Produced by Dave Sardy of Barkmarket, it was released on July 23, 1996, through Atlantic Records.

[2] Traynor departed not long after the album's release, ending up joining Helmet (band).

Tragic is a departure from Driver Not Included's hardcore stylings in favor of a rap metal sound akin to Rage Against the Machine and Red Hot Chili Peppers,[3] featuring acoustic and alternative metal tracks.

[4] AllMusic critic Vincent Jeffries wrote: "The thick instrumentation and fat grooves deliver on every promise made during Orange 9mm's famously powerful live performances, but the adherence to of-the-moment metal sonics prevent Tragic from transcending its time."

Jefferies further added that the album "remains a solid offering for fans of a small but important '90s metal movement.