Thirteen is seen as an unlucky number for some, but for others (me included) it is experienced as a lucky one. I am hoping that the latter will also be the case for PRONG, as “State Of Emergency” is their thirteenth full-length studio album (if I have counted correctly, that is). Add to that the two compilation albums and two live albums they have produced, and you have to admit that it is quite an extensive list. But then again, they have been around since 1986, so they paced themselves quite well to.

Now, after a hiatus of six years, these guys from New York, New York, USA are once again presenting us with new music. Well, that is quite a stretch, as you know what you are getting with PRONG, and “State Of Emergency” isn’t an exception to that rule. Industrial Metal with Thrash and Hardcore elements thrown in, but always with a compulsive groove that will get your head and body moving, whether you like it or not. Especially when they play live, PRONG is the one band that will cause me to abandon my glasses, hand it to my friends, and start moving like a demented pensioner on steroids. And resistance is futile, as I have discovered over the years.

It even is quite remarkable that I am able to just sit here and type my review without trying to dance, headbang or kick my legs around. But that is what having a race car seat and racing quality seatbelts will do to help you. Plus a head restraint, so I can keep on staring at the keyboard (I can’t type blind) and/or screen in from of me. This allows me (or rather, makes me) actually sit still in order to put down the right words for this review. One that I at first thought would be quite critical of PRONG, as there is nothing new under the horizon to explore here.

After listening to “State Of Emergency” a number of times one thing has become clear; this album is a lot better than I gave it credit when I started listening. To me this even rivals classics like “Cleansing” and “Rude Awakening”. And that, my friends is quite telling. I feel that the music of PRONG is like an addiction, the kind of substance abuse I can’t get enough of. And one that I will always want more of. So, this might be a “State Of Emergency”, but please do me a big favour, and don’t call the emergency services just yet. I am enjoying myself too much to stop.