IN SEPTEMBER 1991, Nirvana released Nevermind, and blew the doors wide open for alternative artists to enter the mainstream. Though certainly not alone in representing alternative culture, Nirvana’s success kickstarted a veritable gold rush as major labels tried to find the Next Big Thing. What’s more, the popularity of MTV and Beavis And Butt-Head ensured heavy bands were reaching bigger audiences than ever before. The likes of Sepultura, Machine Head, Helmet and more received a serious rocket boost to their profile, but it didn’t work for everyone.
New York thrash trio Prong had been on Sony subsidiary Epic since 1990, before alternative heavy music started its assault on popular culture. By 1993, they were feeling frustrated. Over the course of their first three albums, Prong had evolved musically – but their fanbase weren’t always happy to follow them.
“We lost the hardcore fans with [1990’s second album/Epic debut] scoffs vocalist/guitarist Tommy Victor. “They thoughtthey thought it was too weird. More people got lost with [1994’s] I’m not sure why, maybe it was too radio-friendly or something! Apparently, we sold out!” If fans had baulked at they certainly weren’t ready for its follow-up. Doubling down on the groove elements they had started to
