POD 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 vocal gymnastics ensue. The music is big, full, moving; and the lyrics remain deeper than most other metal/hard rock fare.
Payable On Death sees the first POD lineup change in the twelve year life of the band. Marcos, the longtime guitarist for POD, is gone now, but POD lives on with the guitar playing of Jason Truby, formerly of Living Sacrifice. Truby does a good job carrying on the POD sound that Marcos developed with the rest of the band. Through most of the record Truby uses much of the same styles and sounds that were established on previous POD records, but Truby's playing displays more technical prowess. Another difference between the two guitarists is that Marcos brought a Spanish flavor that Truby does not duplicate. The hard rock, the metal riffs, the reggae are all there sounding good. With Truby, there are also touches of crunch and jazz that are new to the POD sound, although the presence of Phil Keaggy on the new record should be mentioned, because a lot of the new jazz touch is actually Keaggy's. All in all, Truby is a good replacement, and will carry POD on with little if any complaining from the "warriors."
4 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 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 Mark ReidP.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…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
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1993Payable On Death (1993)
1996Brown
1997Live At Tomfest
2002Still Payin' Dues (Video)
1999The Fundamental Elements of Southtown
1999The Warriors EP
