Prong is a band that defies categorisation. Of course, one can hear influences and traits of genres, but they've always taken what they like and mixed it into their sound to create music that can't be pinned down. It's been six years since their last album, "Zero Days," and the band's sense of urgency is as present as ever with "State Of Emergency," which very much proves the old adage that good things come to those who wait.

Right off the bat, Prong taps into their influences with "The Descent," which demonstrates a great thrash metal tone, with a d-beat undercurrent, mixing the manic aggression of Discharge with the speed of Destruction. It's also one of several songs on the record where the New York hardcore sound of their upbringing can be heard, with the Biohazard-esque title track and "Compliant" being other examples. These all come together to help make "State Of Emergency" a really punishing album, which pounds into the skull of the listener.

There's a real sense of excitement throughout the album too, with "Disconnected" and especially, "Back (NYC)" providing wonderfully frenetic paces, sing-along segments, and a real sense of liberation. "Non-Existence" is another song that carries this free-spirited tone, while "Breaking Point" directs their anger at the powers that be and societal hypocrisies. It create a similar vibe to Corrosion Of Conformity's, "Vote With A Bullet," but in a uniquely Prong way. Speaking of resemblances, there are some surprising nods to the guitar sound of Voivod on "Who Told Me" and "Obeisance," though never enough to be labeled as a clone of the Canadian progressive thrashers.

Honestly, there isn't a bad track on the album, but there are a couple that don't quite measure up to the standard the album sets for itself, namely the aforementioned, "Obeisance" and "Compliant." Again, they're not bad, but they don't pass the level of "good" on a record where the bare minimum is great. This is more or less nitpicking though, as they don't disrupt the flow of the album or take much away from the quality displayed throughout. There are ten original songs with some destined to become staples of the band's live sets for years to come, before finishing things off by successfully covering the Rush classic "Working Man," in a take that is both true to their own sound without deviating too far from the original.

After such a long wait, Prong fans would have been hoping for something to get excited about and the band delivers that in spades. "State Of Emergency" is undoubtedly their best since "Carved Into Stone" and demonstrates why they're still talked about thirty-seven years after their formation. Prong has always been a band that has a cult following more than a mainstream one, and that fan base will be absolutely delighted with this, while the album also serves as a great introduction for newcomers, who will be won over by this eclectic and impressive offering. Welcome back, lads.