During this time, Yelawolf also drastically changed the country style he had adopted during the release of Love Story to that a contemporary hip hop image, before retreating from public life for over six months.

A picture uploaded by Shady Records CEO Paul Rosenberg holding a copy of Trial By Fire became the subject of intense online speculation after an advertisement was seen in the background promoting "Revival" medication.

[12] The album was released on October 27, 2017 with little promotion and was seen as a commercial failure, selling only around 12,000 copies in its first week compared to Love Story's 61,000, but was better received by critics.

[13] The album continues the blend of Country music and hip hop that began with the release of 2015's Love Story, and was described by Yelawolf as a "darker", loose-concept record that details his upbringing in the South.

The album begins with a skit of Yelawolf performing at a bar by recounting a tale about his birth, and describes himself as the reincarnation of an outlaw bank robber.

The song "Get Mine" featuring Kid Rock is described as a "throwback to the days of nu-metal",[16] while on "Son of a Gun", Yelawolf details the struggles of growing up without a father.

The single "Daylight" was chronicled as an "ode to alcohol", and the political track "Row Your Boat" tackles the subject police brutality and uniqueness.

[19] The last song "Keeps Me Alive" features vocals from country singer Wynonna Judd, and reflects again with Yelawolf's short-comings as a child and young adult and how that translates to his current life as a father.