When P.O.D. hit the mainstream in 2001 with Satellite, I definitely saw the SoCal group as another pack of aggro-rockers following in the loud-and-angry footsteps of Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach. Radio hits like “Alive” and “Youth of the Nation” fired me up … to turn the station.

But I learned this past weekend that I hadn’t given these guys enough credit. What I didn’t understand is that their music isn’t meant to be heard on new-rock radio; it’s meant to be heard as loud as possible while surrounded by people screaming the lyrics right back at lead singer/ MC Sonny Sandoval.

P.O.D. thrive onstage.

The group performed poolside at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on the patio of the hot spot’s Ago restaurant to support the “Meet the Spartans” DVD release and their new album, When Angels & Serpents Dance. “Spartans” stars Carmen Electra and Method Man introduced the guys, with Meth even calling them “one of the best groups out right now.”

And they backed up that claim with crowd favorites like “Boom” and “Set It Off,” while sprinkling in some new tracks, including “Addicted” and “Kaliforn-Eye-A.” It was an intense and fast-paced set that converted at least one former hater — which is why I had to spread the word. If you ever encounter a random opportunity to see these guys live, do it.

But do I have to see Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach in concert to reaffirm my distaste for them? Dear God, I hope not.

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