P.O.D.

“Testify” (Atlantic Records)

Compare to: Papa Roach, P.E.

REVIEW: 0 / 5

In short: Creating bland music that can only be described as lowest common denominator, Christian nu metal quartet P.O.D. continues to be one of the most uninspired acts in an outdated genre.

Nu metal is dead. Unfortunately, someone forgot to mention this to California-based Christian quartet P.O.D. on its latest album “Testify.” The band continues to be one of the most uncreative and unconvincing acts ever to clog the airwaves. Even within a subgenre as lunk-headed and shallow as nu metal, the only thing that makes P.O.D. stand out is an even lower set of musical and lyrical standards than the rest of the Linkin Park clones running around.

From the moment you press play, it’s clear that P.O.D. has made an album that is nothing short of god-awful. The rehashed rap-metal of “Lights Out” sounds like a half-baked leftover from their 1999 major label debut, and “Goodbye For Now” is a weak attempt at heartfelt radio rock that comes off as utterly hollow.

The second half of the album doesn’t fair much better, as songs tend to run together, limping from one played out nu metal clich‚ to the next. In a musical climate where the only bankable strategy for keeping your head above water is “evolve or die,” P.O.D. come off sounding like the band that time forgot. On their latest album, P.O.D. may be testifying, but one can’t help but wonder if there’s anyone out their willing to listen to them bear witness.

– Josh Haun