On Monday, April 15, which is Tax Day in the United States for most Americans, PRONG has shared a video for the band’s version of the RUSH classic “Working Man (Regular Version)”
The track appears as a shorter version on PRONG‘s latest album, “State Of Emergency”, which was released last October via Steamhammer/SPV.
PRONG mainman Tommy Victor commented: “RUSH had the big riffs and that’s something PRONG always wants as well. Especially in the song ‘Working Man’ with that all-time classic opening riff. We have a new lyric video for the regular version of ‘Working Man’. It’s a bit industrial and trippy at the same time. Check it out!”
Produced by the skillful hands of legendary producer Steve Evetts (SEPULTURA, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN),, “State Of Emergency” surprises on the post-punk track “Disconnected” and then grooves on the title track. Originally released as a standalone single in early 2023, “Breaking Point” takes no prisoners with honest lyrics and cutting attitude, while hard-hitting “The Descent” is a lightning quick, classic ripper.
Victor told Decibel magazine about the decision to cover RUSH: “The thing is, when I was a kid, I didn’t play guitar, so I was a bass player in bands when I was in high school and shit. So, of course, Geddy Lee was the guy. He was one of the top dudes, right? I saw RUSH so many times.
“There was no way of not having them influence you. It was impossible because they were so popular. They weren’t on the big scale, but guys that were playing in garage bands, we were doing [LED] ZEPPELIN covers and BAD COMPANY and then RUSH songs, and that’s the way it was back in the day.
“And ‘Working Man’ was the standard one. I know it’s not with Neil [Peart], but the riff is so easy and it’s so basic that it’s a killer track. I mean, I love the lyric and everything. So that’s one of the reasons why that one stood out to me. The lyrics fit into the whole ‘State Of Emergency’ [theme] too. It fit in for some reason, so I really wanted to do it.”
Regarding why he chose to write all of “State Of Emergency” himself, Tommy told New Noise Magazine: “Honestly, anything collaborative is because of necessity, [being] pressed for time. I hate to go back and criticize records I’ve done recently, where I’ve warmly praised them, but yeah, I had to do [a couple of things on previous records] in order to get it done that I didn’t really want to do. I sound like the biggest snob in the world, but in general, I’m very critical of other guitar players’ riffs and ideas. Very few times I’m impressed.”
Formed in New York City in 1986, the act known as PRONG emerged as a pioneering force in the heavy metal scene, blending elements of thrash, industrial, and hardcore punk.
Founded by vocalist/guitarist Tommy Victor, the band quickly gained attention with their aggressive sound and uncompromising attitude. With their breakthrough album “Beg to Differ” in 1990, PRONG solidified their place in the metal landscape, showcasing Victor‘s distinctive riffing and raw vocal delivery.
Throughout their career, PRONG has undergone lineup changes, but Victor has remained the driving force behind their music, guiding the band through sonic experimentation and evolution. Albums like “Cleansing” (1994) and “Rude Awakening” (1996) further cemented their status as a formidable presence in the genre.
With a discography spanning over three decades, PRONG continues to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of metalheads with their fierce energy and uncompromising vision.