P.O.D.

P.O.D.

P.O.D. is an American band from San Diego, formed in 1992. The name is an initialism of Payable on Death, a reference to the banking term “payable on death” and a name chosen to reflect the group’s Christian beliefs. The band is associated with alternative metal, alternative rock, christian metal, christian rock, metal, nu metal, rapcore and related rock and metal styles.

Formation and early years

The group’s roots go back to 1991, when Sonny Sandoval fronts the rap group Unlicensed Product, while Noah “Wuv” Bernardo, Marcos Curiel and Gabe Portillo play in the thrash metal band Eschatos. In 1992, Sandoval joins Eschatos as vocalist and the band changes its name to Payable on Death, later shortened to P.O.D. That same year, it records its first song, “Three In the Power of One”, which later appears on the debut album Snuff the Punk.

Line-up and membership

The band’s core line-up consists of vocalist Sonny Sandoval, bassist Traa Daniels, guitarist Marcos Curiel and drummer Noah “Wuv” Bernardo. Daniels joins as bassist in 1994, replacing Gabe Portillo. Jason Truby later replaces Curiel on guitar in 2003, before Curiel returns in 2006 after Truby’s departure. Verified membership details also list Gabe Portillo among the group’s members.

Recordings and label history

P.O.D. signs to Rescue Records, a label founded by Bernardo’s father, and releases Snuff the Punk, Brown and the live album Payable on Death Live between 1994 and 1997. After gaining regional attention, the band signs to Atlantic Records in 1998 and releases The Warriors EP. Its third studio album, The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, comes out in 1999 and becomes the band’s commercial breakthrough, with the singles “Southtown” and “Rock the Party (Off the Hook)”. The album is certified platinum.

Satellite follows in 2001 and becomes more commercially successful, reaching triple platinum status. It includes the singles “Alive”, “Youth of the Nation”, “Boom” and “Satellite”. “Alive” and “Youth of the Nation” both receive Grammy Award nominations, while “Portrait” is nominated in the metal category. In 2003, the band releases Payable on Death, which moves toward a more melodic metal sound and is certified gold.

Testify appears in 2006 and includes “Goodbye for Now”, featuring Katy Perry on guest vocals. Around this period, the band leaves Atlantic Records and releases the compilation Greatest Hits: The Atlantic Years. When Angels & Serpents Dance follows in 2008, after Curiel’s return. Later studio albums include Murdered Love in 2012, SoCal Sessions in 2014, The Awakening in 2015, Circles in 2018 and Veritas in 2024. Veritas is the first studio album in six years and the first without Bernardo’s participation in recording.

Style, collaborations and touring

P.O.D. is known for combining metal with hip hop, punk and reggae elements, especially on Murdered Love, which the band describes as a return to its earlier style. The group sells more than 12 million records worldwide, receives three Grammy Award nominations in total, contributes to multiple film soundtracks and tours internationally. It also continues to perform at festivals and as a supporting act for other rock bands.

Recent activity

The band marks the 20th anniversary of Satellite with a tour in 2021. During the European leg, Bernardo steps back from touring for personal reasons and is temporarily replaced in live shows by Alex Lopez, though he remains a member. In 2025, P.O.D. releases a version of “I Won’t Bow Down” featuring A.N.I.M.A.L. and a cover of “Don’t Let Me Down”. By 2026, the group is working on new material, with reports of a heavier direction influenced by extended-range guitars.