Live Review: Prong, Segression

It’s a balmy Thursday evening but it’s no deterrent to the black-clad folk ambling through the Hi-Fi doors.

Wollongong stalwarts Segression are more than welcome as tonight’s opener and the scattered bodies present aid the band’s warm-up duties. Chipping away at album after album after more than 10 years in existence has given the brutal four-piece more than enough fuel in the tank to keep the small crowd chugging away as they melt faces with a set that traverses old and new. No One shows off neat grooves within some tight, clipped off-beat sections, and Scar Me Now from their latest sees frontman Chris Rand ring in some clean vocals alongside his raspy attack atop some hellish riffs. He tells us midway that he “just fucking loves metal”, which really isn’t necessary because in his and his band’s case it’s clearly evident and consequently infectious.

It’s been a more than a 20-year wait for industrial thrash metal misfits Prong to drag themselves to our shores. As the flag bearers for the underground with their backs largely turned from the industry, the three-piece riff merchants, led by sole original member the effervescent Tommy Victor, seem to be as loved for that fact as they are for a lengthy catalogue that is a cited influence for members of Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Slipknot, and many more.

When Victor bounds on stage with fists in the air it’s clear nothing much has changed in the two decades of Prong’s existence; here is a man that loves what he does and he will not stop doing it because some record suits don’t give two ounces of shit about him or his music. Victor sets a cracking pace from the get go and plunges into For Dear Life. His voice is as clear and commanding as ever, and that rubber-faced appreciation for the sparse but keen punters is a rewarding sight as he stomps around the stage.

I Beg To Differ, Unconditional and newbie Ruining Lives all sound sublime and distinct considering the chuggy mess it could be, with the fat riffage and monster bass. Despite Victor’s vocal disappearing a bit under anthem Rude Awakening’s clean but solid onslaught, the trio are faultless, and even maintain the energy and enthusiasm when sedateness creeps into the crowd midway. Not that Victor seems to care, telling us our city is “almost too fucking gorgeous” before ordering us to swing our mops and bang our heads to Lost And Found. Heavy hitters Whose Fist Is It Anyway, Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck and Prove You Wrong round out a solid evening before Victor and co depart with warm thanks but no hint at just how long between drinks until we have this pleasure again.