The Illusion of Safety is the second studio album by American rock band Thrice. It was released on February 5, 2002 through Sub City Records, who the band had previously reissued their debut studio album Identity Crisis (2000) through. They wrote new songs at a rate of two per month, prior to recording in July 2001. Sessions were held at Salad Days Studios with producer Brian McTernan. The Illusion of Safety is a melodic hardcore and post-hardcore album, with a reoccurring topic of death and religious references.
The Illusion of Safety received generally positive reviews from music critics, some of whom praised the album's mix of styles. It sold 4,202 copies during its first week of release, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Independent and Heatseekers Album charts. Thrice promoted the album with a tour with Anti-Flag and Against All Authority, before playing a few shows with Further Seems Forever. A music video was filmed for "Betrayal is a Symptom", prior to the band supporting Face to Face, and embarking on a headlining tour of the United States. A music video for "Deadbolt" was posted online, leading to a co-headlining US tour with Hot Water Music.
Background and recording
Thrice released their debut studio album Identity Crisis in June 2000 through local label Greenflag Records. By September 2000, they were in the process of writing new material for its follow-up. They received rejection letters from labels that were confused by the variety in the band's sound. The band were put in contact with Louis Posen of Hopeless Records, who was interested in licensing Identity Crisis. It was subsequently re-released on March 6, 2001 by Hopeless imprint Sub City Records. To promote it, they went on tour with Samiam, and played some shows with Midtown. The band were able to write new songs at a rate of two per month in preparation for their next album. In June 2001, Thrice performed a few shows on the Warped Tour. They were in the process of seeking a producer for the new album, finding that Brian McTernan's name was mentioned on a number of albums the band was listening to. He had heard Identity Crisis and was interested, asking the band to provide him with some demos. Thrice set up a dictaphone recorder in the middle of a rehearsal space; as the band's PA system was lacking in quality, Kensrue had to yell into it for his vocals to be picked up on the recording.
McTernan thought the songs were heavy-sounding, but he was unsure if he was going to take on another project like that. He initially emailed their manager Nick Bogardus, suggesting they find someone else to work with. Bogardus responded by telling him he would be a perfect match, adding that he would supply additional demos. The following month, they recorded The Illusion of Safety with McTernan over the course of three weeks. The band had missed their flight as the airport had changed the times without informing them, prompting the band to drive from Washington, D.C. Sessions were held at Salad Days Studios, where McTernan also aided as engineer. As the band were arriving late at night, he told them to let themselves in, as beds could be found in the basement. McTernan had no familiarity with the members on a personal level, leaving him unsure if the sessions would be beneficial. It took him awhile to understand the band's direction, and for them to work out his strengths. Alan Douches mastered the recordings at West West Side.