[5] Although the band had maintained a record of at least one release per year since their debut, Ignorance,[6] this was their first full-length album for three years and also the first to show a musical progression from the rougher sounding, punk-inspired thrash metal in their earlier material.

[8] The band had also become more experienced; Greg Hall's drumming improved and is particularly praised on the album,[8][9] and the band's performance as a group had improved significantly; writer Damien Chaney described it as "a group in full possession of its means ... without any real individuality that would stifle the others.

[3][7] Similar to previous releases, the lyrics and theme of the album focused heavily on political and social issues but progressed towards a personal direction.

[8] In the album's liner notes, Phil Rind explains the band's change in musical direction: "Lyrically, I think it is a little more personal than either Ignorance or Surf Nicaragua.

[8][10] The album title was originally named "Crimes Against Humanity" after the fourth track but was changed to "The American Way".