Prong - Carved Into Stone
Prong
Carved Into Stone
Long Branch/SPV Records
New York based power trio Prong are probably best known for their early 90s release “Beg To Differ” which featured three song segments that were used in the intro music to Headbanger’s Ball (Rikki Rachtman era). Prong produced four albums in the 90s that established this power trio as a force to reckon with. They disbanded in 1996 partly due to poor album sales and being released from their Epic Records contract. In 2002 Victor re-emerged with a new lineup and released a couple of albums in the early to mid 2000s. In April of 2012 Prong has once again resurfaced with their latest effort “Carved Into Stone”. It should be duly noted that this is not a comeback album but is actually a defining record for who Prong is. According to founder/guitarist/vocalist Tommy Victor, “It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked on a record. I’m happier with the way it came out more than almost anything I have ever done but there were points during it where I wanted to kill myself and everyone around me.”
“Carved Into Stone” can be defined in just a few words, “crunchy, thick, thrashed based metal.” Everything about this album is heavy. From the thunderous double kicks of drummer Alexei Rodriguez to the chugging guitar sounds and vocals of Victor this album never ceases to let up. The opening track “Eternal Heat” is a central song that sets the bar very high for what is to follow and what follows does not disappoint. One of the highlights for me is the song “Revenge… Best Served Cold” which is archetypal Prong through and through with its larger than life guitars and rumbling double kick. “State of Rebellion” is another song that is worth mentioning with its quasi industrial thrash beats that Prong has become famous. Actually there isn’t a bad song on this album at all.
As a whole “Carved Into Stone” is just over 40 minutes of pure heaviness. Having been a fan of Prong since the early 90s I would concur that this is possibly one of their best releases. The band has matured over the years however they still maintain the true sounds that define who they are. The eleven song CD is packed to the brim with energy, power and pure thrash. Personally I believe it will appeal to longtime Prong fans, thrash metal heads and individuals who like their music dark, thick and chunky.
