Prong – State of Emergency

Prong, the industrial metal pioneers led by the ever-outspoken Tommy Victor, return with a vengeance on their eleventh studio album, “State of Emergency.” This offering promises a potent blend of Prong’s signature thrash metal attack with modern industrial influences. Does “State of Emergency” prove Prong’s relevance in today’s metal scene, or is it a retread of past glories? Let’s crank it up and delve into this album, track by track, to see if Prong ignites a moshpit or leaves us wanting more.

A Fury of Riffs and Rage:

• Non-Existent (3:42): The album explodes with a blistering statement of intent. Machine-gun drumming propels the listener forward, while a razor-sharp guitar riff slices through the mix. Victor’s vocals are a venomous snarl, perfectly capturing the song’s aggressive spirit. The lyrics, likely delivered with characteristic bluntness, might explore themes of alienation and the feeling of being invisible in a crowded world.
• The State of Emergency (4:12): The title track continues the sonic assault. A chugging guitar riff lays the foundation, while Victor delivers a scathing tirade against societal ills. The industrial elements emerge subtly, with distorted samples and electronic textures adding a dystopian atmosphere. The lyrics likely paint a bleak picture of the world’s current state, highlighting corruption, injustice, and a sense of impending doom.
• Breaking Point (3:27): The album injects a dose of unbridled fury. The song is a chaotic maelstrom of blast beats, dissonant guitar riffs, and Victor’s most aggressive vocals yet. The music evokes a sense of being on the verge of a breakdown, a fitting metaphor for the album’s overall theme. The lyrics might explore themes of frustration and the boiling rage simmering beneath the surface of society.
• Light Turns Black (4:01): A brief moment of melodic respite arrives. The song features a surprisingly catchy chorus that burrows into your brain. However, the darkness quickly returns, with a scorching guitar solo and a return to Victor’s venomous snarl. This track demonstrates Prong’s ability to balance aggression with melody, a hallmark of their sound. The lyrics might explore the descent from hope to despair, a reflection of the album’s overall mood.
• Who Told Me (4:38): The album delves into a more introspective space. The song features a slower tempo and a melancholic guitar melody. Victor’s vocals take on a more questioning tone, expressing feelings of disillusionment and a longing for something better. The lyrics likely explore themes of searching for meaning in a chaotic world and the frustration of unanswered questions.
• Back (NYC) (3:54): A return to Prong’s raw energy emerges. The song features a stripped-down approach, with a powerful drumbeat and a single, driving guitar riff. Victor’s vocals are a rallying cry, urging listeners to fight back against the forces of oppression. The lyrics might be a call to arms, a declaration of defiance in the face of adversity.
• Working Man (Rush Cover) (4:12): The album concludes with a surprising cover of Rush’s classic “Working Man.” Prong transforms the song into a thrash metal juggernaut, while retaining the spirit of the original. This cover demonstrates Prong’s respect for their influences while showcasing their ability to reinterpret a classic in their own aggressive style.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

“State of Emergency” is a powerful statement from Prong. The album proves that this veteran band can still deliver a potent blend of thrash metal fury and industrial menace. The songwriting is tight, with each track offering a unique exploration of the album’s central themes. Victor’s vocals are as ferocious as ever, perfectly capturing the rage and frustration of our times. The production is clear and raw, allowing the music’s intensity to shine through.

A minor point to consider: Listeners unfamiliar with Prong’s abrasive sound and Victor’s blunt lyrical style might find “State of Emergency” a bit too aggressive. The relentless onslaught of thrash riffs and shouted vocals might not be for everyone.

However, for fans of classic thrash metal and those seeking a soundtrack for their own frustrations, “State of Emergency” is a must-listen. Prong proves that they are still a force to be reckoned with, and their message of defiance remains relevant in today’s world.