Van Der Graaf Generator's third and final LP with bassist Nic Potter, who left the band during the recording due to too much touring. The line-up was Peter Hammill (voc, g, p), David Jackson (sax, fl, voc), Hugh Banton (org, p, voc, b) and Guy Evans (dr, perc). The British prog rock band recorded the album in several stages throughout mid-70s in Trident Studios with producer John Anthony. Robert Fripp made a guest appearance and played some illustrious guitar solos. The dark progressive rock is extremely intense and full of tension. Even if it gets a little weird at times, that's part of the concept. This record is without doubt the highlight of the band's early creative phase. It was released on the well-known Charisma label in December 1970.

Unfortunately, despite its professionalism and technical brilliance, it didn't receive the attention it deserved. The dark musical moods and depressive lyrics of lead singer and main composer Peter Hammill apparently stood in the way of wider acceptance.