Commenting on the record, guitarist and vocalist Richie Kotzen said:[3]
We elevated the band to the next level. [...] There's always that worry with a follow-up record when you have a first one that's so well received, but I believed in it from day one. [...] I also like the fact that there's a commonality between the first and second records — and there's also an evolution too, as we've dug a little deeper.
The opening song "Oblivion", released as the album's first single, was composed during the band's debut album's sessions, and performed live in its subsequent tour. Because Kotzen had the lyrics for the chorus but not for the verses, every time the song was performed, the lyrics would be different.[4]
"Empire" was almost left out of the album, but drummer Mike Portnoy "begged" Kotzen not to discard it since he appreciated the song and wanted to finish it.[5]
The album debuted at No. 6 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart, selling 13,000 copies in its first week.[6]