P.O.D. hardly on deathbed

Following its second album Satellite, the Christian-minded rock group P.O.D. has released another album that is surprisingly heartfelt and melodic. Using their traditional style of rap-metal-hip-hop-reggae, the band raps and sings melodies that preach morality over corruption.\nIn their third effort Payable on Death, P.O.D. is without their original guitarist Marcos Curiel, but the band has filled that spot with new ax player Jason Truby. His addition to the band has added a more laid-back feeling in both the powerful ballads and the more aggressive metal tracks. Truby's versatility is most noticeable on the ballad "Reasons" because of his use of rhythm. \nFans of P.O.D.'s other two works will take comfort in the familiar sound of the songs "Wildfire," "Will You" and "Change the World." After the first three tunes, the album slows down and becomes very mellow, which seems to illustrate the new avenue that the band is exploring with their music. "I and Identify" is the last hard-hitting song the group includes before going into the slower "Asthma" and the instrumental "Eternal."\nAlthough P.O.D. is heading in new directions from what many are used to, Payable on Death is worth a listen.