On March 29, 2016, Jellyfish Entertainment released the Conception Art Film,[1] which signaled the start of their year-long project and trilogy VIXX 2016 CONCEPTION,[2][3] through which the group would show their wide musical and conceptual spectrum and would be themed around the gods that appear in Greek mythology.

[18][19] On October 24, VIXX revealed a highlight medley of the songs featured in the album.

[24] On October 31, VIXX released Kratos along with the music video for the title song "The Closer".

The title song "The Closer" was written by songwriter Kim Mi-jin from Music Cube and VIXX member Ravi.

[27] VIXX began promoting Kratos with a live showcase on Naver V LIVE on October 31, 2016, at YES24 Live Hall,[28] followed by performances on the following music programs; SBS MTV's The Show, MBC Music's Show Champion, KBS's Music Bank, MBC's Show!

[29] On the 20th of November VIXX wrapped up their three week long promotions for "The Closer" on SBS's Inkigayo.