P.O.D. - Release brand new album 'Circles'

On November 16th, 2018, Mascot Records / Mascot Label Group will release 'Circles', P.O.D.'s debut for the label. The album is the San Diego band's first since 2015's 'The Awakening', and comes at a time when the group is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. In the last few years, P.O.D. have performed at the Download Festival, Hellfest, Rock on the Range, River City Rockfest, Carolina Rebellion, and Aftershock Festival, as well as shared stages with In This Moment, Prophets of Rage, Shinedown, and Five finger death Punch.

On 'Circles', P.O.D. collaborated with an L.A.-based production duo called the Heavy, who ensured the album is contemporary-sounding without losing any of the band's core sonic signifiers. The Rap driven 'Rockin' with the Best' has an old school P.O.D. sound that nods to the Beastie Boys, while 'Always Southern California' is a Reggae inflected Rocker and the groove heavy 'Soundboy Killa' is a Hip Hop / Metal hybrid. The dynamic title track even boasts moody Electronic flourishes, glassy piano, and laid back Rapping verses. From a lyrical standpoint, P.O.D. kept a similar open mind, while turning to optimism for inspiration. The title track addresses trying to get out of an unhealthy cycle in which someone feels stuck, while 'Dreaming' envisions seeking out a brighter future even if the present day is tough.

 

Other songs grapple with how to navigate life's biggest challenges. 'Home' emerged after Sandoval suddenly lost a close friend who was more like a brother to him. 'Fly Away' meanwhile, acknowledges that all of us sometimes struggle, and need to rely on others for help. The idea of searching for a bright side has been a constant theme for P.O.D. over the years, both on newer songs such as 'Lost in Forever' and 'Beautiful', and on early hits 'Alive, Youth of the Nation' and 'Boom'.

 

Sonny Sandoval - Vocals / Marcos Curiel - Lead Guitar / Traa Daniels - Bass Wuv Bernardo - Drums