Whiplash - "Unborn Again" CD

Their 8th album, and first in 10 years shows this New Jersey-based old-school thrash metal band hasn't lost it's touch. Led by Tony Portaro's dual attack of screeching vocals and fiery guitarwork, Whiplash don't attempt to "fit in" to present-day metal trends. They stick to their guns and unleash a torrent of fast but melodic metal that should find favor with fans of stuff like prime Megadeth. "Firewater" is a classic metal anthem that brings to mind Judas Priest, even. But it's back to the speed-riffage on "Float Face Down", a rip-roaring rocker that finds the band hitting their stride in style. This one is probably smoking to see live, and I'd be surprised if these guys don't tear it up in front of a live audience. Solid work. (Pulverised)

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Absentia Lunae - "Historia Nobis Assentietvr" CD

An Italian black metal act, Absentia Lunae's second full-length (which translates from Latin as "History Will Prove Us Right") begins promising enough, with the experimental, wartime soundscapes of "Neuropa Calling". From there, these boys successfully fuse some unusual elements to their scaldingly fast and nihilistic metal. "Senteza Al Criterio" is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from the generic blastbeats it opens with, to the almost Morricone-like Western vibe (with martial drumming) it ends up with. Nice work there, combining black metal with some different tempos and moods. "Nel Gelido..." also has this wise variance and plenty of shifts. "l'immutabile Richiamo.." even breaks with the Cookie-Monster vocals for a chorus that reminds almost of Fear Factory's Burton Bell, full of swooning gothic melody. The deep, spooky atmospheres of the closing cut, "Il Sole Ritrovato.." are fine enough to stand alone. Tie it all up with some nicely clear recording and mixing, and you have an album with plenty of power, proving that Absentia Lunae are striving for more than simply "black metal". Solid work, and a band that has much to offer for extreme/metal listeners. (ATMF)

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