Christian rockers are back

In their fourth major label release, Testify, P.O.D., reaches back to its roots only to expand and improve on their already unique sound. Through their fusion of reggae and rock, this Christian rock group continues to showcase its ability to change styles and yet still remain true to themselves. This time, however, P.O.D. tries something a little different and strays from the formula of most rock albums by including guest vocalists on three of the songs, a trait commonly found on hip-hop and rap albums. \nTestify showcases a nice blend of songs ranging from some harder metal to the rap and reggae songs that have helped to create P.O.D.'s image. \nLong time fans of the band, aka "The Warriors," will notice that this album contains songs that pay tribute to selections from their first album, The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, while also including some similar melodies to those on their most recent full length record, Payable on Death. While many of the songs on Southtown and Death were catchy, most lacked the appealing hooks found throughout Testify.\nThe album starts off with "Roots in Stereo" featuring Matisyahu (a Jewish reggae musician), which is a track with a rock/reggae ambience to it and serves as an exciting way to kick off the album. The song "Lights Out" has a tight beat with the accompaniment of a heavy guitar riff, while the first single on the album "Goodbye for Now," has a slower tempo and features a very deep and inspiring message.\n"Mistakes and Glories" is one of the hardest hitting songs on the album due to an unrelenting wall of sound that is constantly being produced by the guitars and drums. The song also features a very hip guitar solo with an almost Middle Eastern feel.\n"On the Grind" features three guest vocalists, the Boo-Yaa Tribe, Sick Jacken and Amy Terrin and starts out with a hip-hop feel until the chorus where the harmonization begins and the beat becomes more melodic and smooth. The addition of female vocalist (Terrin) to the song adds a nice flavor to the chorus and her voice compliments the other vocalists nicely. \nCut number 11, "Strength of My Life" features Matisyahu again and has a laid back reggae feel. "Mark My Words" closes out the album with a return to a fuller heavy metal guitar sound and a faster tempo.\nTestify is a great blend of all of the different genres of music that P.O.D. normally incorporates in their music. The songs range on the spectrum from heavy metal, to rap and reggae, which serves to make this a very unique album that won't bore the listener after a few listens. While it may not be their best album, Testify contains some great songs that showcase the varied musical talents of P.O.D.