[7] The album was released on December 6, 2011, via Action Theory, and was produced by the band and Colby Wedgeworth.

[11] Recording took place at Sonic Ranch in El Paso, Texas with producer Colby Wedgeworth.

[13] On June 22, the group performed a new track titled "Don't Give Up on "Us"" on Fuel TV.

[11] In October and November, the group supported Taking Back Sunday on their headlining US tour.

[14] On October 5, Alternative Press reported that the group's next album would be titled Pioneer and was due for released in either late November or early December.

[22] Leading up to the album's release, the group posted track-by-track videos of some songs from Pioneer.

[29] To promote its release, the group held a livestream event via Stickam called This Is Pioneer.

[32] On January 22, the group released "Take Me Dancing", an outtake from the album, as a free download.

[45][46] On October 16, the band released a documentary titled, Anthem For A Dying Breed, detailing the recording process of the album.

Chrysta Cherrie of AllMusic gave a positive review praising the group for their "stripped-down and mature effort" on the album.

[50] In another positive review by Scott Heisel of Alternative Press he remarked, "we never would've guessed the Maine would be the ones putting out rock records this consistently unique, interesting and, well, great."

[2] Thomas Nassiff of AbsolutePunk stated, "Pioneer is actually a real rock record.

"[49] Alternative Addiction complimented the record stating, "Well written songs and not overcomplicating things in the studio makes a good album.