is dead, long live P.O.D. So Marcos has gone and Truby, formerly of Living Sacrifice, is on the P.O.D. scene. This is not new and improved, this is new and different P.O.D. Truby leaves his mark all over these sonic booms.
San Diego's finest are back with their latest offering, Payable on Death, and on first listen I struggled to find the P.O.D. I knew and loved. It all just seemed a bit tame, a bit controlled. What had happened to the P.O.D. of Southtown and Satellite? Then I realized the problem, this needs to be cranked up to the proverbial 11 on the volume control, once engaged the greatness of this album was full in my face (or ears).
This album is less screamo and has an underlying laidback vibe almost, but is still full on. It kicks off with the stunning 'Wildfire' and "Will You," the first single. Although this is new and different, all the classic P.O.D. ingredients are here, nu metal, rapcore, reggae all in the mix, but with the added magic of probably one of the world's greatest guitarists, Phil Keaggy, leaving his master musicianship all over the tracks "Revolution" and the Satriani style "Eternal" instrumental.
Other standout tracks are the reggae influenced "Execute the Sounds," "I and Identify," and the awesome "Freedom Fighters"
So after an amazing year, as well as a year of change P.O.D. continues to develop their sound. This album deserves some quality time, it's not gonna be an instant love thing, this is a grower; given the time you're gonna love it.
Lyrically, God (Jah) is all over it. P.O.D. is bringing God to the masses and on this album you don't have to look too far to find Him.
To sum it up from "Execute the Sounds":
Ain't no time to fake it
and
Execute the sounds, positive come around / Impact the sounds, positive all around
and
Me never have to cheat, 'cause me already won
So let your hair down, crank it up to 11, P.O.D. is in the house. Enjoy!!
Long live P.O.D. Jah warriors ride on
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis January 2004Reviewed by Nate BaileySo the big question has been, will the line-up change produce changes in the sound? Well I don't know what role the new ex-guitarist of Living Sacrifice has had in song writing, but things are just about the same. Their progression from rap-core to more of a power rock with singing/rap vocals continues. Being fairly similar to "Satellite," this release has some catchy songs, but also a whole lot…The Phantom Tollbooth 2004Reviewed by Dr. Bruce L. ThiessenP.O.D. has more than one good reason to approach their Meteora World Tour with unshakable confidence and effervescent enthusiasm. P.O.D. and Linkin Park will undoubtedly strike the world with a double whammy as they tour together with the unbridled, unrivaled force of dual rocket engines. P.O.D. blows so many first-decade bands out of the water with their fresh fusion of reggae, hardcore metal…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaPOD is progressing and changing with each new album on the Atlantic label, and this latest is no exception. Payable On Death stays the course set by the band on its other releases, but takes it to its fulfillment. Sonny is now a vocalist extraordinaire and not a screamer. The other members of the band; Wuv - drums, Traa - bass, and Truby - guitars; join in on vocals and some nice harmonies and…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Ryan LittleThe mighty Payable on Death returns with their third signed album, a new guitarist and plenty more of a reggae feel in this self-titled offering on Atlantic Records. Although the absence of Marcos is felt, Truby's musical influences seem to be bringing P.O.D. to a whole new level. Though some might have thought the guitars would be heavier (coming as they are from a veteran of Living Sacrifice,)…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Len NashP.O.D. one of the most successful bands out there. Payable on Death is P.O.D.'s third installment on Atlantic and it doesn't have the hit-making potential of Satellite. Payable on Death is an experimental project that cannot be fully understood unless listened to all the way through. With Marcos gone, the chemistry within this group isn't as solid but will get better and better the more time…Similar sounding releases
200412 StonesPotter's Field
2004BlindsideAbout A Burning Fire
2002Our Lady PeaceGravity
2002KutlessKutless
2003Radial AngelOne More Last Time
2004EarshotTwoMore from P.O.D.
1999The Fundamental Elements of Southtown
1996Brown
1999The Warriors EP
2002Still Payin' Dues (Video)
1997Live At Tomfest
1993Payable On Death (1993)
