Prong was founded in 1986 by singer/guitarist Tommy Victor (then a soundman at New York City's renowned CBGB's). With bassist Mike Kirkland (formely of NYHC band Damage and doorman at CBGB’s) and ex-Swans drummer Ted Parsons, Prong released two independent CDs that were noted for their brutal hardcore sound.
Epic Records saw the band's potential and signed them in 1989. Prong's major label debut album Beg to Differ, was released in 1990.
In the following year, Kirkland left the band and was replaced by Ex-Flotsam and Jetsam bassist Troy Gregory. Prong issued their fourth release Prove You Wrong which saw the band experiment with programming and electronic samples while still retaining an aggressive yet melodic sensibility.
By 1994, Troy Gregory was out of the band and was replaced by Paul Raven (bassist) and John Bechdel (keyboard), both from Killing Joke and Murder, Inc. The new line up released Cleansing (Prong’s 5th major release). With a strong industrial sound that still managed to be hard and heavy, Cleansing contained songs that are still considered Prong classics ("Broken Peace" and "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck") and is Prong’s most successful release to date. The videos for these two songs became staples of MTV’s legendary Headbangers Ball.
Prong's sixth album Rude Awakening was released in 1996. The album was not as successful as the last three albums. Shortly thereafter Parsons left the band to join Godflesh. Tommy Victor left New York and moved to Los Angeles. As the band Prong sat idle, Tommy Victor worked with legends of the rock world, including Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, celldweller and Glenn Danzig.
In 2002, Victor re-formed Prong with bassist Brian Perry, drummer Dan Laudo and guitarist Monte Pittman (Madonna). In 2002, after a 42-show American tour that was recorded for a live CD (100% Live, Locomotive Music) Prong entered the studio and recorded a new CD titled Scorpio Rising which was received with mixed responses.
Victor played on and off again with Glen Danzig from 1998 -2005 in between time with Prong. His final goal of playing and writing on a Danzig record was met with Circle of Snakes in 2004.
Prong released a live 2-disc DVD in 2005 entitled "The Vault" which features performances from the Hulstsfred and With Full Force festivals and a full show in Amsterdam. This disc has Mike Longworth on bass as well, who later replaced Perry. As a result of the drum performance on Scorpio Rising , band members Tommy Victor and Monte Pittman decided a change needed to be made. This resulted in the firing of Dan Laudo and the enlistment Aaron Rossi, who used to be in the bands Strife (Victory Records), Shelter (Century Media Records), John 5 (Shrapnel Records), and Ankla (Bieler Bros. Records)
Victor and Raven joined Ministry in 2005 to write and tour in support of their album Rio Grande Blood (2006). They were nominated for a Grammy in 2007 for the song Senior Peligro in the "Best Metal Performance" category. The two also appear on Ministry's follow up album The Last Sucker (2007), although in a more limited capacity.
On June 4th, 2007, Prong posted a MySpace bulletin stating that they were recording in El Paso, Texas. The band left Locomotive Music, and were signed to Al Jourgensen's 13th Planet Records, who released their latest album Power of the Damager on October 2, 2007.
The band embarked on the "Slicing Across America" and "Slicing Across Europe" tours supporting Power of the Damager in 2007 and early 2008. Joining Tommy Victor in the current live membership of the band is bassist Monte Pittman and drummer Aaron Rossi.
Paul Raven died of an apparent heart attack in his sleep on October 20, 2007 at the age of 46. He was recording with French recording artists Treponem Pal on their new album with Ted Parsons at the time of his death.
Aaron Rossi was joining Ministry as their new drummer on the "C U LaTour" which started in March 2008.
In February 2008, Headbanger's Ball premiered the video "Power Of The Damager".
Cling to Life
Prong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
New Corporate Quarters Now Not So High
Some Disconnection Causes Aerial Confusion
The Hundreth Plane To Fall Out Of The Sky
A House Of Labor Leaks A Venomous emotion
Leaves Poor Peasants, Suffering Amass
Countries Scourged By Unnecessary Famine
The Walking Skeletons Still Cling To Life
Blame It On The Gods
The People's Hero Killed By Crime Of Passion
It's Then Reported That He Lived A Lie
His Sordid Dealing Left Many To Die.Another Mentor Entangled In Corruption
The lyrics to Prong's song "Cling to Life" paint a picture of societal decay and suffering. The first verse talks about a crumbling tower at the site of an earthquake, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the instability and destruction of a society in crisis. The following lines refer to new corporate headquarters that are not as high as they once were and an aerial confusion that may suggest a loss of direction or confusion in leadership.
The second verse talks about the suffering of the poor and the blight of famine in certain countries. The phrase "the walking skeletons still cling to life" is especially poignant and speaks to the desperation of those facing starvation. The chorus, "blame it on the gods", seems to be a lamentation for the suffering that people endure that they feel is out of their control.
The final verse talks about the fallibility of those in positions of power and influence. The people's hero is revealed to have lived a lie and committed sordid dealings that led to the deaths of many. Another mentor is also entangled in corruption, further underscoring the idea that even those who are supposed to be guiding and leading us can fall short.
Overall, "Cling to Life" is a dark and gritty song that speaks to the hardships and challenges that people face in a world that can often seem cruel and unforgiving.
Line by Line Meaning
A Crumbling Tower At The Site Of An Earthquake
This is a metaphor for a life that has been destroyed by external events, such as illness, death or trauma.
New Corporate Quarters Now Not So High
A commentary on how the corporate world is no longer viewed as successful or the epitome of modern business.
Some Disconnection Causes Aerial Confusion
The lack of connection, both personal and technological, has caused confusion and disorientation in society.
The Hundreth Plane To Fall Out Of The Sky
This refers to the many unfortunate and deadly plane crashes that have occurred in modern times.
A House Of Labor Leaks A Venomous emotion
This line paints a picture of a work environment that is toxic and aggressive, causing mental and emotional turmoil for the workers.
Leaves Poor Peasants, Suffering Amass
This speaks to poverty and the devastating effects it has on the lives and physical health of those affected.
Countries Scourged By Unnecessary Famine
A statement about political and economic greed that leads to the starvation of people in certain regions, despite an abundance of resources.
The Walking Skeletons Still Cling To Life
Describing those who are persevering, despite living in grueling conditions or suffering from illness or poverty.
Blame It On The Gods
A suggestion that there may not always be a logical reason or person to blame for the difficulties we face in life.
The People's Hero Killed By Crime Of Passion
A reference to violence and how it can unexpectedly end the life of someone who is viewed as a symbol of hope and leadership.
It's Then Reported That He Lived A Lie
This line suggests that even those we place on a pedestal are not infallible and can have secrets or flaws in their character.
His Sordid Dealing Left Many To Die
This line points out just how far-reaching the consequences of one's negative actions can be and how they can affect many others.
Another Mentor Entangled In Corruption
A reflection on how corruption and immorality can spread, even to those who were once viewed as righteous or noble.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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