P.O.D. Shows Sayreville They Are “Alive” And Kicking With Killer Headlining Set
Photography By Mia Palazzo
May 19, 2024 - P.O.D. stops at one of New Jersey’s most well-known hard rock/heavy metal venues, the Starland Ballroom, for a night full of hard rock hits and classics. The band, is known for their old-school hit songs, “Youth of The Nation”, “Boom”, and “Alive” off of their 2001 album Satellite. This tour also consists of Bad Wolves, a newer hard rock band, originally known for their cover of The Cranberries’ song, “Zombie”, but now making waves with some songs of their own such as “Killing Me Slowly” and “Remember When”. The tour also features support from Georgia metalcore band Norma Jean, a band that constantly makes waves in the metal scene. This specific show also featured local opener, Revel At Dusk whose vocalist was formerly in Dropbox.
Revel at Dusk, though a newer band seemed to have a good ability to engage with the crowd, and get people moving. They played through some released songs, “The Turnaround”, “Fall” and, “Lie to Yourself”, as well as some unreleased tracks that seemed to appeal very well to the crowd. Though the band is relatively new, vocalist, guitarist, and pianist Josn Kosco has deep ties with the award-winning hard rock band, Godsmack, having toured with them in his previous band, Dropbox, and co-wrote a 2004 song with them, titled “Touche”. Revel at Dusk gives off somewhat of a post-grunge essence, combining it with some jam elements to tap into the greatest elements of both the vocal and the instrumental abilities of the band.
Revel At Dusk: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
The next band on the bill, Norma Jean, known for their intense energy, complex compositions, and emotionally charged lyrics, Norma Jean set the stage ablaze with a performance that was both ferocious and heartfelt. Opening with the thunderous "I. The Planet" the band immediately captured the audience's attention. Their setlist was a journey through their rich discography, featuring essential tracks like "1,000,000 Watts" which showcased their signature blend of chaotic riffs and powerful melodies, and "Sword in Mouth, Fire Eyes," highlighting frontman Cory Brandan's dynamic vocal range. The crowd roared with approval during classics such as "If You Got It at Five, You Got It at Fifty" a track that has become synonymous with the band's live performances. The breakdowns were as crushing as ever, and the energy in the room was palpable.
Norma Jean's ability to balance chaos with precision was on full display, leaving the crowd both exhausted and exhilarated. Their performance was a testament to their enduring legacy and their unwavering commitment to their craft. As they left the stage, the excitement for the upcoming Bad Wolves, and headliner, P.O.D. was heightened, but it was clear that Norma Jean had set a high bar for the evening. For fans of metalcore, seeing Norma Jean live is an essential experience. Their set at the Starland Ballroom was a powerful reminder of their place in the genre and a thrilling prelude to the headlining act.
Norma Jean: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | YouTube
Bad Wolves kicked off their set with the high-energy track "Bad Friend" instantly engaging the crowd. Their setlist was a perfect mix of their most popular songs and fan favorites, including "Killing Me Slowly" "Lifeline" and the deeply personal "Ill Be There" Each song was performed with precision and passion, highlighting the band’s ability to blend aggression with melody.A standout moment of the night was their performance of "Zombie." The crowd sang along with every word, creating a powerful and emotional atmosphere that honored the late Dolores O'Riordan. This cover has become a staple in their live shows, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
Guitarists Doc Coyle and Chris Cain impressed the crowd with their intricate riffs and solos, while the rhythm section, comprised of bassist Kyle Konkiel and drummer John Boecklin, provided a solid and thunderous backbone to the performance. Closing their set with the anthemic "I'll Be There," Bad Wolves left the stage to thunderous applause, having won over both their fans and those eagerly awaiting P.O.D. Bad Wolves have always been an amazing band, both in the studio and live, and this show wasn’t an exception to this, Bad Wolves is a must-see act.
Bad Wolves: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | Spotify | YouTube
On May 19, 2024, P.O.D. headlined a packed Starland Ballroom, delivering a performance that reaffirmed their status as nu-metal legends. Formed in 1992 in San Diego, California, P.O.D. (Payable on Death) has long been known for their fusion of metal, rock, reggae, and rap, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with fans worldwide. With over three decades in the music industry, P.O.D. has a rich catalog of hits and a reputation for high-energy live shows.
The band kicked off their set with the explosive "Drop," immediately igniting the crowd with its infectious energy and anthemic chorus. They followed with "Listening For the Silence" keeping the momentum high and the audience fully engaged. Frontman Sonny Sandoval's dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals were on full display, effortlessly commanding the room.
Throughout the night, P.O.D. played a mix of their classic hits and newer material. "Alive," one of their most beloved songs, was a standout moment, with the entire crowd singing along to every word. The emotional weight of the song, combined with the band's passionate performance, created a truly memorable experience. Other fan favorites included "Youth of the Nation" and "Southtown," both of which showcased the band's ability to blend heavy riffs with thought-provoking lyrics.
Newer tracks like "Listening for the Silence" also made it into the setlist, demonstrating that P.O.D. continues to produce relevant and powerful music. Guitarist Marcos Curiel delivered intricate and soulful solos, while bassist Traa Daniels and drummer Wuv Bernardo provided a rock-solid rhythm section that drove the band's intense sound. P.O.D.'s headlining performance at the Starland Ballroom was a testament to their enduring appeal and musical versatility. Their ability to seamlessly blend genres and deliver a powerful live show ensures that they remain a significant force in rock and metal scenes.
