: The album cover features a man being led to his public execution. The band drew inspiration from the man’s perceived dignity and resolve in the face of his fate—a "fatalistic march" that provides a sense of purpose and identity to the music.
The title and emotional weight of the record were heavily influenced by a set of historical photos given to bassist Brian Cook. Russian Circles - Guidance - 256
: Critics often describe the album as a cohesive journey through "the beautiful and the ugly," with tracks blending into one another like acts in a play or chapters in a novel. Track-by-Track Guide Guidance (2016) - Russian Circles : The album cover features a man being