Photos by Andy Argyrakis

From humble rap/punk origins on the early 1990s underground, to metal and reggae-infused rock superstardom, often injected with spiritually-leaning lyrics, P.O.D. was amongst the most creative and compelling alternative acts to help transition that decade towards the 2000s.

Primary members Sonny Sandoval (vocals), Traa Daniels (bass) and Marcos Curiel (guitar) have been more or less going strong ever since, and alongside supporting drummer Alex Lopez (ex-Suicide Silence) taking the unexplained place of Wuv Bernardo, introduced their “Veritas” album via a rare visit to The Rust Belt in East Moline, prior to another area appearance at The Forge in Joliet on Thursday, May 23.

Dubbed the “I Got That” Tour after the single of the same name, P.O.D. definitely maintained a grasp on all the elements which made the group a household name during MTV’s final major musical chapter, but also boldly forged into the future.

Throughout 95 minutes of headlining on a generous night featuring the aggressive assistance of Bad Wolves, Norma Jean and Blind Channel, the band bounced all around its extensive and eclectic discography.

The latest likes of “Drop,” “Listening For Silence” and the outing’s title track kept the volume loud and the guys grinding with the intensity of their initial discovery days, while “Boom” and “Satellite” towered as certified anthems.

“Murdered Love,” “When Angels & Serpents Dance” and “Circles,” accompanied by a slice of Rage Against The Machine’s “Bulls On Parade,” came from somewhere in the middle as they further propelled P.O.D.’s pummeling riffs and rhythms, plus “Youth Of The Nation” leaned less on intensity to build upon a hypnotic groove.

“Southtown” took it all the way back to the band’s multi-platinum breakthrough, though it felt as fresh as “Afraid To Die” as the fellas really turned up the heat and had at least a thousand hands raised in the air.

Fellow new cut, “Lies We Tell Ourselves,” assertively led the way towards the official finale, “Alive,” when P.O.D. made sure even a small town club on a mere Tuesday could at least feel like it could fly.

For additional information on P.O.D., visit PayableOnDeath.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at The Rust Belt include That Arena Rock Show (May 11); The Pork Tornadoes (May 18); Scotty Austin, Seventh Day Slumber, Magdalene Rose and Endpass (May 23); Sebastian Bach (Jun. 9); My Posse In Effect (Jun. 15); Drake White (Jun. 21) and Tree0nine Festival (Jun. 28). For additional details, visit TheRustBeltQC.com.

Related Articles

The Original Misfits “Walk Among” Riot Fest, Sunny Day Real Estate reunite, Yungblud arrives George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon, Turnstile rev up Riot Fest My Chemical Romance welcomes Riot Fest back to “The Black Parade,” Ramones remembered Two hard rock titans, Godsmack and Staind, live up to the longevity at AFI Amphitheater Q101 Piqniq provides Northerly Island an alternative party starring Incubus, Paris Jackson Hard Rock Live hosts scorching start to tag team of heavyweights Skillet, Theory Of A Deadman Incubus right on point at “8,” plus huge hooks from Jimmy Eat World and an eclectic Judah & The Lion Blink-182: “Reunion” Tour at United Center