The twelve pieces are "etude-variations written in the classical tradition" by Zorn.

[1] Some parts were composed and atonal; others were improvised and conducted by Zorn.

[1] Zorn wrote in the liner notes: "I do what I do regardless of what the outside world might think, want or expect, and although this has alienated my audience, the critical establishment and the academy countless times through my four decades of activity, the feeling that comes from creation on one's own terms far outweighs any such mundane considerations.

[3] The New York City Jazz Record reviewer suggested that it was unlikely to appeal to purists of any genre of music, and wrote that "It's daunting before you put it on and can be rather unpleasant while it is.

[...] As you play the CD, however, you realize it's not as scary and uncompromising as you might have feared".