It has become common lately for many bands of the past which had split up or simply have been inactive for many years to make their comeback. Among them are the old school thrashers Whiplash, a band that has returned to discography after 11 years of absence with a new album from Pulverized Records. From the original line up the only remaining member is Tony Portaro (vocals/guitars). The position of the deceased Tony Bono in bass guitar has been undertaken by Rich Day and the place behind the drums took Joe Cangelosi.

The first song of the album, “Shallow The Slaughter”, is a typical Whiplash track with a strong tune and fast riffs, while its successor “Snuff”  is a somewhat weird song, with a refrain that has a touch of hardcore. There are some weird elements all over the album, like in the intro of “Firewater” which has Indian dance tunes, but still Whiplash is not a band that has changed their style by adding low tuned guitars, death metal parts and modern production in order to attract younger audiences, like we often see in many other thrash/speed bands. Generally most of the compositions are old school speed metal orientated and they are pleasant, but they lack what we could call remarkable and memorable.

Generally speaking, “Unborn Again” could not be called a bad album, but it is also not the album that would create enthusiasm. It is a thrash release which includes many of their famous, classic elements and a very good production by Harris Johns with the contribution of Portaro as co producer, but is it not the one which will be really missed from your collection.