WHIPLASH are in the final stages of recording their long awaited CD, Pitbulls In The Playground, due in early 2009 followed by a summer tour. Portaro reunites with former drummer Joe Cangelosi once again after 19 years for their latest studio effort, which is being produced by founding member Tony Portaro who recently completed his studies with Rick VanBenschoten and Susan Nuziata at NYU.

Portaro remained the pillar of the band while the lineup went through many changes over the course of their six full length CDs including Cult Of One, in 1996 and Sit Stand Kneel Prey, in 1997. During that time, Cangelosi supplied the drumming on Cause For Conflict for Germany's premier thrash band, KREATOR, which was released in 1995. Portaro handled the guitar work for Billy Milano's M.O.D. on a European tour in early 1998 with drummer Tony Scaglione, inviting the return of the original Whiplash lineup for a reunion CD entitled Thrashback.

Portaro comments: "We owe this long awaited breath of fresh new material to our fans. Whiplash stays true to their roots with the power-thrash riffs and double bass that broke us into the industry."

Whiplash is a three-piece power trio hailing from New Jersey. The band was assembled back in 1984 when Tony Portaro and Tony Scaglione joined forces, recruited Tony Bono on bass and released their first CD, Power and Pain, in 1985 on Roadrunner Records. The debut CD was followed up by their first live performance at Ruthie's in Berkley, Ca with POSSESSED and DEATH ANGEL.

Tony Portaro and Joe Cangelosi are also set to take part in the new up-and-coming documentary Behind The Suit And Tie, A documentary that takes you into the hearts and souls of the real people who rule today's (Heavy Metal) recording industry.

Featuring industry taste makers Brian Slagel (Metal Blade Records), Doug Keogh (Roadrunner Records), Missi Callazzo (Mega-Force Records), Paul Conroy, Carl Severson(Ferret Music), Alan Becker (Red Distribution), Al Dawson (Earache Records), Burt Goldstein (Big Daddy Distribution), Eddie Trunk (Q104.3/Sirrus Radio DJ), Pat Egan (Relapse Records), Ray Harkins (Century Media), Ralph Graupner (Indevent Music), Gary Susalis (Music Choice), Ged Cook, Bryan Mechutan (Demolition Records), Lee Barrett (Ascendance Records), Adam Watson (Plastic Head Distribution), David Ellefson bassist (F5, ex-MEGADETH), Rob Nicholson (Mercenary Management), Bobby Lee Burns (PRIMER 55, SOULFLY) and a host of others.

Current line up:

Tony Portaro: guitar/vocals

Joe Cangelosi: drums (ex-Kreator)

Rich Day: bass (ex-PRIMAL SCREAM)

For more information visit www.myspace.com/whiplashusa.