When it comes to reviews, they don't always have to be about a romantic candlelight dinner or how Rick and Morty season 7 sucks (it doesn't). In this case, I get to rant about the destructive, hard-hitting album that is 'State of Emergency' by Prong. But beware, you might need a beastly pair of headphones, or even better, a loud and thumping speaker, to endure this feast of audio annhilation.
Leading the charge in the opener, The Descent is nothing short of a thrash masterpiece. It is an audio roller coaster, setting the pace for the rest of the album. Fast, brutal and wholly Prong. The Descent weaves in and out of frenzied guitar and thundering gang vocals with a complexity that outpaces the most seasoned metal stalwarts. Oh, Metallica, eat your heart out!
If you're craving that old school Prong vibe, you need not look further than the titular track, State of Emergency. Here, Tommy Victor, the unapologetic protagonist, spits lyrics that are raw aggression and groovy beats. The catchiness of the gang vocals coupled with those chuggy riffs perfectly encapsulates the no-frills brutality of Prong, and in classic Prong fashion, the listener is in for a good time, bruises and all.
The true magnum opus of this album, however, is the hard-hitting Breaking Point. Taking a deeper look, this track is, in fact, a turning point in the album where the thunder waves crash into the gang vocal storm. Everything about it screams classic Prong - the oscillating pitch changes, the squealing guitars and of course, the hardcore gang vocals. This relentless groove metal powerhouse hits you with the impact of a gang of angry Vikings, earning its spot as arguably the best song since Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck.
It's as though State of Emergency is the living proof of the idea that like a bottle of fine wine, Prong, led by Tommy Victor, is indeed getting better with age, never losing sight of their grooving metal roots. Prong still packs a hefty punch, filled with more piss and vinegar than ever.
In conclusion, State of Emergency isn't just a decent metal record, it's an electrifying and ear-shattering commitment to metal quality. Is it perfect? Not quite. Is it damned good and a potent kick to the auditory system in the best way possible? Hell yes.
8.5 out of 10. Do yourself a favor and add this Prong masterpiece to your rotation. Just make sure you turn it up loud, it is worthy of bein g hard of hearing in your elder years!
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