Speed/trash metal band formed in Los Angeles, CA, in 1985 by guitarist / vocalist front man Jimmy P. Brown II. Deliverance began to amass a solid following due to their energetic live shows.  After releasing the demos 'Greetings Of Death' and 'After Greetings', the band was featured on the first 'California Metal' album in 1987, a project that looked to expose unsigned Christian bands to a wider audience. The band have been through many line-up changes, and during their career Deliverance have also included members from bands such as Mortification, Recon, Vengeance Rising and Die Happy. Jimmy P.Brown II has been the spinal cord, and only constant member. Deliverance were truly one of the best bands in their genre.

Jimmy visited my site, and here you can read what he had to say about it.

DELIVERANCE (1989) INTENSE

Victory No Time Deliverance If You Will The Call No Love Blood Of The Covenant Jehovah Jireh Temporary Insanity Awake

Line-up: Jimmy P.Brown: Vocals, Guitars Brian Khairullah: Bass Chris Hyde: Drums Glenn Rogers: Lead Guitar

This is one of my all time favorite albums, period! This speed/trash metal masterpiece has it all. All the songs are great, and in many ways it was the songwriting that made this band what they were. I also think the production, and especially the guitar-tone, on the first 3 albums from Deliverance gave them a sharp live feeling. Add to that Jimmy's unique voice, and you get a killer combo. I also love that they made a really heavy ballad of the traditional praise song "Jehovah Jireh". A MUST!!!

Killer tracks: All of them!

WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE (1990) INTENSE

Supplication This Present Darkness Weapons Of Our Warfare Solitude Flesh And Blood Bought By Blood 23 Slay The Wicked Greetings Of Death If We Faint Not

Line-up: Jimmy P.Brown: All Vocals, Rhythm Guitars, Lead Guitars Brian Khairullah: Bass Chris Hyde: Drums George Ochoa: Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars

Another speed/thrash metal assault from our favorite Christian band in the genre. First and foremost these guys were all about delivering fast songs with memorable choruses, solid hooks and crunchy riffs. Glenn Rogers (ex-Vengeance) left, and George Ochoa (Recon, Mortification, Vengeance Rising) took over the lead guitar position. He even produced this album, while legendary Bill Metoyer mixed it. '23' is a heavy ballad of Psalm 23. A MUST!!

Killer tracks: All of them, again.

WHAT A JOKE (1991) INTENSE

I read a review of this, long before I obtained the CD, saying this had to be the best Deliverance disc, ever. HELLO!! Had he even heard the disc? Or better yet, had he heard the first two Deliverance discs?!! What can I say? A more S.O.D./M.O.D. approach this time, with some shorter 'songs' in between the real songs ("Chipped Beef" is actually a meal recipe!!). But the opening thrash metal assault, "Prophet Of Idiocy", alone is worth the admission! This was sadly to be the last Deliverance album to sport their initial speed metal sound, and I have a feeling it was recorded rather quickly to satisfy the record company, rather then delivering something the band could stand 100% behind, because many of the riffs here are sort of recycled from the 2 earlier efforts. Finally they put "Attack", taken from the 'California Metal' compilation, on one of their albums. "After Forever" is a Black Sabbath cover. "Silent Night" is a heavy version of the classic Christmas carol. "It's The Beat" has Roger Martinez of Vengeance Rising on guest vocals. Mike Grato takes over the bass-duties for M.I.A. Brain Khairullah.

Killer tracks: Prophet Of Idiocy, Pseudo Intellectual, What A Joke, It's The Beat, Attack

STAY OF EXECUTION (1992) INTENSE

Man, the revolving doors of Deliverance are once again opened. I can't keep up with all the line-up chances in this band. 'Stay Of Execution' shows yet another fresh line-up, but even more importantly a new sound. In some ways this could be called more modern, but in no way is this an attempt to become contemporary. Terry Taylor produced it, and I believe he wasn't the right guy for Deliverance, although I know Jimmy himself doesn't agree with me. Still there are some great tunes on this one, but almost gone are the speed/thrash metal. I guess that was why George Ochoa left due to musical differences. Instead you get an album that is heavy, but with all these industrial elements put in here and there. Jimmy is also singing in a different manner, sounding more like his hero, David Bowie. The 'Weapons Of Our Warfare" (remix) was totally unnecessary. "Horrendous Disc" is a Daniel Amos cover.

Killer tracks: Stay Of Execution, Word To The..., From Once Was, Ramming Speed

INTENSE LIVE SERIES VOL. I (1993) INTENSE

The 'Intense Live Series' was a cool idea where the record company brought in many of their bands to record some tunes live, but in a studio. Deliverance was the first band in this series. They recorded it in two days, and mixed it in one. Even though this CD has 11 tracks, it's not really a full-length album, but rather a mini-CD. Because in between songs there are these studio outtakes and goofing around put in. It's really cool to hear these classic tracks in a raw live take. "Stay Of Execution" for example sounds much heavier here, than on the album it came from. And would you check out the solo on it! That's the speed metal we all longed for! As was the case with all of these 'Live Series' efforts (at least the ones I own), there is a cover songs presented here. Deliverance chose to do their rendition of Stryper's "Surrender", and a cool one at that! I also own the Tourniquet and Die Happy albums in the same 'Intense Live' series.

LEARN (1993) INTENSE

I've probably listened to this CD hundreds of times. It isn't exactly my favorite Deliverance disc, but it has grown on me with time. Gone are the speed metal I got into them for. You do get a pretty heavy sound her still though. Again Terry Taylor is their producer. They even did a cover of his song 'Sanctuary' here. This album is more about a mood, rather then playing fast. The style does suit Jimmy's new vocals approach. Still I as a long time fan of their speed metal has a problem really getting into it, as it is not this I want to hear form Deliverance. That does not make this a bad album, and I know many hold this as their favorite album by this band, but I still like the first 3 albums the best. On the back of the trey card it says that this album was released in 1992, the same year as 'Stay Of Execution'. But if you look inside the booklet, and check the liner notes, you'll see that the publishing right for the songs are dated in 1993. So I think this is the correct year of release. Oh, and wouldn't you know; yet another line-up!!

Killer tracks: Time, 1990, Learn, Desperate Cries

RIVER DISTURBANCE (COLLECTOR'S EDITION) (1994, 2007) RETROACTIVE

Although it is musically even further from the first 3 records, this is still a great offering. It is definitely the most underrated Deliverance album, as it certainly holds some of the bands finest moments. The sound is darker, yet melodic and heavy at the same time. Melancholic, is a word that comes to mind. The Christian rap band 12th Tribe makes an appearance in the track "A Little Sleep". But why did the band change their logo? My guess is that Intense Records owned the rights to it. After buying the Collector's Edition, remastered and reissued by Retroactive Records in 2007, I've listened to this album with "fresh" ears. And I must say that I've fallen in love with it all over again. Now I can really hear the masterpiece Jimmy set out to create, and I love most of the tracks on this CD. The music is actually heavier than I remembered them, and every tune is heartfelt and sincere. It's the production, and all the different layers and effects that sets this disc apart from most other Deliverance albums. Jimmy was really like a kid alone in the candy store, co-producing this. More on that can be learned by listening to the last track on the CD, where Jimmy himself speaks about his thought on the album, and the recording of it. 3 other bonus tracks have also found their way to this reissue. The first is a previously unreleased track from the recording session (where are the other 2 Jimmy speaks of in the last track?), albeit not a very noticeable one. The second one is from the Steve Taylor tribute album, and the third is a very noisy industrial remix of "Belltown".

Killer tracks: Belltown, After I Fell, River Disturbance, Now & Then, Speed Of Light

X - A Decade Of... (1995) INTENSE

Victory No Time The Call Flesh & Blood This Present Darkness Rescue After Forever Prophet Of Idiocy Words To The... Ramming Speed Stay Of Execution Learn Desperate Cries Sanctuary

Finally my Deliverance collection is complete. It took me over 20 years!! Buying this 'best of...' compilation was put on hold, because I didn't think I was missing out on anything. Turns out there is one reason for owning it; "Rescue" - a track written for the 'Weapons Of Our Warfare' recordings, but never used. It's a cool melodic Deliverance tune, but not their best one.

CAMELOT-IN-SMITHEREENS (1995) INTENSE

I never really used to care for most Deliverance releases after the 'Intense Live Series Vol 1'. I started to like this band because of their stellar speed/thrash metal of the mid- to late 80's. But then they grew into a darker sounding metal act, almost progressive in nature. I've found out later that Jimmy was trying to establish a solo career, and not releasing Deliverance material. That's probably why these discs after 'What A Joke?' sound the way they do. Camelot In Smithereens means something like his dreams becoming trashed. I'm not a big fan of these album even today, but I have to say that I respect this era much more now that I did before. 'Camelot-In-Smithereens' is not a bad album at all, it is just different. I just wish that the entire album was as good as the songs I actually like. I have read that Jimmy wanted it to be a concept album, but the record company ruined it for him. Imagine a cross between Saviour Machine, David Bowie and newer Queensrÿche. "Beauty & The Beast" is a David Bowie cover. Also a brief guest appearance from former bass-player, Brian Khairullah.

Killer tracks: Somber Theme (Where Are You), Book Ends, Anymore

BACK IN THE DAY: THE FIRST FOUR YEARS (2000) M8

Deliverance was disbanded at this point. But M8 records approached Jimmy about releasing some obscure material, and wondered if he had anything laying around. This disc is what they came up with. It's a collection of old demo-stuff, with Jimmy commenting the tracks. This record eventually evolved into the release of 'Greetings Of Death...', and I would recommend people to buy that one instead. Because 'Back In The Day....' has so poor sound quality, I really don't see the point of it. For maniac collectors, like me, it is a must-have, 'cause it does contain unreleased material. It's also cool that the line-up including Larry Farkas (who later joined Vengeance Rising) appear here. But the sound is so bad, I barely endure listening to it. And, as usual, the M8 packaging sucks.

GREETINGS OF DEATH, ETC. (2001) MAGDALENE/M8

This disc I don't know how to review. It's cool for a die hard fan to get stuff from long-time favorite bands, that they have never before heard. So to finally have the classic 'Greetings Of Death'-demo, and the legendary 'California Metal' tracks, is awesome. The bad thing is the quality of the stuff. Being old demo-recordings, they are of course not up to date sound wise. The CD cover also sucks! Why can't M8 reissue these things with proper covers? It always seems to be more important to promote the record company, and not the bands. So if you love D, and have to have everything, you should buy this. But do you want to get to know this band, buy their regular recordings instead! Cough up $30 for their self titled debut, and you will be satisfied, guaranteed!

ASSIMILATION (2001) INDIE DREAM

The Limitless Light From The Beginning Assimilation The Circle Sell Your Soul... The Search The Learned Man Between 2 Worlds Impressions Save Me From...

Line-up: Jimmy P. Brown II - All vocals, Rhythm/Lead gtr, Keyboards Manny Morales - The 5 string bass David Gilbreath - Keyboards & Programming Additional musicians: Jim Calvert - Drums Justin DeTie - Lead gtr on 9 and Gtr treatments

I've only heard 3 tracks from this CD so far, so there will be a new review when I have heard the thing through. I just can't believe why JPBII releases something like this, when fans have been waiting 6 years for it! Why does he have to try and sound so modern? Take away all the digital noises, and you have a far better sound! 'Cause the songs doesn't sound so bad (thought they are not anything like the D of old). It's the production that doesn't do the trick. No, return to the stuff we fans love the most!

Now I have heard the entire record a couple of times. And I don't think I'll listen to it for awhile. I can't believe that this is the same band that released 'Weapons..' or even 'Stay...'! This sound like a mix between 'River Disturbance' and 'Camelot...', taking the sound of 'River...' and the songwriting from 'Camelot..'. I just get bored with it. I even thought to myself that "D" from now on will get the same treatment from me, that Bride does. Bride was also one of my favorite bands, but changed so much that I now just ignore them!

Killer tracks: The Limitless Light

LIVE AT CORNERSTONE 2001 (2001) M8

So what about this one then? After a 5 year break, a fan/record-company man gets the mighty "D" to reunite, and play/record a live album at the Cornerstone Festival. Eventually this happening also led to the release of the 'Assimilation'-album, but that's another story. A live album, which has the subtitle 80's Metal Retro Night, with one of my all time favorite bands, sounds really awesome. And Mr. Brown has pulled out some of the classic tunes here as well. The less then perfect sound quality can not ruin a great live-performance. The band sounds really tight, and they seem to enjoy the response, and having fun. Of course I wished there was more songs from the first 2 albums, but that is just me being picky. The worst thing about this release, is the crappy layout of the cover. Other than that, this is a fan's must! The live version of "Sanctuary" alone is worth the prize.

AS ABOVE - SO BELOW (2007) RETROACTIVE

How many times have this band reunited now? After 'Assimilation' Jimmy once again laid his band to rest, claiming he would never do anything using the Deliverance name again. He was more then happy to do his other projects, using the Fearful Symmetry and Jupiter VI monikers. So why do we get treated to a new album from the mighty "D" in 2007? Well, during all those years in between there have always been plenty of discussion about the band on the internet. Every fan holds different periods of the bands past as their favorite, while many claim to love every incarnation of Deliverance. And if you have ever witnessed one of the many Deliverance discussions on many a discussion board over the years, you must have seen that very few bands harvest such heated debates. In general though, most people have expressed that they would love to see this band do at least 1 more album, preferably a metal one! And Jimmy has himself taken part in many of these discussions, so he basically knew what the fans were longing for. So after all these years, he ones more found it in him to return to his metal past, and deliver an album filled with music that he likes, and that he hopes we, the fans, will enjoy too. As such 'As Above - So Below' has become an album that musically spreads throughout Jimmy's entire career with "D". The album opener is a 3 minute plus instrumental intro, that I basically only listened to in it's entirety on the first spin. I just find it unnecessary to have such a long somber, eerie, orchestral intro before the actual music starts. But when it start..... it starts! "Cause & Effect" kicks off with a riff like we haven't heard from Jimmy and the boys since the mid 90's! The song is  heavy, with Jimmy's gothic, Bowie-esq vocals (which he also uses throughout the entire album). "Return To Form2 is next, and to be honest, this should have been the title for the album! Because that is what this is! This song sounds like something off of "What A Joke?". I also get a slight Anthrax feel here. The lyrics, at least partly, seems to be dealing with the so called "fans" that never seems satisfied with anything Jimmy does. The title track is up next, and this is another heavy song that forces it's way to your ears, and into your brain. Think 'River Disturbance' or 'Stay Of Execution' here. "Screaming" is probably my favorite song here, with it's "old school" leanings, and killer guitar-work. Another heavy metal tune unlike anything we've heard from Jimmy for over a decade! "Should We Cross Paths" might be the closest thing to a speed metal number we get here. But without the high-pitched screaming vocals from Jimmy, we still don't get a full-on 'Weapons... part 2' return. "Contempt" might be the least accessible track here, but it is still heavy as a ton of bricks, and sports a nice melodic guitar-section before the chorus. "Thistles" is an 11 minute instrumental. It's very diverse, but not something I think I'll listen to every time I put this CD on. I'd rather listen to songs with vocals, which both "My Love" and "Enlightened" have. Again, heavy is a key word. Classic "D" is another. 'As Above - So Below' is a fine new album from one of the most beloved Christian metal bands, and a return to form, blending in everything we've always loved them for.

Killer tracks: Cause & Effect, Return To Form, As Above - So Below, Screaming, Should We Cross Paths

Deliverance also appear on:  

V/A - 'Metal Mission - The Sampler'

V/A - 'Classic Metal'

V/A - 'Hot Metal V - Screaming Truth'

V/A - 'An Intense History Of Christian Metal'

Jimmy P.Brown II guest appearances:  

Recon - 'Behind Enemy Lines'

Vengeance Rising - 'Released Upon The Earth'

Saviour Machine - 'I'

Related artists:

Vengeance Rising, Recon, Mortification, Die Happy, Once Dead, Hirax, Crystavox, Betrayal