P.O.D. have released “OUTBREAK,” a new zombie apocalypse-inspired single featuring Norma Jean vocalist Cory Brandan.
Out now via Mascot Records, “OUTBREAK” is one of the band’s heaviest tracks to date and marks P.O.D.’s first new original song since the release of 2024’s VERITAS. Produced by Grammy-winning producer Will Yip, whose credits include Turnstile, Code Orange, and Circa Survive, the track finds the platinum-selling band leaning into full apocalyptic force.
The collaboration with Brandan grew out of P.O.D.’s 2024 U.S. tour with Norma Jean, where the bands had a chance to spend more time together after years of crossing paths.
“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,” vocalist Sonny Sandoval said.
For a song this heavy, P.O.D. wanted a guest voice that could match the pressure in the track rather than soften it. Brandan’s presence gives “OUTBREAK” an added layer of intensity, pushing the song further into panic, impact, and controlled chaos.
“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,” Sandoval said. “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.”
The zombie apocalypse theme came naturally once guitarist Marcos Curiel sent Sandoval the initial demo. The track’s warning sample and riff gave the song a frantic, doomsday atmosphere from the beginning, and the working title “OUTBREAK” became the final direction.
“As avid fans of zombie apocalypse, video games, and movies, it seemed only fitting to compose a song about this topic,” Curiel said. “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.”
Sandoval added that the heaviness of the demo made the concept feel immediate. “Marcos sent me a rough guitar demo, which had the working title of ‘OUTBREAK,’” he said. “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.”
Bassist Traa Daniels called the track one of his personal favorites, pointing to its apocalyptic tone and live potential.
“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,” Daniels said. “This was a fun song to record in the studio and is one of my personal all-time favorites.”
“OUTBREAK” arrives after a massive three-year stretch for P.O.D., who have toured with Daughtry, Norma Jean, Limp Bizkit, Creed, Seether, Godsmack, Drowning Pool, and Skindred, while also hitting Latin America and a heavy run of European festivals. The band’s 2026 “European Take-Over” tour included 20 festivals across 16 countries, because apparently sleep remains optional in the music industry.
The momentum follows VERITAS, which became a Top 10 release across the U.S. Billboard Current Hard Rock, Current Rock, and Current Alternative Album charts. The album has surpassed 83 million total streams and includes “DROP” featuring Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe and “AFRAID TO DIE” featuring Jinjer’s Tatiana Shmayluk.
For Sandoval, the continued touring and global response have reinforced the role music plays in connecting people across division.
“Music connects. With so much division, music is the one thing that unifies,” Sandoval said. “It truly is the universal language. 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.”
With 2027 marking 35 years of P.O.D., the band is still pushing forward rather than settling into legacy act comfort. “OUTBREAK” keeps that movement alive, using the momentum of VERITAS to drive the band into an even heavier place.
“We have always written our way and never try to duplicate other albums,” Sandoval said. “This is P.O.D. 2027!”
P.O.D. Tour Dates:
- October 2 — Aftershock — Sacramento, CA
- October 24 — Sick New World — Fort Worth, TX
- October 31 — House of Blues — Anaheim, CA
- November 7 — Brujas Festival — Saltillo, Mexico
- November 29 — Good Things / Side Show — Newstead, Australia
- December 1 — Good Things / Side Show — Hindmarsh, Australia
- December 2 — Good Things / Side Show — Melbourne, Australia
- December 4 — Good Things Festival — Melbourne, Australia
- December 5 — Good Things Festival — Sydney, Australia
- December 6 — Good Things Festival — Brisbane, Australia
Listen to “OUTBREAK” on Spotify.
Leave a Reply