Post by thesoundmonitor on Dec 1, 2003 18:35:09 GMT -5
PRONG
Scorpio Rising
(Locomotive)
by Warren Wheeler
While never officially splitting up, Prong was for all intents and purposes a dead subject. Their last album, Rude Awakening was released in ’96, and apart from the inclusion on a Clash tribute album (a track which was essentially Tommy Victor and Celldweller’s Klay Scott) the name had all but been relegated to the bowels of rock music history. Until, that is, the touring bug bit founder/guitarist/vocalist/mainstay Tommy Victor.
Following the ‘reunion’ tour the band released a live album, demoed some new material, and began seriously considering their recording options. Enter Spain’s Locomotive label, and the subsequent Scorpio Rising disc.
In typical Prong style, wicked riffs this way comes, without foregoing their thrash roots, or industrial rhythms. Victor sounds as spiteful as ever, and with a crisp production, as fresh as ever.
Amongst the barrage of pounding riffage, a few tracks stick out with Prong’s trademarked progressive qualities. ‘Embrace the Depth’ is a new version of the tune ‘Initiation’ - the first track demoed post-reunion. Industrial-tinged beats back up the rumbling bassline and stop/start riffs, before launching into an introspective chorus line.
Likewise, ‘Avoid Promises’ follows the melodic bridge pattern with Killing Joke-like verses, and equally big chorus movements.
The album rounds off with further spite indicating that this return may not be a flash in the pan reunion. ‘Hidden Agenda’ further explores industrial techniques (samples, loops, etc…) while maintaining that abrasive rock edge, and lyrical diatribe.
Scorpio Rising
(Locomotive)
by Warren Wheeler
While never officially splitting up, Prong was for all intents and purposes a dead subject. Their last album, Rude Awakening was released in ’96, and apart from the inclusion on a Clash tribute album (a track which was essentially Tommy Victor and Celldweller’s Klay Scott) the name had all but been relegated to the bowels of rock music history. Until, that is, the touring bug bit founder/guitarist/vocalist/mainstay Tommy Victor.
Following the ‘reunion’ tour the band released a live album, demoed some new material, and began seriously considering their recording options. Enter Spain’s Locomotive label, and the subsequent Scorpio Rising disc.
In typical Prong style, wicked riffs this way comes, without foregoing their thrash roots, or industrial rhythms. Victor sounds as spiteful as ever, and with a crisp production, as fresh as ever.
Amongst the barrage of pounding riffage, a few tracks stick out with Prong’s trademarked progressive qualities. ‘Embrace the Depth’ is a new version of the tune ‘Initiation’ - the first track demoed post-reunion. Industrial-tinged beats back up the rumbling bassline and stop/start riffs, before launching into an introspective chorus line.
Likewise, ‘Avoid Promises’ follows the melodic bridge pattern with Killing Joke-like verses, and equally big chorus movements.
The album rounds off with further spite indicating that this return may not be a flash in the pan reunion. ‘Hidden Agenda’ further explores industrial techniques (samples, loops, etc…) while maintaining that abrasive rock edge, and lyrical diatribe.