I remember hearing Prong for the first time in 1990.
The mix of hardcore and industrial metal created by
band leader Tommy Victor and company came across like
a fist to the face in the heyday of hair metal. While
bands like Faster Pussycat and Pretty Boy Floyd were
making their bid to rule radio Prong was turning heads
by bucking the trends. In 2007 Prong is back with
"Power Of the Damager" and I'm pleased to
say they're still swimming against the current.
Prong has become known for the electronic elements
that are common to industrial metal. Samples and pounding
sequenced rhythms have become commonplace on Prong
releases. With "Power Of the Damager" Prong
has gone back to basics. This release is stripped
down. All electronic elements have been removed. What's
left is a bone crushing experience that is reminiscent
of their debut. Songs like "Looking For Them"
and "The Banishment" pound with deadly force.
This isn't to say that Prong hasn't moved beyond
their earliest work. "Pure Ether" is a stellar
moment that combines melody with a swirling metal
riff. The title track and "Spirit Guide"
also share this blend of hardcore and metal sounds.
In these moments Prong almost appears to be embracing
current metal trends. Almost. Prong blazes their own
path, and though they may skate the edge of teh current
sound, their rabid originality and use of classic
industrial sounds make "Power Of the Damager"
a prime piece of work that can only be described as
Prong.
Key Tracks: "Pure Ether", "Spirit
Guide"
Reviewed by Jim McDonald |
