Album Review: Prong – Prong

Album Review: Prong – Prong

Reviewed by Matthew Williams

There are certain bands that whenever their name gets mentioned to me, I immediately think of the song that got me into them. Prong are one of these bands and “Prove You Wrong” was the anthemic track that got me hooked, leading me to buy a vinyl copy of “Beg to Differ” which was played relentlessly. They are back with a self-titled album, number 14 of their illustrious careers, with Tommy Victor firmly at the helm, alongside drummer Tyler Joseph and bassist Christopher Dean.

From the opening salvo, it’s a relentless assault on your senses, as “The Banner” has elements of crushing thrash guitars that overlay the softer chorus lines, with strong powerful vocals popping up. They have combined their wide-ranging styles of hardcore, crossover thrash and industrial noise across these songs, and “New Commission” just pummels from the word go. There’s a hardcore breakdown in the middle, that provides a slight pause, before going off again with Victor’s slick and impressive solos.

A crushing bass from Dean greets you at the beginning of “The Uprising” as they add their famed industrial edge to the composition, but I feel the need to break out into a two-step several times. Victor’s range is on full display, with some lush tones juxtaposed with anger and then I smile at the opening few bars of “Uncertain Truth” as it’s melodic and laid back with a hook that drags you into their inner sanctum. One of the many pleasures of listening to Prong, is that they pull all sorts of stuff out of the bag when you least expect it, and “Fear The Sun” is a timely reminder of the power the band possess, as they evoke memories of the NYHC scene with a riffs that takes you back.

“Commonsense Resolution” has a punky ambience surrounding it, with a strong rhythm propelling it forward. The bassline is punchy and dynamic, as the notes intertwine leaving space for the guitar to make its presence known and give you an earworm moment. This is followed by “Doomed World” which has the great line, “Our unacceptance is to blame” something that will resonate with so many in these current times of uncertainty. There’s an absolute monster of a track next, “Proportionate Response” which has plenty of groove wrapped inside heavy thrash riffs. This is a real neck breaker, with angry, aggressive solos punching you from all directions and is followed by “Transgression” which offers up progressive elements in sections of the melody.

Leading the final two tracks is “Simulated Drowning” which sees plenty of double bass in the intro from Joseph, priming the song with a hardcore edge, as they dip back into their metal roots with a scintillating piece of music. So many of the songs have a real attitude about them, like they are sticking their two fingers up at the doubters, as they conclude with the heavier, more melodic “Our Continuance”. This has plenty happening, cleaner vocals, intimidating undertones and cacophonous breakdowns, to wrap up a memorable offering from one of New York’s finest bands.

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