P.O.D. pushes out another new album, Murdered Love, and combines their old hard rocking with some new melodies that blend the band in a new direction. Don’t worry, though, the P.O.D. that you know and love is still within the album pumping louder than ever.

As a fan of P.O.D.’s musical genius, having the honor of reviewing this came naturally. However, it is obvious that this new album brings a lot more to the table than P.O.D. has ever brought. The first and most easily recognizable point of interest is the variety of the genre within the album. Yes, we know that P.O.D. can be classified as many different genres, ranging from alternative to hard rock, but the differentiation in lyrical melody and instrumental support make each track its own. About half of the tracks have those typical P.O.D. elements we familiarize with, however, the remainder of the tracks are new and fresh. They break away from the hard rock aspect of the band’s roots and delve into a new lighter tone. For example, the track “Bad Boy”, if played at a random bar, would not be able to be labeled to P.O.D. at first glance. Listening to it currently, I find it hard to believe that the same musicians who put together great hits such as “Youth of a Nation” developed said track. It isn’t a bad thing, but it is certainly a different taste.

The new album is worth picking up for any P.O.D. fan, and I believe this album is also meant to grasp a new group of fans. Some veteran P.O.D. fans may be distanced by the album, but overall, the variance it provides is a strangely satisfying one. Murdered Love is a one of a kind production by the musicians and should be given a chance in the very least, so go give those new tracks a listen.