Tommy Victor is one of those guys who has seen and done it
all in the heavy music scene. Whether it be his time running the soundboard at
CBGB’s in New York when he was a kid, touring as Danzig’s or Ministry’s lead guitarist, or fronting his own groundbreaking
crossover metal band Prong, who brought their energetic riff filled mayhem to
the Ritz in San Jose on the night of Monday April 2, 2018.
Supporting their latest album “Zero Days” these New York
City natives headlined a stacked bill that also featured LA Prog Metal band
Sifting, LA hardcore band Cut Throat, as well as a supergroup in the form of
the band Powerflo, comprised of members of Biohazard, Downset, Fear Factory and
Kyng, fronted by rapper Sen Dog of Cypress Hill. Each brought the goods in
their own ways, but the night belonged to Victor and crew, playing to a solid
turnout for a Monday night, with the same energy and enthusiasm as if they were
playing to a stadium.
Ripping through a career spanning set, Victor and crew
played the favorites off classic albums such as Beg to Differ, Prove You Wrong
and Cleansing, as well as cuts off the more recent albums such as No Absolutes,
Ruining Lives and Zero Days, sending the crowd into a frenzied circle pit at
critical points of heavy. Backed by a massive rhythm section in the form of
rock solid bassist Jason Christopher and drummer extraordinaire Art Cruz,
Victor proved why he’s one of Metal’s most respected guitarists, ripping
through solo’s flawlessly, oftentimes while airborne.
Throughout the set Tommy and crew engaged and even joked
around with each other and the crowd making it clear they were having a great
time, which is a testament to the great songs and songwriting that make up the
Prong catalog. Because when songs are still fun to play and hear after 10-20
years, they are timeless and epic. And that’s what this Prong show was.
-ZED Mark
-ZED Mark
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