Prong is an American heavy metal band formed in New York City in 1986. The band is fronted by guitarist/vocalist Tommy Victor, Prong's sole constant member. The band was originally composed of Victor, bassist Mike Kirkland, and drummer Ted Parsons. Their first two studio releases, the mini-album Primitive Origins (1987) and full-length album Force Fed (1988), were released independently and leaned into the crossover thrash genre. The trio signed with Epic Records in 1989, and their first major label release, the following year's Beg to Differ, was a minor success as it received regular exposure on MTV's Headbangers Ball. The album transitioned the band into a groove metal sound.