Bitterness the Star is the debut major label album by American metalcore band 36 Crazyfists.

[citation needed] The majority of the songs were written in 1997–98, immediately after the release of the band's independent demo In the Skin.

[7] In April 2001, 36 Crazyfists entered Millbrook Studios in Milbrook, New York with Eddie Wohl, Rob Caggiano and Steve Regina, all of Scrap 60 Productions.

[8] On June 1, 2001, Skinlab vocalist Steev Esquivel flew up to Millbrook to record a guest appearance on "Bury Me Where I Fall".

[9][10] Three days later, the band left Millbrook and travelled to Red Clay Studios in Suffern, New York.