Frontline

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your hippie DJs from THE ZOO bringing you some cosmic vibes! We’re spinning “Frontline” by Prophet from their stellar album Cycle of the Moon. This track’s got that classic FM rock punch, with Russell Arcara’s vocals soaring over lush keyboards and gritty guitars. Fun fact: Cycle of the Moon hit the scene in ’88 and climbed to 137 on the Billboard 200, a big deal for these New Jersey rockers. Fans in the Prophet Rock Fans Facebook group always talk about how “Frontline” has this unstoppable energy, perfect for blasting when you’re feeling on top of the world. One fan shared a story about seeing Prophet live in ’89, saying “Frontline” hit so hard it felt like the whole venue was vibrating. Talk about a flashback!

Let’s dive into some cool trivia about “Frontline.” In an old interview on Heavy Harmonies, guitarist Ken Dubman mentioned the song’s riff came from late-night jams where the band was channeling their love for Kansas and Foreigner. The lyrics, all about holding your ground, really resonated with fans navigating the wild ’80s. On Prophet’s X account, they once posted about how “Frontline” was a last-minute addition to the album but became a fan favorite at live shows. The Prophet Fan Site also notes a rare demo version of “Frontline” that collectors hunt for, with a slightly rawer edge. If any of you Zoo Freaks have that treasure, give us a shout!

So, how did Prophet get rolling? The band formed in Trenton, New Jersey, back in 1983. Bassist Scott Metaxas and keyboardist Joe Zujkowski, who’d been playing in groups like Icarian and Tom Fuller’s Rock City, decided to start something fresh. They brought in guitarist Ken Dubman, rhythm guitarist William Runco, drummer Bob Butterfield, and vocalist Marc Hoffman. Early on, they were one of the hottest cover bands around, nailing tunes by Queen, Boston, and Styx. By ’85, they’d switched things up—Dean Fasano took over vocals, and Ted Poley, later of Danger Danger fame, joined on drums. That lineup recorded their self-titled debut for RCA. After more changes, Russell Arcara and Michael Sterlacci came aboard for Cycle of the Moon, cementing Prophet’s signature sound. Fun fact: they were managed by Noel Monk, who also worked with Van Halen, so they had some serious rock cred.

Wanna stay in the loop with Prophet? Visit their official website for updates and tour memories. They’re also on Facebook and Instagram, sharing throwbacks and connecting with fans. Don’t miss the Prophet Rock Fans Facebook group or the Prophet Fan Site for more community love and deep dives into the band’s history. Keep rockin’, Zoo Freaks!