"Amazing grace how sweet the sound..." The words were written by a former slave trader when he repented from his ways and became a Christian.

The modern day band, P.O.D., sings about similar themes, but "sweet" is not the word one would use to describe the "amazing grace" about which they sing.

The Fundamental Elements of Southtown (Atlantic) uses a mixture of hip-hop, reggae, jazz and Latin music to form their unique style of rap-metal. Even though P.O.D. (which stands for Payable On Death) is often compared to Rage Against the Machine, this four-man band is a refreshing change in a music genre that is often dominated by anger and cursing.

This 1999 recording, their first on a major record label, contains straightforward clever lyrics about their life experiences and what they hold to be true.

The mixture of musical styles comes together surprisingly well; restful bridges are interspersed among the bursts of high-powered rap.

Each band member has quite a story to tell, having grown up just across the border from Tijuana in San Diego's Southtown neighborhood. The well-known song, "Southtown," takes the listener by surprise after a few mellow seconds when the electric guitar flies in and vocalist Sonny reflects on his neighborhood. Powerful lyrics and a tune you can shout along with characterize the chorus.

"Here in the Southtown you know that kid don't play. Put it down in the streets, will I see another day? If I make it back this time, gots to hold what is mine. And thank God that I made it alive."

"Set Your Eyes to Zion," with its reggae influence, is an example of P.O.D's versatile musical tastes. It was sure to be fun when Sonny exclaimed, "Hey Mr. Deadman rejoice!" He goes on to sing: "I've begun to search for One, giver of life, I and I to be with you, forever I'll be with you in paradise, Zion I set my eyes."

The instrumental "Lo Siento" that followed takes the listener from Jamaica to Latin America. The beautiful guitar could have gone on for longer, but it is only a short break before P.O.D bursts in with a souped-up version of U2's "Bullet the Blue Sky."

The Fundamental Elements of Southtown allows P.O.D. to make their own style of joyful noise. It is an unlikely combination of driving sounds and hopeful lyrics, aggressive rapping and quiet reflection.

P.O.D will appear at RevFest on Sunday at the Tussey Mountain Amphitheater.