Accelerated Evolution was written and recorded at the same time as Strapping Young Lad's self-titled album, with Townsend dividing his energy between the two.

During the creation of his early solo albums Infinity (1998) and Physicist (2000), Devin Townsend went through personal struggles that affected his writing ability.

Townsend chose members of local bands who "hadn't had the same experiences" and could give a fresh perspective on "all those emotions" that were present in his solo material.

[9] Songs such as "Storm", "Suicide", and "Sunday Afternoon" were compared to Townsend's Infinity, but were noted as "less frantic and more mature";[5] Despite this, "Deadhead" derived its name from an extreme industrial metal track with the same title from Godflesh's 1989 album Streetcleaner.

InsideOut also released a special edition of the album which contained a 3-track EP called Project EKO, Townsend's first foray into electronica.

[16] After playing two release shows in Vancouver in July 2003,[17] The Devin Townsend Band toured Canada with Strapping Young Lad and Zimmers Hole in October 2003.

[2] Mike G. of Metal Maniacs called Accelerated Evolution "the album of the year", praising it for "the hard-to-accomplish trick of being extreme yet accessible, simultaneously heavy 'n' rockin' yet majestic and beautiful.

"[21] Alex Henderson of Allmusic called the album "excellent", and praised Townsend's ability to blend genres and influences: "The Canadian rocker provides enough downtuned guitars to put this CD in the alt rock category.

"[5] All tracks are written by Devin TownsendInside Out Music's special edition of Accelerated Evolution included Project EKO, an electronica EP by Townsend.