UMUR "Primitive Origins" is an EP release by US, New York based thrash/groove/crossover metal act Prong. The EP was released on the independent label Mr. Bear in August 1987. Prong grew out of the strong New York hardcore/crossover scene of the early- to mid 80s, but like so many of their contemporaries weren´t satisfied with exclusively staying within hardcore territory and soon started flirting with thrash and groove metal elements.

So stylistically the 8 tracks on the 18:12 minutes long EP are aggressive hardcore/crossover thrash. Lead vocalist/guitarist Tommy Victor has a nice aggressive vocal style and a raw voice, which suits the predominanlty fast-paced and aggressive music perfectly. Prong wouldn´t win an originality contest based on the material on "Primitive Origins", but the music is both well performed and effective.

"Primitive Origins" features a raw, powerful, and stripped sound production, which is perfect for the material. No need for a fancy polished production for music as raw and simple as this. "Primitive Origins" is upon conclusion a decent start to Prong´s recording career, but when compared to similar contemporary releases it is a pretty standard quality hardcore/crossover thrash metal release from the mid- to late 80s. A 2.5 - 3 star (55%) rating is warranted.

FMOTP It's about time that a review/rating was posted for PRIMITIVE ORIGINS here at Metal Music Archives. I'm a little surprised that Prong is often neglected. They are certainly not at the same level of instrumental skill as the generally regarded leaders of the thrash or "groove" metal genre. That is not really a bad thing in my opinion.

Prong are certainly more than competent musicians. If you're looking for great soloing for instance, this is not the place or record. However, I don't think that's what thrash is primarily about. This EP has a visceral feel to it that Metallica's more recent releases, for instance, mostly lack.

As suggested on other websites, the better songs are on the second half of PRIMITIVE ORIGINS. The groove influence heard in Prong's music adds greatly to its appeal for me. PRIMITIVE ORIGINS clearly isn't the pinnacle of Prong's career. It is a good sampling of their visceral metal, by a band that I think is underexposed.