Prong

Prong is a US metal band from New York City, formed in 1986 and fronted by Tommy Victor. The group begins as part of the New York underground scene, with Victor working as a soundman at CBGB’s before founding the band. Its early line-up includes bassist Mike Kirkland, formerly of the New York hardcore band Damage and also a doorman at CBGB’s, and drummer Ted Parsons, formerly of Swans.

Early releases and signing

Prong issues two independent releases, Primitive Origins and Force Fed, which bring the band to the attention of Epic Records. Epic signs the trio in 1989, and the group’s major-label debut, Beg to Differ, follows in 1990. The early recordings are noted for a harsh hardcore-influenced sound.

Line-up changes and 1990s releases

After the first major-label period, Kirkland leaves and is replaced by Troy Gregory, formerly of Flotsam and Jetsam. On Prove You Wrong, Prong begins to use programming and electronic samples while keeping an aggressive but melodic approach. By 1994, Gregory has left and Paul Raven and John Bechdel join the band, both previously associated with Killing Joke and Murder, Inc. This line-up releases Cleansing, the band’s fifth major release, which has a strong industrial sound and becomes its most successful record. It includes “Broken Peace” and “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck”, songs that become Prong staples and receive heavy exposure on MTV’s Headbangers Ball.

Prong’s sixth album, Rude Awakening, follows in 1996. After the tour for that record, the band disbands in 1997. Parsons later leaves to join Godflesh, while Victor moves to Los Angeles.

Re-formation and later activity

Victor re-forms Prong in 2003, with Brian Perry on bass, Dan Laudo on drums and Monte Pittman on guitar. After a 42-show American tour recorded for the live album 100% Live, the band records Scorpio Rising. Victor also works with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Celldweller and Glenn Danzig during the band’s inactive period, and he plays and writes with Danzig at intervals between 1998 and 2005. Prong later releases the live DVD The Vault, which includes performances from the Hultsfred and With Full Force festivals and a full show in Amsterdam.

Following Scorpio Rising, Aaron Rossi replaces Dan Laudo on drums. Victor and Paul Raven also join Ministry in 2005 to write and tour on Rio Grande Blood, and they receive a Grammy nomination in 2007 for “Senior Peligro” in the Best Metal Performance category. They also appear on The Last Sucker. Raven dies in 2007. Prong then signs to 13th Planet Records, which releases Power of the Damager. The band supports that album with the “Slicing Across America” and “Slicing Across Europe” tours. At that point, Monte Pittman and Aaron Rossi are part of the live line-up alongside Tommy Victor.

Style and personnel

Prong is associated with crossover thrash, groove metal, industrial metal and thrash metal. Over the years, its line-up includes Mike Kirkland, Ted Parsons, Troy Gregory, John Bechdel, Paul Raven, Blasko, Frank Cavanagh, Dan Laudo, Ivan de Prume, Brian Perry, Monte Pittman, Aaron Rossi, Tony Campos, Art Cruz, John Tempesta and Tommy Victor.

The band’s labels include Spigot, Epic Records, Locomotive Records and 13th Planet Records.