Released in February 1984,[3] it is a concept album with lyrics based upon Cold War themes, using a futuristic version of the tale of Atlantis as a metaphor for a technologically advanced society brought to the brink of destruction.

A newly established association with Marillion, the popularity of heavy metal in the adolescent market, and a revival of interest in progressive rock led to the band being signed to EMI for a £500,000 advance.

[3] As a further indication that EMI were considering the possibility of a progressive rock revival, Eddy Offord, known for his extensive work with Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, was brought on as producer.

[3] Much of the album's material first appeared in the Atlantis Suite, an epic science fiction rock opera which was a cornerstone of live Pallas shows at the time.

[citation needed] As a result, only four of the seven songs from the Atlantis Suite were presented in the original version of the album, and not in Pallas's preferred running order.