In the long and storied history of American Hardcore Metal band PRONG, they have established a reputation of being influential to many Rock and Metal artists, young and old. They have an impressive discography that span a length of time from the late eighties all the way through present day. Among their feats as a band, being so influential that bands like DEMON HUNTER and SIX FEET UNDER cover their songs ("Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck") as well as being featured on the legendary Headbanger's Ball in the early-to-mid nineties is right up there near the top in my book in terms of the coolness factor.

Continuing their statement as an impact force in the world of Metal, they have just released a new album in March 2015 called "Songs From the Black Hole." It seems that Tommy Victor and his bandmates are not running out of new song ideas any time soon. These ten tracks do not give me the impression whatsoever that they are scraping the bottom of the barrel to make new music. PRONG are sticking to the formula that propelled them into the spotlight and all of the songs on the album have tons of energy and are within the band's distinct sound. The post-production depth of the instrumentation gives this album a very listenable tone.

"Songs From the Black Hole" is not simply the product of a few guys playing instruments and singing. There is a definite direction and message in each song and at times, the listener can identify with some of the aggression and emotion being expressed in the lyrics. Though repetitive at various times ("Don't Want To Know If You're Lonely" for example), most of the songs are within the confines of what someone would expect of PRONG. And yes, that includes the cover of BAD BRAINS' "Banned in D.C." I really liked this version and I can say that, since I am a fan of the original.

I love the crossover element that PRONG have employed with this album. There are major Thrash Metal and Punk influences that can be heard and I found myself headbanging a little bit and tapping my feet to the rhythms. I even fell under the shadow of the ballad-esque "Cortez The Killer" as it slowly wound its way through my ears. It was a great song to finish off the album and I was a little bummed that it was already over. It is hard to deny that PRONG know exactly what they are doing and they are very good at it. Fans new and old will enjoy this album for years to come!