photo credit: Nathaniel Shannon
State of Emergency, the latest release from Prong, showcases a furious East Coast aggression while maintaining their classic style that never falls flat. Tommy Victor, the band’s frontman, describes the album as genre-transcending and reflective of his diverse musical influences. Produced by Steve Evetts, State of Emergency features a collection of present-day themes surrounding doom and manipulation while also showcasing some positives throughout punk, industrial, and an array of musical executions, which you can read more about in our album review here. Metal Insider recently caught up with Victor to discuss the new record, placing diversified styles, and more.
What was the creative process like behind the new album, State of Emergency?
All the riffs and songs and lyrics were written after I settled in when my family and I moved back to Ny last year. It was different for me for a few reasons. I wrote it all on this one . There weren’t any collaborations. In the past I was thinking it would save time reaching out to other guys and having Chris Collier the producer on the last few records contribute .I actually got it done quicker this way. And I only worked like, 9:30 to 5., Monday thru Friday. I would take my son to daycare then come back home and set up my rig in his room. Break down then pick him up, cook dinner, put him to bed .Do the same the next day. Eventually I rented a room out where I could scream out the vocal ideas . So I would drop him off , drive out to the room , then the rest. It took a little over 2 months to write the 10 songs
You’ve mentioned that State of Emergency reflects your varied taste in music. Could you elaborate on that by naming some of the artists or genres that influenced this album?
Well most Prong stuff has a bit of Killing Joke in there. Apart from that it’s really just a culmination of all the styles I’ve been exposed to. I’ve been doing this awhile. I just keep absorbing stuff and what comes out with the riffs in just that. A fusion of alternative, noise , prog, metal of all sorts, punk, punk and post punk, goth, industrial, whatever.
Could you delve into the lyrical themes of the new album?
Sure. Overall the lyrics tackle the Orwellian reality we are starting to live under. The rapid pace that the media is manipulating and controlling our thoughts and lives. At least it’s trying to. How it does so gets a little more involved here and there. “The Descent” is a narrative of someone who is losing their grip on reality based on social media. He’s comparing himself to others and feeling so inadequate and therefore nihilistic that he is proposing doomsday for mankind. “Breaking Point” is more about people’s reaction to having to shut their lives and minds down. “Compliant” is about us all being forced to agree, forced to accept ideas that we instinctively as humans believe to be false. There are other songs that are more positive.“Non-Existence”is about appreciating accomplishments of mankind and valuing life. Back (NYC) is a returning home song.
The album features a cover of Rush’s “Working Man.” What motivated you to include this track, and how did you approach putting your own spin on it?
I was listening to old faves of mine when I moved back before getting into writing. I really like the first Rush album. It’s kinda stoner doom and acid ,blues rock mixed together. The lyrics I always liked. When bands were singing about cars and chicks or war or mystical stuff, this song was more basic and direct. A guy frustrated. That’s sort of a main Prong type thing. I tuned the riff down to Tony Iommi tuning and it sounded wicked so we jammed it out and recorded it. It came out great so we decided to put it on the record.
Can you talk more about the songs “Non-Existence” and “Breaking Point?”
I talked a little earlier about these. They, this corrupt mainstream media is really pushing everyone with brains or morals or ethics to the breaking point for sure. Non- Existence comes from the statement “Existence is still better than non-existence“ It’s better to be alive and contribute in some way than the alternative..
You’ve mentioned the album is “very guitar-oriented.” Can you share any specific techniques or gear you used?
There’s not a lot of variety in gear. I use my Schecter signature model or the fixed bridge version in most of the stuff. Some songs have an SG on it. I use a Kemper amp for everything now.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Scorpio Rising,could you share some memories from the making of this record?
Eek . That whole record was a nightmare. I wasn’t in any shape prepared to make that record to begin with. I was fooling around for years trying to learn music programming. My guitar skills weren’t good. I sort of ran out of money and instead of flipping burgers I agreed to make this record. I really didn’t have any songs or ideas that were good for Prong. I didn’t even have a band. I had to get my buddy Monte Pittman quick on the case to contribute riffs. I didn’t have time to audition anybody so we had to settle on Dan who was competent but limited on drums. Same with production. We were bamboozled into using big time expensive Danny Saber to produce the record. We had to fire him and use the tracks and we just got another LA scene guy who just wanted to hang out at the Rainbow to finish it. it just sucked horribly. The label went out of business around the time it came out. Cursed.
What songs were more challenging to write?
Who knows. I push all that out of my mind. I’ve come a long way since that period!
Is there anything else you want to say or add to your listeners?
Go to prongmusic.com or Facebook. Order new record State Of Emergency on Napalm records site.
