Four Year Strong released In Some Way, Shape, or Form (2011) through Republic Records-imprint Universal Motown.

[1] With the album, the group attempt to explore territory they thought their fans would enjoy; however, they received a negative reaction to it.

[1] Vocalist/guitarist Alan Day started the side project The Here and Now, bassist Joe Weiss operated a woodworking company, and vocalist/guitarist Dan O'Connor worked on his house.

[5] Go Down in History saw the group move away from the arena rock experimentation of In Some Way, Shape, or Form, and back to the sound of their Rise or Die Trying (2007) and Enemy of the World (2010) albums:[6] riff-centric pop punk[7] with call-and-response vocals from Day and O'Connor.

[8] The EP featured the band playing at "turbocharged" tempos, with "intricate" guitar riffs;[6] Revolver said the songs acted as a bridge between pop punk and melodic hardcore.

[6] The title-track incorporated gang vocals[6] that recalled the closings tracks of both Rise or Die Trying and Enemy of the World.

[12] Though the band had talked to various labels, they met Pure Noise founder Jake Round through mutual friends.

[16] On July 18, a music video for "Go Down in History", filmed on the Warped Tour, premiered through Alternative Press' website.