The album is a noted for its groove metal-oriented sound, especially when compared to the band's previous releases which were considered closer to the nu metal genre.

The Impossibility of Reason was recorded with six-string guitars in drop C tuning, a standard that future albums would follow, and deemphasizes electronic effects.

Vocalist Mark Hunter noted the album's musical growth and credited the influence of band's they toured with.

He also elaborated that while the sampling featured in their previous album was "ear candy", it would be more focused to "enhance the music" on their 2003 effort.

They also performed on European Road Rage 2003 with Spineshank and Ill Niño before heading to Japan and Australia, the latter being firsts for Chimaira.