It's more than a decade when WHIPLASH released their previous album. The 1998 Thrashback CD was a probably failed effort for a re- union of the classic Power And Pain lineup but also the closure of the three Massacre Records era full-lengths that couldn't have the success of the first three LPs. Not that they were bad, in fact some of them were really cool, but the feedback from the metalheads was not the one expected.
From the original Tony triad the one who still remains is Tony Portaro (basically he is WHIPLASH), since after the sad death of Tony Bono from heart attach in 24 May, 2002 (R.I.P.) the bass place would be undertaken by Rich Day. Last, the fantastic drummer Joe Cangelosi takes his place behind the drum kit and the new WHIPLASH lineup is coming in a time period that a Thrash revival exists, by releasing their new opus Unborn Again via Pulverised Records. Having a perfect Ed Repka cover combining the artwork of their first three albums we would expect a Thrash explosion but truth is that this album does not stand exclusively there. And surely it cannot be compared to their glorious past but also it doesn't mean that it is a bad release.
The first song, Swallow The Slaughter, has same older WHIPLASH parts. In fact I could say that they almost copy themselves. But, maybe 'cause of the good riff or the horny Portaro's vocals,  truth is that the song comes and stays with ease in your mind. The same goes for Snuff in a hardcore based refrain and a thunderous drumming by Cangelosi. None of these songs include any solo but for both of them the bridges are absolutely perfect for headbanging. So the album starts very, very nice with two tracks not in the Thrash levels we may expect but doing their work fine.
The first coldness will come with Firewater. Starting with something like an American Indian dancing(!) I cannot say that it tore me apart; not only due this intro but also because of the basic riff. Thankfully what follows is nothing else than pure fuckin' Thrash with Float Face Down, which is bonebreaking as hell. Good Thrash music will you also find in compositions like Fight Or Flight, Pitbulls In The Playground and Feeding Frenzy. These may not be the new hymns of the genre but you will enjoy some good music nonetheless. And the great surprise is that the solo in Pitbulls In The Playground was played by the GOD Frank Blackfire and it kicks ass. He has also contributed with some solo trades in the instrumental Parade Of Two Legs song. Last, the SABBATH-ish Hook In Mouth is simply a tragedy with horrible vocals, almost a joke, and MONTROSE's cover in I've Got The Fire - with vocals done by Joe Cangelosi - is not something that made me hold my breath. Unfortunately both these tracks and Firewater destroy the whole good image of Unborn Again.
The legendary Harris Johns made the producing, recording and mixing for Unborn Again and he has done a very good job. The sound is perfect and very warm. I definitely waited for something better with this comeback but if we keep some very good songs that are included here, Cangelosi's drumming and the dirty 'street' vocals from Portaro we surely have a reason for Unborn Again's existence.