While you wouldn’t know from their cutting lyrics and grating sound, Prong stands out from most heavy metal bands in that they lead with a down-to-earth attitude and prioritze forming relationships with their fans. The themes in the New York born and bred band’s newest single are angry and loud, but eloquent at the same time. “Breaking Point” marks the band’s return to the scene as they set off on a European tour this month.
Prong was formed in 1986 by singer and guitarist Tommy Victor, who still is lead singer today, the only member from the original line-up still active. He is joined by bassist John Christopher of the Corey Taylor Band and drummer Aaron Rossi of Ministry. The three come together harmoniously, equal parts energy and technicality.
Tommy Victor said his single, “Breaking Point,” came about in the final stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a growing sense of exhaustion and frustration so palpable that Prong was almost overwhelmed during their last tour. The lyrics and Victor’s vocal tone are reminiscent of Fugazi’s “Break,” where Ian Mackaye sings, “Can’t ask for more so why unfulfilled / We take apart everything we build.” These themes have endured, making their way into Prong’s contemporary work; in “Breaking Point” Victor sings: “The denial / it’s the breaking point / It’s going to end / it’s going to stop / so many people have had enough.”
Joining Prong on tour is Life of Agony and Tarah Who?. Though the tour is in Europe, with this new single Victor is bringing New York with him. “I think moving back to New York has helped with these. I’m really happy where I’m at all around. I think it’s coming across in the new songs and showing a rejuvenated attitude,” Victor said on “Breaking Point.” Tour dates are listed below; tickets can be purchased here.
January 13 – Bochum, DE – Matrix
January 15 – Aarhus, DK – Voxhall
January 17 – Hamburg, DE – Grünspan
January 18 – Berlin, DE – Astra
January 19 – Warsaw, PL – Proxima
January 21 – Prague, CZ – Palac Akropolis
January 22 – Vienna, AT – Arena
January 23 – Munich, DE – Backstage
January 25 – Zurich, CH – Dynamo
January 26 – Bulle, CH – Ebullition
January 28 – Antwerp, BE – Trix
January 29 – Vaureal, FR – Le Forum
January 31 – Wasquehal, FR – The Black Lab
February 1 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg
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