Circles is the tenth studio album by American Christian
nu metal band
P.O.D. The album was released on November 16, 2018, via
Mascot Records. To promote the record, the band toured across the United States and Europe. It is the last album to feature the band's founding drummer
Wuv Bernardo before he left the band in 2021.
Background
In August 2017, the group released "Soundboy Killa" as a promotional single from the album. Later that year, the quartet travelled the United States and South America on the Soundboy Killaz with
Powerflo,
Alien Ant Farm and Fire from the Gods.[5]
In September 2018, the ensemble released the title track "Circles",[6] followed by "Listening for the Silence",[7] which peaked at number 25 on the BillboardMainstream Rock Songs chart.[8]
The group worked on the record with Los Angeles production duo The Heavy, the most extensive collaboration the group has done.
The title of the album, possesses multiple meanings to lead vocalist
Sonny Sandoval, who stated that "Part of the thought was, 'Man, is this new beginning for P.O.D., or is the beautiful end?'".[9]
Sound and composition
Blabbermouth.net stated that "The rap-driven "Rockin' With The Best" has an old-school P.O.D. sound that nods to the
Beastie Boys, while "Always Southern California" is a reggae-inflected rocker and the groove-heavy "Soundboy Killa" is a hip-hop/metal hybrid", going on to say that "The dynamic title track even boasts moody electronic flourishes, glassy piano, and laid-back rapping verses".[10]
Promotion
On October 5, 2018, the band announced on
Facebook a 23-city fall U.S. tour in support of their upcoming album called the "Full Circle" Tour, starting on November 14 at Marty's on Newport club and ending on December 12 at
Greensboro's Cone Denim Entertainment Center.
Nonpoint and
Islander were supporting acts on the tour.[11][12][13] On October 10, the band announced a co-headlining 2019 European tour with Alien Ant Farm, beginning on February 26 at
Exeter's Lemon Grove venue and finishing on March 14 in
Dublin's Button Factory.
'68 were a supporting act on all dates.[14]
Jordan Miller – synth on "Dreaming", sub bass on "Domino", backing vocals on "Circles", "Fly Away", "Domino", "Home", "Always Southern California" and "Panic Attack"
Jason Bell – backing vocals on "Circles", "Fly Away", "Home", "Always Southern California" and "Panic Attack"
Josh Collins – programming on "Circles"
Timothy H. Miller – backing vocals on "Always Southern California"
Production
The Heavy (Jordan Miller and Jason Bell) – production
Cameron Webb – production on "Listening for the Silence" and "Soundboy Killa"