While the band received critical acclaim, the record failed to meet sales expectations; as a result, Way of the Dead was the only Century Media release.

Yakuza enlisted a wide variety of musical guests on the album, including pianist Jim Baker, cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm, Sanford Parker, and Mastodon’s Troy Sanders.

The album features guest performances by world-renowned jazz percussionists Hamid Drake and Michael Zerang.

The Prosthetic record label describes them this way: Staying deeply rooted in a genre all its own, YAKUZA’s existence lies on a metal base with progressive flair, while somehow also incorporating elements of jazz, world beat, and post-rock ambience.Influence is also noted from King Crimson, John Coltrane, Tortoise, and Napalm Death.

[1] Bruce Lamont has discussed an appreciation for Pink Floyd, Huun Huur Tu, Peter Brötzmann, Battles, Enslaved, Brighter Death Now,[2] George Orwell, Ethiopian music, and Blut Aus Nord.