It was 33 years ago that a young, impressionable Itchymenace was in Musicland and noticed the artwork on Prong’s breakthrough album, Beg to Differ was by Pushead, the same dude who did the Metallica shirts. Thinking it must be good by association, I immediately purchased the cassette and eagerly placed it in my Walkman. It wasn’t love at first listen but there was something there. While not as polished sounding as And Justice for All or Master of Puppets, the riffs were good in a different way. They had a raw edge that eventually won me over. Subsequent albums would convert this reviewer into a life-long fan and seeing Prong in 1995 solidified my opinion that they were unsung heroes of the metal world. Fast forward to 2023 and Steel Druhm waving the latest release under my nose along with threats to not “Virgin Steele” it. If this went well, I might have an extra ladle of gruel this month. If it went poorly, I might be scrounging Doc Grier’s leftover breakfast burritos and reviewing Christian metalcore for the foreseeable future. Would this be a rude awakening or a welcome cleansing?
It’s been four years since Prong’s last EP and six years since their last full-length. Lest you worry that they’re down for the count, Tommy Victor and Co. are back to prove you wrong on their 13th studio album, State of Emergency. It warms this fan’s heart to find that Victor hasn’t lost his edge or his songwriting chops. The formula is still there: blistering riffs, urgent verses and big hooky choruses, but the material feels more original and less stock than other recent outings. Opening burner, “The Descent” leaves no doubt that good things are to come. Mid-album track “Who Told Me” reminds us that the band has penned some of the most rollicking thrash of the past 30 years. Prong has, for the most part, been reliably consistent throughout their career. State of Emergency feels especially cohesive from start to finish with glimpses of new maturity. “Disconnected” is a mid-tempo scorcher that borders on pop if not for the blistering guitar beneath the melody. Lyrically the song and much of the album feel very relevant. Themes range from alienation, misinformation, and free thought. Familiar topics in the metal world but the delivery feels firmly rooted in our current world state.
I can’t review a Prong record without talking about Tommy Victor’s guitar playing. He’s been a long-time favorite of mine and doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Never a shredder, Mr. Victor’s skill lies in his riffery. Many say James Hetfield has the mightiest right hand in metal. I’d argue Tommy’s is mightier if not steadier. One only needs listen to “Breaking Point” to recognize the potent mix of speed, precision and angst that Tommy brings to his playing. Tommy admits that the song may have been inspired by Zakk Wilde, but his use of pinch harmonics goes back to the band’s earliest recordings. The guitar tone remains as thick and crunchy as ever, incorporating the chunk of Pantera, the grit of Ministry and the sheen of Priest.
Prong has had a rotating door of great musicians, but it’s always been the Tommy Victor show. On State of Emergency, it’s unclear if the current lineup of bassist Jason Christopher and drummer Griffin McCarthy play on the album or not but the musicianship is solid as always. The focus has always been on serving the riff without overshadowing it. On tracks like “Non-Existence,” the rhythm section lays down an energized foundation for Mr. Victor to launch from. The playing is in the pocket with everyone giving the material the enthusiasm and power it deserves. Vocally, Victor hasn’t lost his snarl. For a 57-year-old, he still sounds like he means every word he sneers.
It’s nice to know that there are things in life that you can still count on. State of Emergency is chock full of the signature East Coast punk/ thrash/ hardcore/ industrial sound you’ve come to expect from Prong. Other than the (fully enjoyable) cover of Rush’s “Working Man” there are no surprises here, just riff after killer riff. If you’re a fan, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re discovering Prong for the first time, this is a great jumping on point. It encapsulates their sound over the years in a well-produced, modern-sounding package that will still snap your neck.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: NA | Format Reviewed: Stream
Label: Steamhammer / SPV
Websites: Prongmusic.com | Facebook.com/prongmusic
Releases Worldwide: October 6th, 2023
