ALBUM REVIEW: State Of Emergency – Prong
New York metal heroes PRONG have always been a band whose music hits hard and gets straight to the point like a fist to the face. Early albums like Beg To Differ, Cleansing and Rude Awakening introduced listeners to a more groove-orientated metal sound, with hardcore, punk and industrial influences thrown into the mix to establish PRONG as a band who always delivered on their own terms. After a hiatus, they returned and continued to make quality albums like Carved Into Stone and Ruining Lives and now after a break of six years they return with their 13th album State Of Emergency and they sound just as pissed off and urgent as they did when they first emerged from the Lower East Side of New York City’s underground.
Right from the start of this record, it is great to hear the instantly recognisable roar of vocalist and guitarist Tommy Victor. His vocals throughout are unsurpassed in their power and immediacy and he sounds as good as ever as he belts out the lyrics on the likes of The Descent, Breaking Point and the title track. Of course, all this is done over those trademark colossal grooves and a faultless production courtesy of longtime PRONG collaborator Steve Evetts.
State Of Emergency is undeniably a classic sounding PRONG record, and the fact that it contains a couple of PRONG-related guest spots from former member Monte Pittman (who plays guitar on The Descent) and Steve Zing (who also plays with Tommy Victor in DANZING) on Back (NYC) makes it even more special.
As the band steamroll through the album, the power, groove and finesse on show is palpable in tracks like Light Turns Black, Who Told Me and their ode to their Big Apple hometown in the punked up fury of the aforementioned Back (NYC). All show how good a band PRONG still are, while songs like Obeisance and Disconnected reveal their musical diversity. As the band finish with their powerful version of Working Man by RUSH, it feels so good to have them back doing what they do best and sounding as good as they do.
State Of Emergency is the sound of PRONG rolling back the years (the recording saw the band go back to New York to create and record it) and looking to the future at the same time. The band sound completely reenergised on this record and while there are vibes of their earlier material, this is far from some sort of throwback record. It sees PRONG triumphantly forging ahead and doing exactly what they always do, which is make timeless metal music with a New York swagger and anger, combined with razor sharp riffs and sublimely heavy grooves.
Ultimately it is great to have PRONG back at the top of their game and State Of Emergency proves once again what a classic band they are. It is great to hear them sound as vital as they do here.
Rating: 9/10
State Of Emergency is set for release on October 6th via Steamhammer/SPV.
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