Prong - Are back in the UK and showing they are as good as ever!

*****

Prong bring the beats on!

Headliner

Prong ***** last time graced these shores with their presence was weeks after the release of their latest album 'Carved into Stone' and now they are back again in the UK and playing just before their new album 'Ruining Lives' is to come out. Even thought 'Carved into Stone' had just come out they decided to play their classic album 'Beg to Differ' in full instead. This was all well and good but the fact that they had just released their best ever album was over looked by many, which was a real shame indeed because many people wanted to hear some of the new songs instead of songs that they had heard live countless times before. On the door for tonight show fans are give a new track off their upcoming album 'Ruining Lives' and given few sneak peaks into what it's going to be like in their set, and from what we were given I personally can't wait for it's release.

The band hit the stage and explode into 'For dear Life' tonight the and they are just on fire, with a fill in bassist to take the place of the absent Tony Campos (Prong, Static-X) looking like he is warming up for the big fight against Clubber Lang in 'Rocky (Part 3). This is the third time I've seen the band and tonight was the best by far that I've seen them, the intensity and power of the music delivered is like nothing else I have heard around in a lot of new bands. There also is a really good atmosphere of anticipation before they go on and this is mainly down to the two hired guns Tommy Victor (Prong, Danzig) has in tow this time around. Arturo Cruz is amazing on the drums giving the songs an awesome kickin' of the ass.

Prong's helpers keep the beat perfectly and the energy is amazing and goes higher and higher throughout the bands set. The fill in bass player looks like he is plucked straight from the New York, Hardcore scene and brings a new attitude to the band and again plays perfectly while delivering an awesome stage presence at the same time. His determination and enthusiasm really rubs off on Tommy and all three members give it full force for the entirety of their lengthy set which is today over twenty songs. The songs also sound heavier then ever have done before and with a really vicious version of the hit single 'Snap your Fingers' they really show what they are made of. 

This shows them off as a nasty Punky Industrial Metal band that knows were they have come from and know what they want. 'Snap your Fingers' quote is also present all round the venue with fans wearing it on their t-shirts which they have bought from the merchandise stand. The groove of tracks like 'Beg to Differ' or 'Another Worldly Device' have the whole place moving, and the pit is absolute chaos. But why wouldn't it be when they are served up a 'Rude Awakening' and 'Revenge best served Cold' two tracks you can't go wrong with at any time or place and the latter of which already seems like a classic Prong song.

This song also has hints of Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde era and Warrior Soul but keeping with a Traditional Industrial riff. Their are so many gems on show today and you couldn't possible talk about the all but they or have the Prong seal of approval and even though some are repetitive you don't get bored of them and just want more. In Industrial Metal things are repeated a few times but they are driven at you in a way that makes you accept and enjoy every riff played. If you have not heard this song you can hear it at the bottom of this page.

All this proves that Tommy Victor is still Metal's most under rated riff writer and he has a distinctive style as he slams his guitar and does scissor kicks in the air at the same time. You can also hear with Prong what influence he has on the Danzig sound which has evolved since he joined the band. I also think the work he has done with Danzig has helped Prong to get better and better in their own sound and this is why the last few albums and new material is just so good. I really can't wait for the new album 'Ruining Lives' and think it is one I am going to play over and over again and will be the perfect record before a night out.

The setlist is almost as close to perfect as you can get, and as a Prong fan I could not ask for more, it's like a greatest hits set with showcases highlights from Prong's later albums also. There is an awesome atmosphere all round and it is one of those rare shows where your actually gutted it's over. I can't wait to see Prong again and I will be the first in the que to buy a ticket next time they play and look forward to hearing more new material live. Prong is a band that you just have to check out if you are into Industrial Metal / Punk.

Prong - Setlist
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For dear Life
Beg to Differ
Irrelevant Thoughts
Unconditional 
Eternal Heat
Lost and Found
Ruining Lives
Third from the Sun
Cutrate
Rude Awakening 
Turnover
Carved into Stone
Broken Piece
Another Worldly Device
Whose Fist
Snap your Fingers
Power of the Damager
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Close the Door
Dark Signs
Revenged best served Cold
Prove you Wrong

Review by Joe Denby and Photo's by Dan Devour and Joe Denby

Check Out! the Video for 'Revenge best Served Cold' Below...