Platinum-selling superstars P.O.D. drop one of their heaviest tracks to date as they enter the zombie apocalypse on new single ‘OUTBREAK’ featuring Norma Jean vocalist Cory Brandan.
‘OUTBREAK’’ is produced by Grammy winning producer Will Yip (Turnstile, Code Orange, Circa Survive) and is the band’s first new original song since the release of 2024’s VERITAS and sees them in full momentum. The idea of bringing in Norma Jean’s powerful vocalist stems from their 2024 US tour together. “We have known the band and members for a while, but that was the first time we toured together and really got the chance to bond as friends,” explains Sonny Sandoval.
He continues, “This is possibly one of the heaviest songs P.O.D. has ever written, so we wanted to showcase a guest vocalist who reflected that. Cory’s voice and tone bring a specific intensity and command that draws you in. Our voices together deliver an authoritative energy that matches the power of the song.”
Talking about the song, guitarist Marcos Curiel says, “As avid fans of zombie apocalypse, video games, and movies, it seemed only fitting to compose a song about this topic. The song delicately straddles the line between nonfiction and fiction. It’s fun yet hard-hitting, bridging the gap between what’s real and what’s not.”
Sonny elaborates further, “Marcos sent me a rough guitar demo, which had the working title of ‘OUTBREAK.’ This by far was the heaviest idea yet, and I immediately texted him how much I loved it. Once I heard it, I knew there was no need to change the title and use it as the lyrical theme. The guitar riff and warning sample immediately gave me a frantic, apocalyptic, doomsday-type vibe.”
Bassist Traa Daniels adds, “This track is destined to be a crowd pleaser, with the apocalyptic overtone and a zombie-inspired theme that can be closely related to many current events. This was a fun song to record in the studio and is one of my personal all-time favorites.”
This video might have disturbing moments for some viewers.
Over the last three years, the band has taken on an almighty touring cycle. From shows with Daughtry, Norma Jean, Limp Bizkit, Creed and Seether, to hitting Europe with the likes of Godsmack, Drowning Pool and Skindred, as well as a Latin American tour which saw them play Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia and Costa Rica. They’ve also hit the festival circuit hard in that time, no more so than their 2026 ‘European Take-Over’ tour, where they charged through 20 festivals across 16 countries over the summer. They will also spend the rest of 2026 playing festivals in the USA, Mexico and Australia.
“Music connects. With so much division, music is the one thing that unifies. It truly is the universal language,” says Sonny. “Being able to perform around the world and for so many beautiful people has opened our eyes and has completely changed us for the good. Music is life, and it keeps us going. I feel like we’re always learning and growing. I think life can be confusing and complex at times, but for those moments that we get to be on stage together, everything seems to make sense.”
The touring all hit around the release of 2024’s VERITAS – a Top 10 hit across the U.S. Billboard Current Hard Rock, Current Rock, and Current Alternative Album charts. It has already surpassed 83 million total streams and includes the singles ‘DROP’ featuring Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe and ‘AFRAID TO DIE,’ featuring Jinjer’s Tatiana Shmayluk. The album picked up major playlisting across Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, Pandora, and Deezer, and stream-rolled support from SXM Octane, Loudwire, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, Kerrang! Radio, Metal Hammer, Knotfest, INKED, Revolver and more.
2027 will be 35 years of P.O.D., and their music is as potent and as powerful as ever. They have never been afraid to tread their own path. “We’ve always taken it one moment at a time, and we’ve always been true to ourselves, and the sound reflects that,” Sonny says. “The world doesn’t want truth; they want it their way, but we will continue to write for those who want to be empowered and overcome their most dismal situations.”
‘OUTBREAK’ sees the evolution of P.O.D. pick up the pace. “I believe we tapped into something very special and used the momentum of VERITAS to take the songs to a different level. We have always written our way and never try to duplicate other albums. This is P.O.D. 2027!”
P.O.D. are Sonny Sandoval (vocals), Marcos Curiel (guitar), Traa Daniels (bass) and Zachary Christopherr (drums).
Tour dates
Tickets are available from HERE.
02 Oct – Aftershock – Sacramento, CA – USA
24 Oct – Sick New World – Fort Worth, TX – USA
31 Oct – House of Blues – Anaheim, CA – USA
07 Nov – Brujas Festival – Saltillo – MEXICO
29 Nov – Good Things / Side Show – Newstead – AUSTRALIA
01 Dec – Good Things / Side Show – Hindmarsh – AUSTRALIA
02 Dec – Good Things / Side Show – Melbourne – AUSTRALIA
04 Dec – Good Things Festival – Melbourne – AUSTRALIA
05 Dec – Good Things Festival – Sydney – AUSTRALIA
06 Dec – Good Things Festival – Brisbane – AUSTRALIA
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