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Prong

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Band Timeline

1986

Formation of Prong

Prong was formed in 1986 in New York City by guitarist/vocalist Tommy Victor, who was a sound engineer at CBGB, and bassist Mike Kirkland, a doorman at the same club. They soon recruited Ted Parsons, an ex-Swans drummer, finalizing the initial lineup. The band emerged in the hardcore punk and heavy metal scenes with a raw and aggressive sound.
1987

Independent Release of 'Primitive Origins' EP

Prong independently released their first EP, 'Primitive Origins,' in 1987. This release showcased their raw and aggressive style and helped them gain a foothold in the underground metal and punk scenes. The EP set the foundation for their early identity before signing to a major label.
1988

Independent Release of 'Force Fed' Album

In 1988, Prong followed up their debut EP with their first full-length studio album, 'Force Fed,' also released independently. The album maintained their raw, hardcore-influenced sound and drew attention from major record labels due to its intensity and unique style, setting the stage for their subsequent signing.
1989

Signing with Epic Records

After gaining underground success, Prong signed with major label Epic Records in 1989. This move marked a turning point, offering wider distribution and promotional support. The band was poised to reach a larger audience and transition from underground favorites to more mainstream acclaim.
1990

Release of 'Beg to Differ'

Prong released 'Beg to Differ,' their major label debut album, in 1990 under Epic Records. The album received critical acclaim and helped the band break into broader metal audiences. It was supported by exposure on MTV's Headbangers Ball, increasing their visibility and solidifying their place in the metal scene.
1991

Lineup Change and Release of 'Prove You Wrong'

In 1991, bassist Mike Kirkland left and was replaced by Troy Gregory. With this new lineup, Prong released 'Prove You Wrong,' which saw the band incorporate programming and electronic samples, blending industrial elements with their aggressive metal sound. The album received positive attention and showcased their willingness to experiment musically.
1993-1994

Further Lineup Changes and Release of 'Cleansing'

By 1993, Troy Gregory was replaced by Paul Raven and John Bechdel, both from Killing Joke and Murder, Inc. This lineup released the 1994 album 'Cleansing,' which is regarded as Prong's most successful and varied work. 'Cleansing' featured industrial metal influences and included their best-known song 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck.' The album's songs became staples on MTV's Headbangers Ball, and the band toured with Sepultura and Pantera, expanding their audience significantly.
1996

Release of 'Rude Awakening' and Band Disbandment

Prong released 'Rude Awakening' in 1996, which charted modestly but sold well initially. Despite sales, Epic Records dropped the band shortly after. Key members left, and lineup changes followed, but internal struggles led to the band's dissolution in 1997. Members went on to other projects, with Tommy Victor joining Danzig.
2002

Reformation and New Lineup

After a five-year hiatus, Tommy Victor reformed Prong in 2002 with new members including Brian Perry on bass, Dan Laudo on drums, and Monte Pittman on guitar. They embarked on a 42-date American tour recorded for their live album '100% Live,' marking a resurgence of the band's activity in recording and touring.
2003

Release of 'Scorpio Rising'

Prong released 'Scorpio Rising' in 2003, their first studio album in seven years. The album received mixed reviews but demonstrated the band's continued evolution and exploration of heavy metal with modern influences. This period cemented Prong's return to the metal community after their hiatus.
2005

Release of 'The Vault' DVD

In 2005, Prong released 'The Vault,' a live two-disc DVD featuring performances from notable festivals like Hulstsfred and With Full Force, as well as a full show in Amsterdam. This release showcased the band's live energy and helped rekindle interest among fans, highlighting their ongoing presence in the heavy metal scene.
2007

Signing with 13th Planet and 'Power of the Damager' Release

Prong signed with Al Jourgensen's 13th Planet label in 2007 and released 'Power of the Damager.' This album was noted for its intensity and urgency, reinforcing Prong's status as a resilient force in heavy metal and their ability to adapt to contemporary metal trends while maintaining their unique sound.
2012-2017

Continued Releases and Legacy

Between 2012 and 2017, Prong continued to release albums including 'Carved into Stone' (2012), 'Ruining Lives' (2014), the covers album 'Songs from the Black Hole' (2015), 'X – No Absolutes' (2016), and 'Zero Days' (2017). These releases demonstrated the band's longevity and commitment to evolving within the heavy metal genre, maintaining a loyal fan base and critical recognition.

Albums

prong_1st_album
Force Fed
13 tracks
1988
prong_2nd_album
Beg to Differ
11 tracks
1990
prong_3rd_album
Prove You Wrong
13 tracks
1991
prong_4th_album
Cleansing
12 tracks
1994
prong_5th_album
Rude Awakening
13 tracks
1996
prong_6th_album
Scorpio Rising
14 tracks
2003
prong_7th_album
Power of the Damager
12 tracks
2007
prong_8th_album
Carved Into Stone
11 tracks
2012
prong_9th_album
Ruining Lives
11 tracks
2014
prong_10th_album
X-No Absolutes
12 tracks
2015
prong_11th_album
Zero Days
14 tracks
2017
prong_12th_album
State of Emergency
11 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Monte Pittman

2000

Tommy Victor

N/A

John Tempesta

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Frank Cavanagh

1997
1997

Dan Laudo

1997
2005

Paul Raven

1994
1996

Brian Perry

2000
2004

Blasko

1996
1996

Troy Gregory

1990
1991

Ted Parsons

1986
1996

Aaron Rossi

2007
N/A

Tony Campos

2009
2012

Bass guitar

Mike Kirkland

1986
1991

Art Cruz

2014
N/A

Drums (drum set)

John Bechdel

1994
1996

Ivan de Prume

2000
2000

Story of Prong

Prong, the American heavy metal band forged in the crucible of 1986 New York City, boasts a legacy built on raw power and uncompromising sound. Spearheaded by the sole constant member and guitarist/vocalist Tommy Victor, the band has released a staggering catalog: 13 studio albums (including a covers album), a live album, four EPs, a DVD, and a remix album.

Their journey began with the fiercely independent releases Primitive Origins (1987) and Force Fed (1988), raw and visceral recordings that caught the attention of Epic Records. Signed in 1989, Prong unleashed Beg to Differ (1990) and Prove You Wrong (1991), critically acclaimed albums that earned them coveted airplay on MTVs *Headbangers Ball*, solidifying their place in the underground metal scene. The bands success continued with 1994`s Cleansing, featuring their signature hit "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck." After one final album, Rude Awakening (1996), Prong disbanded in 1997, only to triumphantly return in 2002, continuing to tour and record to this day.

Early Days (1986-1988):

Initially formed by Victor (then a sound engineer at the legendary CBGB) and bassist Mike Kirkland (CBGB`s doorman), the band quickly added ex-Swans drummer Ted Parsons. Their early independent releases, Primitive Origins and Force Fed, are hallmarks of their raw, untamed sound, laying the groundwork for their future success.

Major Label Success and Underground Reign (1989-1995):

Their signing with Epic Records in 1989 marked a pivotal moment. The ensuing critical acclaim and MTV exposure cemented Prong`s position as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal landscape.

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