Together, the two Complete History albums collect nearly all of the band's recorded output.

While Volume One included contributions from a number of musicians—as singer John Stabb and drummer Marc Alberstad were the band's only constant members from 1980 to 1986—Volume Two is entirely composed of recordings by the band's final lineup of Stabb, guitarist Tom Lyle, bass guitarist J. Robbins, and drummer Peter Moffett.

[1] Jack Rabid of Allmusic gave Complete History Volume Two three stars out of five, calling it "a rare case where a Volume Two is the far superior" and attributing the addition of Robbins and Moffett with completing Government Issue's evolution from "an inferior hardcore-thrash band" to something more original.

[2] He cited You as the turning point, calling it "a quantum leap in hefty, precise, pure power" and stating that "[Robbins and Moffett's] added harmonies (especially), superb playing, chops, and dexterity fit perfect with Stabb and guitarist Tom Lyle's clear plan to cut all ties with lame hardcore cretins — while maintaining the big-guitar edge and bomb-running melodies of their punk roots.

"[2] He noted elements of psychedelic rock in the music and hints of The Damned in Stabb's singing, and remarked that the addition of Crash and the second disc of live recordings "makes [Volume Two] an even more rock-solid pick-up.