The release consists of a collection of six B-side songs from their prior three albums at the time – The Great Cold Distance (2006), Night is the New Day (2009), and Dead End Kings (2012).

[4] The release features album artwork from Travis Smith, who had previously created cover art for the band.

[4] The EP was released just before the band embarked on the "Unplugged & Reworked Tour", which was in support of the just prior released Dethroned & Uncrowned – an acoustic re-recording of their ninth album Dead End Kings – something journalists felt Kocytean was an extension considering the more mellow nature of several of the EP's tracks.

Whether you’re doing some soul searching or need a thought-provoking soundtrack to a gloomy winter day, Kocytean is a good place to start.

"[5] The Ultimate Guitar staff review praised the lyrics and elaborate sound, concluding that "As the tracks are rare and B-sides you may already own several of them if you are a big fan of the band, and that may be discouraging, but I honestly feel like this is a worthwhile release.