Testify

This 2006 album found recently recruited guitarist Jason Truby more fully integrated into the group, spurring frontman Sonny Sandoval to deliver some of his most confrontational and uplifting vocals since the band’s early days. There’s a ferocity to these tracks that takes P.O.D. back to its scruffy rapcore origins—“Lights Out,” “Say Hello," and “Sounds Like War” are ear-mauling numbers seething with desperation. The C.S. Lewis–inspired “Mark My Words” is an especially intense slice of apocalyptic fervor. The melodic balladry of "This Time” and “If You Could See Me Now” balance the album’s more aggressive moments without weakening its overall attack. Boo-Yah T.R.I.B.E. adds a shot of gansta gospel to “On the Grind,” while Hasidic rapper Matsiyahu contributes to the prayerful vibes of “Roots in Stereo” and “Strength of My Love.” A confident return to form, Testify captured P.O.D.’s missionary zeal and unrelenting musical thrust. (And despite his fine playing here, it was Truby’s swan song with P.O.D.; original guitarist Marcos Curiel was back on board for 2008’s Where Angels and Serpents Dance.)