This is a solid release from Prong – the opening track “Ultimate Authority” gets things going with that raw crunching guitar sound that we metalheads love and gets your head banging from the start. Every song on here will have your head nodding at some point. There is a change of musical pace from their traditional sound with “Do Nothing”, sort of ballad like, but does pick up as it goes along. “In Spite Of Hindrances” brings more of a thrash sound while “Worth Pursuing” and “Soul Sickness“ remind me of the Prong sound from years back. My favorite song on X – No Absolutes was “Belief System” with its heavy beat and positive lyrical message in an aggressive Hatebreed sort of way, yet still sounding like Prong.
There are excellently crushing guitar solos throughout and the sound is well produced. I’m not much of a fan of what I’ve seen and heard as a more recent movement among metal bands to harmonize choruses, and while there are a couple of songs on here that fall into that sound don’t let that take away from just how heavy the grooves are on this release which will have you rocking out the entire ride through the tracks.
With this core of the band in place since 2012 and now having a few records released together, the future of Prong sounds ferocious and strong. Having seen Prong live years ago and after listening to this disk I get a sense of the intensity with which these songs will be performed live on the upcoming tour. If you’re a fan of this band definitely check them out live if you get the chance, this is a show not to be missed. \m/
Prong – X – No Absolutes (CD) / 2016 Steamhammer/SPV / 13 Tracks/ prongmusic.com / Twitter / Facebook