Few bands carry the torch for hard rock with the relentless spirit and energy of P.O.D., remaining forever honest to themselves as they deliver it in bunches on their new album, Veritas.
Emerging from South San Diego over three decades ago, P.O.D. have made their own way by staying true to who they are, despite trends and scenes coming and going. After a five-year hiatus since their last studio album, Circles, P.O.D. may have just delivered their hardest-hitting record yet with Veritas. Guitarist Marcos Curiel sums it up simply,"We're still here and creating some of the best music we've ever made." The band, fueled by a desire to reconnect with their raw, unbridled early days, decided to strip away the frills and get back to basics. Bassist Traa Daniels reflects on the album, noting that the songs harken back to the essence of classic South San Diego P.O.D.
Veritas encapsulates everything that’s defined P.O.D.'s rock and roll life. They’ve always embraced the ethos of being the perpetual underdog, always striving to prove themselves with each new album, and to prove the haters wrong. Drummer Wuv Bernardo echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the band's ongoing commitment to authenticity and grit. "We're always still proving who we are - always having that punk-rock mentality." Veritas is a return to their rock roots, an album that pulsates with youthful energy and a sense of urgency. Written over several years and recorded in Los Angeles, each track is a powerhouse, a relentless barrage of adrenaline to the eardrums.
But Veritas also explores deeper emotional territory, because P.O.D. have never been a band afraid to bare their souls. The album's title, derived from the Latin word for "truth," serves as the anchor, exploring themes of innocence and revelation. Curiel reflects on the album cover, depicting a child with its eyes obscured, as a visual representation of the album's emotional core - a juxtaposition of light and darkness, innocence, and hidden truths.
One thing that’s always set the band apart is a steadfast connection to their fans, the ones who’ve been with them through all the ups and downs. Sure, they can brag about playing major festivals and sharing bills with rock royalty, but they remain grounded in gratitude and humility. For them, it’s always been about the next record, the next show, the next opportunity to share their music with those fans. With their eyes set firmly on the horizon, they continue to embrace the unknown with open arms, fueled by a relentless desire to create, connect, and inspire.