What a Joke

Released in 1991, What a Joke represents a transitional and experimental period for Deliverance. Following the massive success of Weapons of Our Warfare, the band opted for a more diverse and satirical approach. The album is notable for its 'short-long' structure, featuring several tracks under twenty seconds alongside sprawling progressive pieces like 'Pseudo Intellectual.' This record also saw the band incorporating more social commentary, moving slightly away from the purely evangelical themes of their debut. Sonically, it maintains the high-speed 'Big Four' influenced thrash but introduces more atmospheric and melodic elements that would define their later progressive metal era. The inclusion of a Black Sabbath cover ('After Forever') signaled their willingness to embrace their broader heavy metal influences. Critically, it is often viewed as a polarizing but essential chapter that showcased the band's technical versatility and personality.