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POD is progressing and changing with each new album on the Atlantic label, and this latest is no exception. Payable On Death stays the course set by the band on its other releases, but takes it to its fulfillment. Sonny is now a vocalist extraordinaire and not a screamer. The other members of the band; Wuv - drums, Traa - bass, and Truby - guitars; join in on vocals and some nice harmonies and vocal gymnastics ensue. The music is big, full, moving; and the lyrics remain deeper than most other metal/hard rock fare.

Payable On Death sees the first POD lineup change in the twelve year life of the band. Marcos, the longtime guitarist for POD, is gone now, but POD lives on with the guitar playing of Jason Truby, formerly of Living Sacrifice. Truby does a good job carrying on the POD sound that Marcos developed with the rest of the band. Through most of the record Truby uses much of the same styles and sounds that were established on previous POD records, but Truby’s playing displays more technical prowess. Another  difference between the two guitarists is that Marcos brought a Spanish flavor that Truby does not duplicate. The hard rock, the metal riffs, the reggae are all there sounding good. With Truby, there are also touches of crunch and jazz that are new to the POD sound, although the presence of Phil Keaggy on the new record should be mentioned, because a lot of the new jazz touch is actually Keaggy’s. All in all, Truby is a good replacement, and will carry POD on with little if any complaining from the “warriors.” 

Tony LaFianza 11/17/2003

The mighty Payable on Death returns with their third signed album, a new guitarist and plenty more of a reggae feel in this self-titled offering on Atlantic Records.  Although the absence of Marcos is felt, Truby's musical influences seem to be bringing P.O.D. to a whole new level. Though some might have thought the guitars would be heavier (coming as they are from a veteran of Living Sacrifice,) and Sonny's more hip-hop leaning former vocal approach might be missed; all in all, the warriors have little or no reason to be disappointed with this cd. 

The use of some jazz chords combined with the same old P.O.D. heaviness shows their notorious willingness to play multidimensional music.  And play it they do, with two guest appearances by none other than Phil Keaggy on the album.  (A man considered by many to be the best guitarist alive.)  While the lyrical content has lost some of it's former Christianity, (Especially since Fundamentals,) there is still a strong showing; especially on track 10, entitled "I and Identify."  (Which quotes First Corinthians chapter 13.)  Traces of Sonny's former lyrical style also remain on track two, entitled "Will You."

With the first few thousand copies containing both the PS2 videogame "Amplitude," and one of three limited edition art cards along with the album, (which itself is enhanced with nearly an hour of DVD content,) the Warriors are definitely getting their money's worth. 

Ryan Little  11/22/03.

P.O.D. is dead, long live P.O.D.  So Marcus has gone and Truby, formerly of Living Sacrifice, is on the P.O.D. scene.  This is not new and improved, this is new and different P.O.D.  Truby leaves his mark all over these sonic booms.

San Diego’s finest are back with their latest offering, Payable on Death, and on first listen I struggled to find the P.O.D. I knew and loved.  It all just seemed a bit tame, a bit controlled.  What had happened to the P.O.D. of Southtown and Satellite?  Then I realized the problem, this needs to be cranked up to the proverbial 11 on the volume control, once engaged the greatness of this album was full in my face (or ears).

This album is less screamo and has an underlying laidback vibe almost, but is still full on.  It kicks of with the stunning ‘Wildfire’ and "Will You," the first single.  Although this is new and different, all the classic P.O.D. ingredients are here, nu metal, rapcore, reggae all in the mix, but with the added magic of probably one of the world greatest guitarists, Phil Keaggy, leaving his master musicianship all over the tracks "Revolution" and the Satriani style "Eternal" instrumental.

Other standout tracks are the reggae influenced "Execute the Sounds," "I and Identity," and the awesome "Freedom Fighters"

So after an amazing year, as well as a year of change P.O.D. continues to develop their sound.  This album deserve some quality time, it’s not gonna be an instant love thing, this is a grower; given the time you’re gonna love it.

Lyrically, God (Jah) is all over it.  P.O.D. is bringing God to the masses and on this album you don’t have to look too far to find Him.

To sum it up from "Execute the Sounds":

Ain’t no time to fake it

Execute the sounds, positive come around / Impact the sounds, positive all around

Me never have to cheat, ‘cause me already won

Long live P.O.D. Jah warriors ride on

Mark Reid 12/1/2003

P.O.D. one of the most successful bands out there. Payable on Death is P.O.D.'s third installment on Atlantic and it doesn't have the hit-making potential of Satellite. Payable on Death is an experimental project that cannot be fully understood unless listened to all the way through. With Marcos gone, the chemistry within this group isn't as solid but will get better and better the more time Truby is with them. The artwork could be better, although it's not that bad. It's not the best and it's not the worst CD. At times, it has a sell-out(er) type sound which P.O.D. didn't really have on previous releases.  One thing though, P.O.D. should easily sell at least 2 million copies of this CD  and that in its own is huge. The main thing is to keep an open mind when listening to this release.

Len Nash  12/8/2003