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26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
When Bands & Guitarists Reunite, April 8, 2008
Who would have thought that God's favorite rap-rock band, a band which sold millions of records during a very short lived trend, had both the courage and the ability to evolve? On their seventh full-length effort, P.O.D. reunite with original guitarist Marcos Curiel (who was ousted from the band in early 2003) and boldy go where they have never gone before. Shedding their nu-metal skin completely, P.O.D. have managed to serve up their most mature, most soulful, and most unique effort to date.
First things first: this is not the same P.O.D. you rocked on your discman in high school. To be blunt, if you are expecting a return to the golden "Satellite" era, you will be sorely disappointed. The hip-hop element has almost dissolved and given way to a much more original sound. Like Linkin Park's "Minutes To Midnight," but to a lesser extent, "When Angels & Serpents Dance" shows a band who doesn't want to remain a relic of a faded genre. Take a few listens to this album with an open mind, and you're likely to agree that this is the best thing they have done since 2001.
The whole album sounds centered around the return of Curiel, and it's a welcome breath of fresh air. Marcos' riffing is what originally defined the band, and he effortlessly carries the band into progression. Songs like "Shine With Me," "Condescending" and "Rise Against" are his stage and are likely to please even the most jaded of fans. Elsewhere, the band as a whole takes giant leaps towards a new sound. "It Can't Rain Everyday" is an example of the refined melodic sense the band gained on 2006's "Testify," taking P.O.D,'s sound in an unexpected direction. There are all sorts of little surprises like that one peppered through the album. "Roman Empire" is the best instrumental the band has created to date -- simply gorgeous. "God Forbid," which features the voice of Helmet, Page Hamilton, is the grungiest P.O.D. have gone to date, while "Kaliforn-Eye-A" delivers a deliciously decadent blast of hardcore with Suicidal Tendencies' Mike Muir in tow. Simply put, there's plenty of variety to be found and not a band song among the bunch.
Sure, this isn't the P.O.D. you are used to. Yes, it definitely takes a few spins (and some really good speakers) to appreciate, but it's hardly a disappointment or a step backwards for anyone willing to give it a chance. If anything, P.O.D. have ensured that they have a bold future ahead of them. They have managed to rid themselves of a trendy stigma without giving way to convention. What more could you ask for?
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat Safe, but Satisfying, April 22, 2008
Back in the day, when P.O.D. was singing about "Babylon" and being an "Outcast," I became a fan. I was already on the bandwagon when "Satellite" hit the streets on 9/11, and I was thrilled to see these guys get the attention they deserved. They've never been the deepest of lyricists, nor the most amazing musicians, but they've had a heart and soul I could not deny. They seemed to relate to everyday people. They wore their faith on their sleeves, while never cramming it down our throats.
"When Angels and Serpents Dance" is a return to form as well as a step toward new things. There's a cohesiveness here, with Marcos back in the mix, that was missing from the grittier "Testify" and the artsy "P.O.D." The words are still somewhat standard form, but true to the Southtown vibe. The music ranges from mild rapcore to melodic to bits of orchestration. As a longtime fan, I'm happy with the overall result. I wouldn't call this their best album, but I can certainly listen to it numerous times without needing to skip over any tracks. The mellower tunes are still catchy, and there are some unexpected rhythm changes in other songs.
If you're a fan, this is good stuff, though not their best stuff ever. It's nearly an hour of music. It might be more accessible to those who have not yet hopped on board. I hope the next disk pushes the limit on all edges, giving us unrestrained passion. I don't regret buying this one, though. I'm glad to see P.O.D still rocking through their second decade together. Keep rockin' from the big S.D.!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
When Serpents and Angels Dance, April 9, 2008
When you hear Marcos' familiar guitar picking guitar riff style you'll realize how incomplete they have been since Satellite. No disrepect to Truby who filled in just fine in the self titled record and sort of found his place in Testify but Marcos has always been the soul behind Sonny's stone cold truth-filled lyrics. This isn't any more apparent then when you reach "It can't rain every day" and if you don't feel a lump in your throat then you may be a cyborg. I'd get that checked out if I were you.
What you won't get is a retread of Satellites most popular sounds. The record is surprisingly ballad heavy but don't be afraid, I don't mean bland ballads like their previous "let you down" where Truby just slept through that song with generic drop d tuning. Marcos backs up Sonny's ernest vocals with a guitar lead that speaks with every note, never dull, and always intriguing to the ears. Just when you think they can't top themselves they hit us with "the end of the world" which is a certifide concert closer if I ever heard one. P.O.D. has put their ears to the ground and are saying what all of us have been thinking for so long.
Those looking for something a little louder won't be left in the cold. "Kaliforn-Eye-A" brings the head bobbin grooves with a little bit of dare I say old school Chilli Peppers thrown in with some classic screaming. They also fare much better on their more radio friendly rock tunes "Condescending" and "Shine with me" again sighting Marcos more unique guitar stylings bringing every song to that extra level making them much more than they could have been. No P.O.D. record is complete without a nod to their love for Bob Marley Reggae style music and "I'll be ready" even manages to put a neat twist on that sound.
Perhaps "rise against" was one ballad too many but who am I to complain? P.O.D. is complete again. The record doesn't dissapoint if you are willing to give your heart to the record instead of focusing on simply banging your head. I can't wait to hear it all live on their next tour. It's not what you expected; its even better.
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