The wait for a solid studio album from these boys is finally over. While many have recognized them as a killer live band, they had yet to lay down some sounds that did it on a sonic level. While The Warriors EP was a wonderful step up, this full-length (16 tracks!) does the band that sweet justice us fans have been craving. I'm happy to report that my assumption about the new versions of "Full Colour," "Draw The Line" and "Breathe Babylon" probably being included on this album (in my review of The Warriors EP in HM #78) has proved to be false. This makes The Warriors EP all the more an essential collector's item. True to their style, P.O.D. gives us a wide spectrum of their style and influences. The most notable departure from hardcore intensity is "Set Your Eyes To Zion," which really lays down the reggae vibe. Even though the thought of reggae may turn some off, the band is so stinkin' tight and in the pocket that any music appreciate-r cannot help but be impressed. Included in the "...Zion" lyrics are a lot of buzzwords that are prevalent in the Rasta scene. This song might act as an effective witness into that misguided sect. Other noticeable moments of musical dynamics are the drum sounds in "Bullet The Blue Sky." They are incredible. And the hidden bonus track has a killer tribal percussion sound that starts the song off. The biggest highlights and songs that grip my throat as if they didn't want to let go are the back-to-back slugfests known as "Hollywood" and "Southtown." The riffs and building groove hold you tight and knock you around at the same time. Tunes like "Image" and "Outkast" don't let up on the heaviness, either. The tune "Freestyle," with its appropriate vocal delivery, shows off the band's fine ability to incorporate a sonic hook that pulls in a wider audience only to pummel them over the head with the chorus. Anyone wondering if these guys would water down their message will soon find that their fears were unfounded. This album lays it down, just like the band's previous material. Just like the music, the lyrics are real and passionate. P.O.D. has, in my opinion, just passed another very important test in their musical journey. May they remain faithful to the Lord that has blessed them so (and may we remain faithful in praying for them).
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Timothy Paul YenterPayable on Death has done more than prove itself in the world of Christian music--it has proven it can hold its own in the secular world as well. Unlike most Christian bands (especially hardcore, punk and ska), P.O.D. has kept up with mainstream bands in musical ability. In fact, P.O.D. has actually set the standard for the rapcore genre, much like Rage Against the Machine did in the mid to late…Bandoppler 1999Reviewed by John SantThis is the best album of the year to date, hard music wise, hands down. The perfect balance of heaviness and flat out slam-you-in-your-face brutality, combined with the best musicianship and sickest hooks to come out of my speakers in a long time. I'll try to write words that'll give you a good picture of this CD, but it's hard... Payable on Death has not sold out on this album, they've grown up…Exit Zine 1999Reviewed by John SantWithout question, this album is one of the best that I have heard in a long while. The Fundamental Elements contains some of the sickest hooks and best musicianship in the hard music arena this year. Their style has changed a bit, but it's not a bad thing; quite good actually. Imagine what would result from POD being thrown into a blender with a far more mature and talented POD, as well as the…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Joe RockstrohThe debut mainstream album by P.O.D. is here. In a summer dominated by Limp Bizkit and Kid Rock's rock/hip-hop styling, the window of opportunity for P.O.D. is wide open. To whom much is given, much is expected. P.O.D. has always had the right tools: tight musicianship, diverse influences, and good vocals. But they insist on diddling with their songs' structures, adding and deleting distracting…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaThis is POD's finest record. Traa, bass, and Wuv, drums, are fabulous and funky. Marcos' guitars are full and striking. Sonny's strong suit is in concert, he's a great showman, but Sonny's vocals have never been better on record than here on The Fundamental Elements of Southtown. The excitement erupts on almost every track. The song writing, and the hard hitting music, and the affected/effective…Similar sounding releases
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