Veteran metal band Prong will release its new album “State of Emergency” on Oct. 6, 2023, and has shared a music video for the title track.
“The title track ‘State of Emergency’ is a bit of a classic Prong-style groove metal track but heavier,” guitarist/vocalist Tommy Victor said. “It features the last lyric written for the album. I wanted a song that summarized some of the other lyrics .One that would direct the cover art as well. What we get is this depiction of the Orwellian, dystopian reality we are facing. It’s all rather dark, threatening and heavy!”
The title track follows previously singles “Breaking Point,” “Non Existence” and “The Descent.”
“It’s a very Prong record,” Victor said of the new album. “I think it’s totally genre-transcending and definitely ignores what’s going on out there these days,”
Commenting on his artistic approach, Victor said: “I like all kinds of music. This record totally reflects that because it covers lots of different angles. At the same time, ‘State of Emergency’ is very guitar-oriented and a typical example of my style.’
Produced by Steve Evetts (Sepultura, The Dillinger Escape Plan), “State of Emergency” surprises on the post-punk track “Disconnected” and then grooves on the title track. Originally released as a standalone single in early 2023, “Breaking Point” takes no prisoners with honest lyrics and cutting attitude, while hard hitting “The Descent” is a lightning quick, classic ripper. “Back (NYC)” has Victor saying, “To me it’s as if Jimmy Page wrote a song playing through Dimebag’s amplifier, with Henry Rollins singing. Kind of a weird experiment for sure!”
The album closes with a cover of “Working Man” by the legendary Rush.
“Rush was the first power trio I ever saw live, and I was blown away by them,” Victor said. “‘Working Man’ is so simple, and it’s so heavy. I also love the lyric. I thought it would be great tuned down a bit and slowed down, and I think we nailed it.”
“State of Emergency” arrives perfectly in time for Prong’s upcoming November dates with Life of Agony in Europe. See tour dates below.
“State of Emergency“ track list:
1. The Descent
2. State of Emergency
3. Breaking Point
4. Non-Existence
5. Light Turns Black
6. Who Told Me
7. Obeisance
8. Disconnected
9. Compliant
10. Back (NYC)
11. Working Man (Rush cover)
“State of Emergency” will be available on Steamhammer/SPV on CD, LP and for digital download. Get it here.
Tour dates:
10/20: Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz
with Life of Agony
01.11. DE-Cologne – Carlswerk Victoria
03.11. DK-Copenhagen – Pumpehuset
04.11. SE-Gothenburg – Brewhouse
06.11. NO-Oslo – John Dee
07.11. SE-Stockholm – Slagt Kyrkan
09.11. DE-Leipzig – Täubchenthal
10.11. CZ-Brno – Freda
11.11. SK-Kosice – Collosseum
13.11. AT-Linz – Posthof
14.11. AT-Graz – PPC
15.11. AT-Innsbruck – Olympia World
17.11. BE-Ghent – Vooruit
18.11. NL-Klokgebouw – Helldorado Festival
