The last time I got to write about Prong here was in 2017 when the band released ‘Zero Days’, an album which was packed from start to finish with fantastic tracks and for me, was the best album the band had put out since the iconic ‘The Cleansing’. Since then, we’ve had plenty of chaos and societal change and as you know, this can make for some fantastic inspiration for songs. So let’s just get on with it, let’s get ready for some snapped necks!
Like most Prong records, ‘State of Emergency’ is loaded to the brim with classic riffs. This should come as no surprise as we all know that Tommy Victor has a knack for churning out some of the best riffs you will hear. The massive tone, huge rhythm section and classic snarling vocals all make for a solid musical backdrop across 42 minutes of solid groove metal with some nice blending of hardcore, punk and post-punk elements to round out and diversify the songs. You’ve got tracks which range from classic Prong to haunting post-punk and industrial tinted to a cover version of a song I didn’t know I wanted to exist but now am fully glad it does!
Album opener “The Descent” is a turbo charged head-banger. The fast pace riff intro joined by the colossal drum rolls and stomping chugs immediately hits you in the gut and the commanding vocals have a power to them which commands your attention. It’s got that classic prong flair which wouldn’t seem out of place on any of the band’s earlier works. Titular track “State Of Emergency” is up next and this one has more of a modern prong (post-2014) feel. The groove is tight still and the big bodied choruses pull no punches but it’s that tightly controlled muted chugging delivered with machine like precision which hits the spot. “Breaking Point” has a bit more of an upbeat kick to its pacing. The squealing pinch harmonics mixed into the chugs give it a memorable hook and the lyrics have a real bite to their message and the delivery. Complimenting all this of course is a solid rhythm section with a booming bass and some ugh drums keeping it all locked down.
“Non-Existence” is a catchy number. Stoking memories of ‘Rude Awakening’ with some of its melodic sequences, it’s a fantastic track from start to finish. Stomp-chug riffs, big chord and melodic hook choruses with rapid fire vocals in the verses adding a sense of urgency, coupled with an uplifting message in the chorus… This track has it all! “Light Turns Black” is a great slice of groove which barrels forwards, crushing anything in its path. There’s nothing fancy here, no quirky hooks, just a pounding groove and big wall of riffs. “Who Told Me” follows on in a similar vein, this time adding more of an aggressive edge as we get some nice tempo changes which totally change how the stomping groove flows. Scathing vocals and a deep, booming bassline just add to the intensity and in all, it’s just what you expect from Prong.
“Obeisance” has a real ominous edge to its intro. The dissonant chug and pounding bass quickly transitions to an angular riff which adds more unsettling feelings to the sound and when the verse comes in, the brighter vocals over this musical approach just make it all the more haunting. A big melodic chorus which has that post-punk, Killing Joke-esque quality to it is a welcome addition, showcasing Victor’s talent to actually sing and create some great melodies with both vocals and arrangements. “Disconnected” keeps this approach going. The haunting 80’s inspired post-punk tint to the composition combined with Victor’s intrinsic knack for churning out great riffs has spawned one of the best tracks on the album. It’s easier to just listen to the track than for me to just write about it so you will understand why I hold it in high regard. If I were to try to explain… I guess everything just aligns perfectly and it’s no doubt going to be one of the all time great Prong tracks.
“Compliant” brings back more of the groove but still retains the atmospheric touch and melodic post-punk sequences. Massive sounding in its chorus, huge walls of chugging riffs and sneering vocals which paint a cautionary tale of perspective, this track caps off an impressive trio of songs which show that there is a lot more to Prong than solid riffs and groove. “Back (NYC)” channels the old NYC hardcore vibes. Energetic and in your face, it’s muddy groove and shouting vocals is a tribute to New York and its rich musical pedigree as a hotbed for so many bands. Quite fitting as Victor is a New Yorker after all! Closing the album is the surprisingly incredible cover of ‘Working Man’ originally by Rush. No strangers in how to deliver a cover song in their own style whilst still retaining the spirit of the original, this riff loaded Rush track takes on a more sludge friendly tone. The way Tommy delivers the vocals has a great storytelling vibe to it whilst the track remains faithful to the Rush approach til round the mid-point where it shifts a few gears and Tommy gives this classic an injection of Prong inspired groove and energy before it shifts back to the more original flair, capping off a track which has quickly become one of my favourite cover versions of a song.
From start to finish, “State of Emergency” is a fine album. It’s got a great blend of classic Prong and a more diversified sound, it’s got loads of groove, plenty of head-banging moments and most of all, Tommy, you ARE the working man.
Fantastic work!
(9/10 Fraggle)
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