Whiplash, a very important band in the mid eighties, forcing thrash metal to become the main extreme metal genre at that time, released 3 albums in that period. The first two are by far the best they recorded in the eighti... more »es. We are therefore proud to have releases these two together on one CD. Anyone who's into eighties thrash will be thrilled that it's finally on CD with the original covers in full on the booklet. This complete package also includes all lyrics from both albums and photos from the bandmembers.« less
Whiplash, a very important band in the mid eighties, forcing thrash metal to become the main extreme metal genre at that time, released 3 albums in that period. The first two are by far the best they recorded in the eighties. We are therefore proud to have releases these two together on one CD. Anyone who's into eighties thrash will be thrilled that it's finally on CD with the original covers in full on the booklet. This complete package also includes all lyrics from both albums and photos from the bandmembers.
CD Reviews
A Classic Thrash Release...
MtlGod | Boynton Beach, Florida United States | 01/31/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Raw and catchy, "Power And Pain" would be a great addition to the collection of any fan of the old school thrash scene. There is a tiny dash of hardcore fused into the sound, but not enough to toss Whiplash out of the thrash metal category. Great sing-along choruses are the strong point on this release, especially on tracks like "Last Man Alive". Although some may disagree, I feel that "Ticket To Mayhem" (the second album on this two-album collection) is the weaker of the two efforts, and just doesn't showcase the charm of "Power and Pain". Thus, the five star rating is actually for the "Power and Pain" album. Overall, this is a worthy release, and any thrash metal fan would certainly appreciate it."
Must Have 80's Metal
elcoastie | Chicagoland | 08/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Any fan of true metal will appreciate this combination of albums. Overlooked by the mainsteam label fan during metal's peak when they came out, they're borderline thrash,speed and power metal. I'm not going to go song by song with the review, screeching vocals, lightining guitar riffs and bombastic drums should sum it up for these guys. I prefer "Ticket To Mayhem", which is one of those rare albums where you don't need to fastforward while listening because every song stands on it's own. If you liked early Overkill, Testament or Anthrax you will enjoy this combination of albums."
2 THRASH CLASSICS ON ONE DISC !!!
Jeff Swaggerty | New Lenox, IL United States | 10/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"WHIPLASH is one of my all time favorite thrash bands, and they should have been huge. Top of the line musicianship from all three Tonys in the band (Portaro,Bono,Scaglione) and a tight and heavy thrash/speed sound. Portaro,in particular,is one of the best guitarists in this style of music ever, in my opinion. Plus his gut wrenching and shrill sounding vocals (not the over used and eventually ridiculous growling vocals of some "Death metal" bands trying to sound heavy or evil) made it all the better.Not only were the songs fast and heavy, but had almost memorable "hooks" for lack of a better word. "Last Man Alive", "Spit on your Grave" and "Nailed to the Cross" are all classics, but the whole LP is awesome. "Ticket to Mayhem" takes over where the first LP started, just as fast,heavy and tight."Snakepit" "Burning of Atlanta" and "Respect the Dead" are brilliant thrash pieces. Both of these are must haves for your collection. Much more talented than some of their counterparts who got big. Awesome stuff...."
Two Classics here!
Zander Haberstaft | Miami, Florida | 05/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Since I have the original two albums on (Roadracer) separate CDs, I'll review them that way.
If you weren't part of the speed metal/thrash scene in the eighties than listening to this album will not give you the full effect of what this album is like. Back in '87 there were so many Thrash albums coming out, it was hard to tell what was good from what was standard or bad quality. Whiplash never made it: 1)because they were from New Jersey; 2)Roadracer failed to pay them for any of their (3) albums.
-Power and Pain-
It's generally a good album with the guitar work standing out the most. Tony, Tony and...Tony make some good music here that has the usual speed metal tempo for '85 while songs like "Nailed to the Cross" change tempo a little bit.
The drums are pretty standard but that was actually this bands main attraction back in the day. Tony Scaglione was most famous not for his drumming here but -and anybody who saw them in '86-'87 would know this- for being the Slayer drummer for the Reign in Blood tour while Dave was off gettin' married. Nevertheless, the drumming fits.
The bass work is alright, there are some cool fills. Apparently Bono died in '02 of a heart attack -rest in peace.
But the guitar work and vocal growl is the most standout thing about this band. The guitars are Megadeth/Metallicesque -hey they named themselves based on a song of Kill 'em All- but unique altogether. The high harmonics placed in between the muted open Es are killer.
Favorite songs are "Spit on your Grave", "Nailed to the Cross".
-Ticket to Mayhem-
One of the best Thrash Metal albums ever, and for me that's saying a lot (got hundreds if not thousands including demo tapes).
Tony Cangelosi fills in on the drums and makes quite an entrance on "Walk the Plank". He has good fills and a little bit speedier drumming than Scaglione but his style is entirely different. Best work is on the snare high-high snare change-up on "Walk the Plank".
Portaro's guitars are wailing with the heavy riffs and the crazy constant slides up and down the fretboard. Bono's bass is heavy and keeps it all together. Overall this album has more tempo changeups than the first and for this reason it is my favorite.
Favorite songs "Drowning in Torment", "Eternal Eyes", and "Snake Pit" (Used to play Nintendo's Pitfall to this one)."
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1