P.O.D., an initialism for Payable on Death, is an American Christian nu metal band formed in 1992 in San Diego, California. The line-up consists of vocalist Paul Joshua "Sonny" Sandoval, bassist Mark "Traa" Daniels, guitarist Marcos Curiel, and drummer Noah "Wuv" Bernardo. The band has sold over 12 million records worldwide and has received three Grammy Award nominations, contributed to multiple film soundtracks, and toured internationally.

The origins of the band date back to 1991, when Sandoval fronted the rap group Unlicensed Product, while Bernardo, Curiel, and Gabe Portillo performed in the thrash metal band Eschatos. In 1992, Sandoval joined Eschatos as vocalist, and the group renamed itself Payable on Death, later shortened to P.O.D. The name was derived from the banking term "payable on death" and was intended to reflect the band’s Christian beliefs. That same year, they recorded their first song, "Three In the Power of One", later included on their debut album "Snuff the Punk".

In 1994, Daniels joined as bassist, replacing Portillo. The band signed with Rescue Records, founded by Bernardo’s father, and released "Snuff the Punk", "Brown", and the live album "Payable on Death Live" between 1994 and 1997. Following growing regional attention, the band signed with Atlantic Records in 1998 and released "The Warriors EP" as a transitional release.

Their third studio album, "The Fundamental Elements of Southtown" (1999), marked their commercial breakthrough, featuring the singles "Southtown" and "Rock the Party (Off the Hook)". The album was certified platinum. In 2001, they released "Satellite", which achieved greater commercial success and was certified triple platinum. The album included the singles "Alive", "Youth of the Nation", "Boom", and "Satellite". "Alive" and "Youth of the Nation" both received Grammy Award nominations, while the track "Portrait" was nominated in the metal category.

In 2003, guitarist Marcos Curiel left the band and was replaced by Jason Truby. That same year, the band released their fifth album, "Payable on Death", which marked a stylistic shift toward a more melodic metal sound and was certified gold. Curiel rejoined the band in 2006 following Truby’s departure. The band’s sixth album, "Testify", was released in 2006 and included the single "Goodbye for Now", which featured a guest vocal by Katy Perry. Around this time, the band also left Atlantic Records and released the compilation "Greatest Hits: The Atlantic Years".

In 2008, P.O.D. released "When Angels & Serpents Dance", their first album after reuniting with Curiel. They continued touring internationally and performing at festivals. In 2012, they released "Murdered Love", which was described by the band as a return to their earlier musical style, incorporating elements of hip hop, punk, and reggae. The album included the single "Lost in Forever".

In 2014, the band released the acoustic album "SoCal Sessions", followed by the studio album "The Awakening" in 2015. In 2018, they released their tenth studio album, "Circles". The band marked the 20th anniversary of "Satellite" with a tour in 2021.

During the European leg of that tour, drummer Wuv Bernardo stepped back from touring activities for personal reasons. He was temporarily replaced in live performances by Alex Lopez. In 2024, P.O.D. released "Veritas", their first studio album in six years and the first without Bernardo’s participation in recording. Although not actively touring with the band at that time, Bernardo remained a member.

In 2025, the band released a version of "I Won't Bow Down" featuring A.N.I.M.A.L. and a cover of "Don't Let Me Down". They also continued touring internationally, including as a supporting act for other rock bands. As of 2026, the band has been working on new material, with reports indicating a heavier musical direction influenced by the use of extended-range guitars.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P.O.D.

Studio albums Snuff the Punk (1994) Brown (1996) The Fundamental Elements of Southtown (1999) Satellite (2001) Payable on Death (2003) Testify (2006) When Angels & Serpents Dance (2008) Murdered Love (2012) The Awakening (2015) Circles (2018) Veritas (2024)