Review PRONG ‘State of Emergency’

New York City -based groove metal masters Prong are back with a new album. After a few brilliant records in the 90s, one recalls ‘Beg to Differ’, ‘Prove You Wrong’ and ‘Cleansing’, a short period of dry spell followed. Records like ‘Scorpio Rising’ couldn’t keep up with the great successes.

Fortunately, Tommy Victor and his band have returned to their strengths and have been doing really well again for a few years now. With ‘State of Emergency’ the next album is ready and Prong prove that they still have a lot to offer.

It took six long years until the new album could be finished and of course the pandemic was not completely guiltless at this long waiting period. But now Prong come back and they do it in an impressive way.

The band presents their very own sound and what you hear on ‘State of Emergency’ reminds you of the strong days of the 90s. At the same time the band does not copy itself but releases songs that are contemporary and dynamic. The typical staccato riffing is a driving force as well as Victor’s unique vocals by which one recognizes the band so often.

The start is already a clear statement. The massive guitars reveal that the energy level is pushed up properly. Angry and boisterous, that’s how the song can be described. At a moderate tempo things go forward. The title track is a vehement strike that could also come from the ‘Beg to Differ’ times. ‘Non-Existence’ is almost catchy while the hardcore reference dominates in ‘Light Turns Black’.

The second half of the album is still good, but can’t quite compete with the first songs. ‘Disconnected’ is by no means a bad song. Nevertheless, it is rather average and also the uncomfortable ‘Compliant’ doesn’t want to ignite immediately. Instead, ‘Back (NYC)’ blasts out of the speakers before the final burst kicks in with ‘Working Man’. Some already guessed it. Prong has actually covered Rush. The combination seems unusual at first sight and it certainly is. Nevertheless, Prong have done everything right. Slightly lower-pitched and slower than the original, Prong give the track a new touch while bowing to the Canadian prog rock legend. Even the Prong-typical “Uhhh-” has found a spot in this cover version.

‘State of Emergency’ has become a great album. The band again relies on their successful roots and even if the really big hits like ‘Snap Your Finger, Snap Your Neck’ and especially ‘Cut-Rate’ are missing, the new album is still a treat for fans of groovy east coast metal.