Review PRONG “Prong”

One of the key hardcore and groove metal bands to emerge from New York City, Prong made quite an impact throughout the ’90s. By the end of the decade, however, the band had called it quits, only for Tommy Victor to bring Prong back to life in 2002.

The second chapter of Prong’s career has delivered some solid albums, although the band has never quite managed to match the classics of its early years. Still, Prong have remained a reliable source of aggressive metal and hardcore, and their new album is no exception. Simply titled Prong, Tommy Victor and his band have put eleven new tracks on the record, with two additional bonus tracks available depending on the format.

For the most part, Prong stick to their guns, although the new record turned out to be a little more hardcore-oriented than I expected. The opening stretch, however, is all about metal. “The Banner” kicks things off with a crushing thrash metal riff and makes for a powerful opener. Combined with a groove-driven middle section, the track pulls you straight into the album. There are no compromises here, just the kind of Prong we know. “New Commission” keeps the foot firmly on the gas, followed by “The Uprising,” which comes equipped with a strong bassline. This one could easily have found a place on Cleansing.

With “Uncertain Truth,” we get a surprisingly melodic moment that shows another side of Prong’s sound. That moment doesn’t last long, though. A scorching riff kicks off “Fear The Sun,” putting the neck muscles back to work.

“Commonsense Resolution” comes crashing out of the speakers with a punk-infused attitude before handing things over to the tight and focused “Doomed World”. Its shout-along chorus seems tailor-made for the live stage, and the track is an energy boost from start to finish.

The metal influences come to the forefront once again on the furious “Proportionate Response,” where they blend with hardcore elements. It’s one of the album’s more intense moments, and the final three tracks are anything but restrained. The fast-paced “Simulated Drowning” is a particular standout. “Our Continuance,” on the other hand, takes a darker and more ominous approach. Its slow-moving riff gradually works its way into the listener’s subconscious. With Victor delivering his vocals in an almost spoken-word style, the track gains an additional layer of weight. It’s easily the most demanding song on the album and an unusual way to bring things to a close.

All things considered, Prong haven’t lost any of their bite. If anything, they’re still pushing hard. Prong brings together all the band’s trademarks in one place. It’s a melting pot of different genres, with each element fitting neatly into the overall picture. The result is a very strong release that shows Tommy Victor and company still have plenty of power left in the tank.