It is a concept double album self-released and funded through pre-orders on frontman Toby Driver's Ice Level Records in 2013.

He said that the return to the more metal-based sound of early Kayo Dot albums was sparked prior to the making of Gamma Knife because he felt frustrated with "bland, unthoughtful, weak metal coming out and receiving acclaim.

[8] The album was recorded at Randall Dunn's studio in Seattle, Washington after receiving a sizeable amount of funding from their crowdfunding attempt via the group's Bandcamp page.

Shortly after the release of the album, longtime collaborator Mia Matsumiya and Terran Olson moved and are no longer a part of the band's live incarnation.

The album, marking the tenth anniversary of the band's formation, draws inspiration from aspects of all of Kayo Dot's various sounds over the past decade, as well as from predecessor group maudlin of the Well.

Despite attempting to use Kickstarter, the group was left with low finances after leaving Hydra Head, and Driver considered ending the project.

Sputnikmusic ranked the album as the 4th of 2013, saying it recalled the "black metal chamber music of Choirs of the Eye" and that it is "simultaneously focused and sprawling.

"[14] Bearded Gentlemen gave the album a perfect 5/5, saying that "[t]he addition of actual memorable musical segments makes the band finally feel complete.