Snuff the Punk
Before San Diego-bred P.O.D. (Payable on Death) landed on a major label in 1998, they were successful indie recording artists. In fact, their Atlantic debut, 1999'sFundamental Elements of Southtownis actually the lineup's fifth album since forming in 1992. AndSnuff the Punkwas their debut, a heretofore out of print effort now rereleased, remastered and remixed, with new graphics as well. P.O.D. had a strong following in Christian music circles before crossing over withSouthtown, andSnuff the Punkshows why. Vaguely progressive thrashy metal with lots of funky rhythms and major hardcore rap influences, the time changes and aggressive musicality of this raw CD, originally released in 1993, is timely in 2000 and beyond. And despite the many religious references, open-minded secular music fans should be able to listen and groove to the positive, heavy tunes that populateSnuff the Punk(the punk being the devil) without feeling preached to. Still, with blatant lyrics such as "abortion is murder," on the "hidden" final track, "Murder," it's very clear where the band is coming from.Snuff the Punkis a winner for Christian heavy music fans. But if you're not a religious type but can mosh to the speedy punk vibe of "Can You Feel It?" and embrace singer  Sonny praising God in "Run" ("you're the one who rescued me"), then this debut is a secular success as well.--Katherine Turman