It is the prevailing theory that the punk-rock-rap-numetal-reggae band, P.O.D, came to success after 9/11. America was grieving, and the positive, faith-filled message of P.O.D was the needed balm for the nation. Since then, P.O.D (which stands for Payable on Death) has been a perpetual underdog, never accepted by mainstream Christian Music nor fully embraced by the secular world. In this way, they have stayed true (veritas) to themselves and their calling. This newest album is a homage to the rock-rap roots of the band and it is a reflection on their collective experience through COVID. During this time, it was hard to discern truth from lies (listen to “DEAD RIGHT”); it was hard on mental health (listen to “LIES WE TELL OURSELVES”); and it was hard on the heart in the face of much death (listen to “LAY ME DOWN”).
But it was also a time of resilience. Tremendous loss can reverberate an echo of eternity into the heart. P.O.D. declares “the grass still withers and the flowers fall” (listen to “BREAKING”) as a reminder of a greater reality and truth. This truth was payable on death in Christ. Because of this we need not fear death. The track “AIN'T AFRAID TO DIE” is a booming proclamation of hope and was sung with Ukrainian artist, Tatiana Shmayluk. We can hold on to the eternal which, especially for P.O.D, includes our relationships with family and friends. “If the world is gonna end / You know that I'm bringing all my friends 'cause / We ain't afraid to die.” (Mascot Records)
About the Author
Jeremiah Damir Bašurić is a commissioned pastor at mosaicHouse Church, a multicultural Reformed church plant in Edmonton, Alta. He is also a chaplain who through an inner-city organization journeys with many people the Bible calls “rich in faith.”