As genre boundaries blur and cultural landscapes merge, P.O.D., the iconic metal force from San Diego, prove their unwavering presence and power. After thirty years of relentless performance, they return with a revamped version of their anthem, "I WON'T BOW DOWN," invigorated by the formidable vocals of Andrés Giménez, frontman of Argentinian metal legends, A.N.I.M.A.L. This powerful collaboration is a dream for fans and a monumental step towards connecting the North and South American metal communities.
The original version of "I WON'T BOW DOWN" appeared on P.O.D.'s latest studio effort, VERITAS, released in May 2024 via Mascot Records. The album, marking their eleventh studio release, has already proven to be a massive success, climbing into the Top 10 across multiple Billboard charts and amassing over 48 million streams. This achievement adds to the band's impressive career statistics of moving more than 12 million records worldwide.
The collaboration with Giménez transforms the track into a bilingual anthem that seamlessly weaves between English and Spanish, creating a unique sonic tapestry that pays homage to both bands' heritage while pushing forward into new territory. P.O.D.'s guitarist Marcos Curiel describes the track as "one of those gems" that will resonate with both current and future generations, emphasizing its anthemic quality and heartfelt message.
The partnership between P.O.D. and Andrés Giménez isn't just another feature – it's a meeting of two influential forces in the metal world. Giménez, who co-founded A.N.I.M.A.L. in 1992, helped spearhead a movement that saw the band explode out of Buenos Aires with their innovative blend of groove and thrash metal. Their impact on the Latin American metal scene cannot be overstated, with the band sharing stages with legends like Pantera, Megadeth, and Slipknot.
"I'm very happy to have received this wonderful invitation about making a new English/Spanish version. It's really fantastic," Giménez shares, his enthusiasm palpable. "P.O.D. and A.N.I.M.A.L together are pure brotherhood. I have a truthful respect, admiration and appreciation for P.O.D."
The collaboration comes at a time when P.O.D. is experiencing a remarkable renaissance. VERITAS has been widely praised for its raw energy and evolution of the band's signature sound. The album features other high-profile collaborations, including appearances by Lamb of God's Randy Blythe on "DROP" and Jinjer's Tatiana Shmayluk on "AFRAID TO DIE."
These collaborations showcase P.O.D.'s continued ability to stay relevant while honoring their roots. The band has been crafting their unique blend of rock, metal, and alternative music for more than 30 years, maintaining their position as one of the most influential crossover acts in modern rock.
The release of this collaborative single comes as P.O.D. prepares for what promises to be one of the most exciting tours of 2025. The band will join forces with hard rock titans Godsmack for a 14-date European tour, kicking off on March 22 at the Sofia Arena in Bulgaria and concluding on April 12 at the Turbinenhalle in Oberhausen, Germany.
The tour will see them blazing through multiple countries, including Romania, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. "We are so excited to return back to Europe and celebrate our latest record VERITAS with our friends Godsmack and Drowning Pool," says frontman Sonny Sandoval. "We know this will be the rock 'n' roll show to remember."
The announcement of this collaboration and upcoming tour caps off what has been an incredible period for P.O.D. In the past year alone, the band has maintained a relentless touring schedule, sharing stages with diverse acts like Skindred and Bad Wolves, while delivering explosive performances at major festivals including Graspop, Summerside, Rock For People, Louder Than Life, Aftershock, and Sonic Temple.
Their Latin American tour in October saw them headlining shows in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, proving their global appeal and setting the stage for this latest collaboration with Giménez. The band's ability to connect with audiences across cultural and linguistic boundaries has been a hallmark of their career, and this new version of "I WON'T BOW DOWN" serves as a perfect example of their cross-cultural appeal.
As P.O.D. – comprising Sonny Sandoval (vocals), Marcos Curiel (guitar), and Traa Daniels (bass) – continues to push boundaries and explore new creative territories, this collaboration with Andrés Giménez stands as a testament to their enduring relevance and willingness to evolve while staying true to their core sound.
The new version of "I WON'T BOW DOWN" isn't just a remix or a simple feature – it's a celebration of metal's universal language and its power to unite people across continents. As the band prepares to take this message on the road with their upcoming European tour, it's clear that P.O.D.'s influence on the global metal scene is far from over.
For fans old and new, this collaboration represents everything that makes metal great: raw passion, technical excellence, and the ability to transcend cultural boundaries through the universal language of heavy music. As Marcos Curiel puts it, this is a song to "enjoy, turn up, sing along and always remember: Never bow down."
With festival season approaching and their European tour on the horizon, P.O.D. continues to demonstrate why they've remained at the forefront of heavy music for over three decades. This collaboration with Andrés Giménez isn't just another chapter in their story – it's a bold statement about the future of metal and its power to unite people across the globe.