Saturday, July 14, 2012

P.O.D., 'MURDERED LOVE' - ALBUM REVIEW

Hard Rock veterans, P.O.D., are back with a vengeance on new album Murdered Love


Source: Razor & Tie

Being away for 4 years in the music industry may be a negative happeneing  for some bands, then there's P.O.D.  Taking time off from touring and recording proved to be a renewing experience for the band.  The new album Murdered Love is full of heavy riffs, feel good harmonies, and lyrics of truth; while showing that P.O.D. is fully clicking on all cylinders and have that youthful energy heard on their earlier albums.  I've been a fan of the band ever since I heard The Fundamental Elements Of Southtown back around 1999.  I have followed and loved P.O.D. no matter what and throughout every album.  My review will for sure be bias, but I'm not compromising.  

Murdered Love is what every die-hard P.O.D. fan has been wanting for years now; a return to the energy and grit that P.O.D. has always been known for.  The guitars feel refreshingly raw and there's a huge level of energy on the album.  Murdered Love covers every style of music that the band has played over their illustrious 20+ year career; everything from rock, to punk, hip-hop, to hardcore, funk, and some old school reggae mixed in too.  While I have loved every P.O.D. album, The Fundamental Elements Of Southtown, Satellite, Snuff the Punk and Brown have been my personal favorites.  Each P.O.D. album has something special about it and Murdered Love reminds me of all of those classic albums, while proving to be remarkably fresh and innovative.  Sonny raps on nearly every song and I find myself convinced that I'm listening to their  earlier records.  

Murdered Love is the perfect summer jam (and all year round) with many of the songs having a Cali sound that is undeniable, especially on tracks like "West Coast Rock Steady" and "Bad Boy."  There are elements of old school Snuff the Punk and Brown era P.O.D. in the songs "Bad Boy" and "Panic & Run."  There are also songs such as "Murdered Love," "I Am," "West Coast Rock Steady," and "On Fire" that are reminiscent of The Fundamental Elements of Southtown.  Tracks such as "Higher," "Babylon The Murderer," and "Eyez" really remind me of Satellite as well.  "Beautiful" is one of my personal favorite songs off of the new album with, perhaps, my favorite lyrics on the album as well, 
        
        "too weak too weary to try
          too angry inside, well so am I
          I'm all alone with nobody else
          so in need of help, I keep reminding myself that
          life is beautiful..."

"Beautiful" is one of the best songs I've heard in quite some time and has become an anthem for me to press on in times of struggle.  Guest appearances have always been a staple of P.O.D. and there are no shortage of them here.  Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed lends his screams to the song "Eyez" and former Testify guest vocalist Sick Jacken of Psycho Realm appears on the title track "Murdered Love;" one of the band's most powerful songs, telling of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  Then there's the Cali anthem "West Coast Rock Steady," which perfectly features a guest appearance by Sen Dog of Cypress Hill.  This is another highlight on Murdered Love and one that covers P.O.D.'s roots, as well as, the journey that they have been on in the last 20+ years.  "Babylon The Murderer" is a heavy, reggae song that harks back to the Satellite days, while being a tune that you can really bang your head to.  "Higher" is very reminiscent of "Alive," both being a proclamation of faith and telling how life is a gift that should not be taken for granted.  "Bad Boy" is a funk track that inhabits the older P.O.D. sound with an infectious, new groove, as well.  "Higher" and "Bad Boy" have such a feel good vibe to them that you may easily find yourself in a good mood while listening to these tracks.  Any fans that have been craving a throw back to The Fundamental Elements Of Southtown will be ecstatic when hearing the song "I Am."  Conceivably one of P.O.D.'s most powerful, moving, and heaviest tracks to date, "I Am" is a song of redemption and hope, while featuring Marcos' signature clean, delayed, guitar!!!  The Japanese bonus track "Find a Way" is a motivational song with a big time chorus, sick rap in the bridge, and a sound very reminiscent of Satellite or Testify.  

All in all, Murdered Love is hands down one of my top favorite P.O.D. albums, mixing together all of the elements and styles that P.O.D. has always been known for.  One of the things that really blew me away on the album (and makes it feel old school) was the background talking mixed into the songs, e.g.,  the end of "Bad Boy" or the beginning  of "I Am" (the beginning mic check from Sonny reminds me of "Checkin Levels").  Murdered Love is an album of hope and faith, while showing that P.O.D. has stuck to their roots and have broken new ground in the process.


Rating: 5/5 Stars
Purchase Murdered Love from payableondeath.com, Best Buy, Amazon , or iTunes.

Track Listing:


  1. Eyez (featuring Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed)
  2. Murdered Love (featuring Sick Jacken of Psycho Realm)
  3. Higher
  4. Lost in Forever
  5. West Coast Rock Steady (featuring Sen Dog of Cypress Hill)
  6. Beautiful
  7. Babylon the Murderer
  8. On Fire
  9. Bad Boy
  10. Panic & Run
  11. I Am
  12. Find a Way (Japanese Bonus Track)

Sunday, May 20, 2012

P.O.D. 'Murdered Love' Pre-Order Bundles Announced

P.O.D. has announced pre-order bundles for their upcoming album Murdered Love, set to be released July 10th. There's three different sets of bundles to choose from; Just The Music Bundle, Shirt Bundle, and Warrior Bundle. P.O.D.'s newsletter states, "All tiers will come with a CD, album digital download and an instant download of the song "Lost In Forever." "  
Source: Razor & Tie

It looks like the big difference between the Warrior bundle and the other two is the Murdered Love jersey and the SIGNED album artwork lithograph.  

Murdered Love pre-orders can be purchased from www.payableondeath.com.

P.O.D. Release Music Video For "Lost In Forever (Scream)," Set To Sci-Fi Theme

California rockers P.O.D. have released the music video for their first single "Lost In Forever (Scream)" off of their upcoming Razor & Tie debut, Murdered Love. The sci-fi themed music video, directed by Spence Nicholson, made its premier on Vevo and has already hit the 300,00 views mark on Youtube.  The music video for "Lost In Forever (Scream)" can be viewed below:




Purchase "Lost in Forever (Scream)" on Amazon or iTunes.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

LOVE AND DEATH, ‘CHEMICALS EP’ – ALBUM REVIEW

With a new band name, Brian 'Head' Welch returns with Chemicals EP which contains his heaviest and most melodic collection in some time.
Source: Loudwire.com
Ex-Korn guitarist, Brian 'Head' Welch, has been busy working on an upcoming album due out before the end of 2012. He and fellow bandmates recently re-branded their band with the name Love and Death and decided to go the EP route and releaseChemicals EP, which was a smart and much appreciated move for the fans that are itching to get a listen to new material from the band.
Chemicals EP signals a positive direction for Brian Welch. Brian 'Head' Welch's solo debut was a mammoth release and a solid album, but this new material just feels more polished and heavier. Everything just seems fresh and the bandmates have now become a band on this EP. Chemicals EP comes in strong with the pounding first track "Paralyzed." Fans of Welch's early days will be happy to hear that this song is immediately reminiscent of Brian's Korn days as seen on the opening riff. With what may be Welch's heaviest song in years, "Paralyzed" delivers on every level. Lyrically the track is powerful and Brian has never sounded better vocally, either. "Paralyzed" also reaches new grounds on a melodic level, packing a monstrous chorus.
A surprising cover of Devo's "Whip It" makes this EP remarkably unique. Featuring Matt Baird of Spoken, "Whip It" combines a catchy hook with heavy guitars and powerful screams. The band's latest radio single "Chemicals" is the third track on the EP, standing as another impressive new track for the band. The intro is heavy once again, with driving percussion and low tuned guitars. Brian's signature distorted tremolo guitar is also beautifully present on this song. The verses feel fresh and new, while each chorus sounds huge and melodic. The guitars on the chorus have a level of depth that is a staple of Welch's signature sound. The song ends with a Korn-like riff that is another welcomed heavy moment for the band.
The EP is finished off with two impressive remixes of "Paralyzed" and "Chemicals" that add a level of depth to the EP. While I wish the EP had one more new track, Chemicals EP is a brilliant taste of Love and Death's future endeavors and a much needed release for hard rock music.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Purchase Chemicals EP on Amazon or iTunes.

P.O.D. Releases New Song "Eyez" Featuring Jamey Jasta For Free Download, New Album Entitled 'Murdered Love'


Southtown rockers P.O.D. have released the first track, entitled "Eyez," off of their upcoming album, available for free on their website www.payableondeath.com and on their YouTube channel (The P.O.D. Channel). The new song features vocals from Jamey Jasta (lead singer of Hatebreed) and is a hard-hitting throwback to the early days of P.O.D.
According to Blabbermouth.net, the new album, boldly named Murdered Love, is being produced by Howard Benson (Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry) who also worked on the band's Satellite record. Murdered Love is the much anticipated follow up to the 2008 album When Angels & Serpents Dance. The album is slated for a July 10th release. The new song "Eyez" from P.O.D.'s YouTube channel can be seen below:

P.O.D., ‘LOST IN FOREVER (SCREAM)’ – SONG REVIEW


The band that brought the world hits such as "Southtown," "Alive," and "Youth of the Nation," is back, and in a big way. It's been nearly 4 years since P.O.D. released the album When Angels & Serpents Dance which welcomed back founding member Marcos Curiel on guitar and saw the band on INO/Columbia records. Since then P.O.D. has released a demo track entitled "On Fire," leaked a new song "Eyez" from their upcoming album, as well as moving on to a new label; Razor & Tie. Along with joining the label the band has finished a brand new album, entitled Murdered Love, after reuniting with producer Howard Benson (Three Doors Down, Kelly Clarkson) who also worked on the band's hugely successful Satellite album.
Source: Loudwire.com
The first single off of Murdered Love is notably named "Lost In Forever (Scream)" and is a welcome progression for the South San Diego rockers. For years, die hard fans have been eagerly awaiting a return to P.O.D.'s older sound seen in previous albums such as 1999's The Fundamental Elements of Southtown and 2001's Satellite. While the 2008 album When Angels & Serpents Dance was a powerful record, there was a raw sound that was clearly missing from the album. "Lost In Forever (Scream)" brings back the raw, edgy sound that die hard fans have been craving and shows that P.O.D. is still in the game. The song bares a striking resemblance to their Satellite album's title-track "Satellite," containing elements of older and newer P.O.D. which feels classic and progressive at the same time. There is a distinctively new sound here mixed in with the old which features Marcos' classic distorted guitar licks with drummer Wuv's technical, yet perfectly fitting beats. Even Marcos' open string galloping makes a welcomed return on the new track. The vocals on the song are also where older P.O.D. meets the bands newer sound. Vocalist Sonny Sandoval chooses to sing rather than rap, while he truly shines on "Lost In Forever (Scream)," displaying raw vocal talent. The verses have a refreshing vocal edge to them where Sonny finely walks the line between rapping and singing. The vocals and lyrics are passionately delivered (as always) while bassist Traa brings noticeable body to the track. The choruses are big and catchy as well, which seems to hark back to the essence of "Alive." The single honestly feels like older P.O.D. and has an airy, full sound (complete with plenty of signature P.O.D. background effects) which is reminiscent of the Satellite days.
The theme of "space" seems to be prevalent on "Lost In Forever (Scream)" as well as in P.O.D.'s promo pictures, showing a possible link to the band's Satellite era. "Lost In Forever (Scream)" is a perfect blend of old and new P.O.D. while still managing to sound fresh and relevant. Murdered Love promises to have a good mix of heavy and melodic songs and if "Lost In Forever (Scream)" is any indication of the melodic side of the new album, then the July 10th release date will not come fast enough.


Rating: 4/5 Stars
Purchase "Lost in Forever (Scream)" on Amazon or iTunes.

SHINEDOWN, ‘AMARYLLIS’ – ALBUM REVIEW

In a world where bands are deserting the sound that brought them notoriety, artists that stay true to who they are have become scarce. Shinedown is one of those bands that have stayed true to their roots over the years. From their debut album Leave a Whisper to their latest release Amaryllis, Shinedown has continued to deliver quality rock for our listening enjoyment.


Source: Shinedown.com


Being nearly 4 years since Jacksonville-based Shinedown released The Sound of Madness, one was bound to be curious what their fourth studio album would sound like. Produced by Rob Cavallo (Green DayParamoreMy Chemical Romance),Amaryllis is classic Shinedown from the opening guitar and drum riffs of "Adrenaline" to the beautiful acoustic guitar arpeggios of "Through the Ghost." This album flows extremely well, while serving up a collection of agressive, emotion-driven, and catchy tracks. Hard rock anthems reminiscent of "Fly from the Inside" and "Sound of Madness" are still here in the songs "Adrenaline," the lead-single "Bully," and "My Name (Wearing Me Out)."
Tunes such as the title track "Amaryllis," "Unity," and "Miracle" continue the same formula as Shinedown's previous rock-ballad songs such as "Second Chance" and "If You Only Knew." There is even a collection of less mainstream rock tracks on the new album, particularly the eerie "I'm Not Alright" and "Nowhere Kids." However, the award for standout track on this album should be given to the song "For My Sake." Shinedown has brought back the deep and hauntingly honest sound of "Burning Bright" along with the motivation-driven lyrical stylings of "In Memory" to the entire track of "For My Sake." The rock-driven intro, the soul-searching verses, the powerful rock choruses, and the truly incredible outro all make "For My Sake" one of the best Shinedown songs to date. Don't get me wrong, "For My Sake" feels brand new while still containing elements of the same sound that the band has made popular for years. The song ends with what just might be one of the most honest and powerful statements ever sung by lead singer Brent Smith,"I'm never lookin' back, for my sake."
Amidst the punishing rock anthems there is a welcomed softer side to Shinedown as seen in the piano and guitar solo driven "I'll Follow You" and the acoustic brilliance that is "Through The Ghost." These tracks add a level of depth and body to the album while being far from fillers. Lyrics such as, "So many silent sorrows you'll never hear from again / And now that you lost tomorrow, is yesterday still a friend? / All the bridges that we built will burn / Not a single lesson was learned / Everything that mattered is just / A city of dust / Covering both of us" illustrate the haunting honesty of "Through the Ghost" and show off the sheer songwriting talent of Shinedown.
Although I wish that the album was longer, Amaryllis is honestly a great rock record. It is the record that Shinedown has worked towards all these years, serving as their The Joshua Tree, so to speak. Having already achieved mainstream success, the band continues to deliver quality rock tunes that truely cement them in the rock music "stratosphere."

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Purchase Amaryllis on Amazon or iTunes.