This album is often mischaracterized as frontman Tim Kasher’s divorce album. He has gone on record saying that it is a concept album about a couple that are going through it, but just because he got divorced as they were making and the label leaned into that in their marketing, doesn’t make it true. Tim has said this is the hardest record they’ve ever written and he is proud of it, but they will never make anything this heavy again.
My take: This album came out 25 years ago and it so timeless. You could tell me it came out yesterday and I would believe you (if I had amnesia, because this has been a favorite of mine since I found it 15 years ago). It hits you in the face, though. It is abrasive in the best way. The dueling guitars, syncopated drums, and screaming vocals will leave you on the floor. I recommend headphones to get the full experience of the mix. 10/10 feels.
If you only have time for one: The Martyr