P.O.D.

This 2001 release from the Christian Rap/Rock band proved immensely successful on the basis of singles like "Alive" and "Youth Of The Nation." The group manages to wrap their grinding pop in themes of empowerment and spirituality. Guest appearances from legends such as Eek-A-Mouse and Bad Brain's HR don't hurt, either.

If P.O.D.'s religious devotion inspired them to turn out the most soulful hard-rock record so
far this year, then maybe more new-metalheads should get down with God. On Satellite,
the San Diego Christian quartet's rap metal explodes beyond the confines of what has
become a played-out sound. Like Rage Against the Machine, P.O.D. build their songs on a
passion so fierce they're almost exhausting to listen to. But on tracks like "The M... More >