Never say never! The Big D or more accurately Deliverance have once again forgone their plans for retirement and returned with a new chapter of epic thunder deemed The Subversive Kind. Founder and band leader Mr. Jimmy P. Brown II has dug deep into his soul to pull out what is perhaps his most ambitious effort to date by giving fans a true return to the early days of the infamous Thrash Metal outfit. With the help of drummer Jim Chaffin (The Crucified, The Blamed),bassist Victor Macias (ex-Tourniquet), and the ultra surprising return of guitarist Glenn Rogers who played on the Deliverance debut album back in 1989, Mr. Brown has succeeded in delivering (no pun intended) what is shaping up to be the best Thrash release, if not the best overall Metal release of 2018.

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The Subversive Kind is without a doubt a traditional Thrash release with a definite ode to the bands early works. While it is not a repeat of their debut, there are certainly moments where the listener will find themselves feeling a bit nostalgic. Right out of the gate this sonic assault of the senses creates metallic convulsions that cannot be denied. "Bring 'Em Down" is heavy, brooding and at about a minute and a half into the song the band who once had the slogan "Faster for the Master" reminds us why they could wear that badge so true. Not wasting any time at all, "Concept of the Other" slams head first into a concussive force that sets the stage for all that follows. Monster riffs abound throughout the album and I really dig the slowed down musical teasers that are interwoven as to not give away too much too soon. No doubt there is speed on this record but it is rightly balanced with some truly jaw dropping groove and melodic prowess. Just check out "The Center of it All" which is as meaty as one might expect from these mighty Thrash veterans. The first single from the album is "The Black Hand" which showcases Jimmy's singing abilities  slightly more than other tunes on  The Subversive Kind begining with an ominous almost middle eastern feel before plunging into a full Metal onslaught. Drummer Jim Chaffin's punk roots from his days with The Crucified are heartily felt throughout the album. Glenn Rogers contributions here can be found by listening for the lightening fast leads on such cuts as the title track "The Subversive Kind," and "The Fold" which has a very Slayerlike slant (Black Magic?) to its main riff. Former Crucified guitarist Greg Minier also lends his talents to a couple of tunes.

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The production on The Subversive Kind is impressive, not sounding too retro and drawing on modern concepts it is presented with just the right mix. The lyrical content is creative and passionate and clearly shows the maturity of Mr. Browns writing skills. Gone are the high pitched screams from the early days (not missed in the slightest) and the album is way too short with only eight tracks. Nevertheless, The Subversive Kind may be exactly what is needed to put Deliverance back on the map in a monumental way. For the Big D, no truer statement can be made about The Subversive Kind-- Thrash Is Back!! Mosh it up baby!!!

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-Priest