[11] This was Nevermore's final album before they went on a thirteen-year hiatus between mid-2011 and late 2024, following the departures of guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams.

Nevermore, having written 13 new songs, entered Wichers Studio in North Carolina in August 2009 to record the album.

Warrel Dane commented on the writing process: "These songs are full of newfound rage, lyrically and musically.

"[12] Jeff Loomis commented on the writing of the album: "I think that with the new Nevermore, it still sounds like the band, but I think I'm giving Warrel a little bit more room this time around for more vocals rather than all the notey, kind of complex stuff and all that.

"[13] Loomis also stated that Peter Wichers had a major role in the songwriting, encouraging him to "cut out the fat and make the songs catchier and hookier," thus creating a simplistic and stripped-down sound that differs from the original 7–8 minute complex tracks Loomis initially wanted to record.