American Thrash Metal Legends WHIPLASH Sign To Metal Blade Records!

Photo credit: DM Jones

Metal Blade welcomes East Coast thrashing legends WHIPLASH to its ranks!

Comments WHIPLASH’s very own Tony Portaro on the signing:

“My main influences were the West Coast thrash bands that Brian Slagel brought into the limelight in the early 80’s. Without them attracting my attention in the first place, I never would have written Power and Pain. And the fact that Metal Blade is still promoting old school thrash and believing in me, gives me the inspiration to continue creating my East Coast style of metal.”

Known for his lightning speed riffs and leads, Portaro heads a power-trio lineup delivering power thrashing metal!

WHIPLASH exploded onto the US metal scene in 1984, branding the East Coast with its original thrash sound. Debuting their Roadrunner release Power And Pain at Ruthie’s Inn, Berkeley, CA, they followed it with two additional releases, the outstanding Ticket To Mayhem and the underrated Insult To Injury.

WHIPLASH have recorded a full new album and in order to get a more old-school sound, Portaro opted to record to 2″ tape. Also, with the advice of renowned mastering engineer, Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford, Armored Saint, Sepultura, Candlemass, Anvil, Goatwhore) he chose to have the mix done by Phil Anderson, a long-time collaborator of Maor. Phil mixes on an analog board which should further benefit the project and push it in the direction Portaro is looking to reach.

Besides Tony Portaro, WHIPLASH consists of bassist Dank Delong who had been recruited by Portaro in 2010. Dank Delong’s presence onstage was undeniable. Dank’s energetic and animated stage performance continues to be electrifying, as he wields his formidable bass missile-like and over his head! He is a long-standing member and VP of the world-wide metal support club, NYDM – Rockland.

Ron Lipnicki’s thrash injection to WHIPLASH in 2018 would begin a new era for the band on Metal Blade Records. Hailing from New Jersey, Ron’s drum skills need no introduction, coming off a 12 year run with OVERKILL, and before that, hitting it with HADES. With his precision guns firing, Lipnicki obliterates the kit while setting rapid-fire pace!

WHIPLASH continues to bring old school thrash to a new generation of metal heads. THRASH ‘TIL DEATH!

Stay tuned for more updates on the new album which is about to drop in early 2019!