'The Great Depression' is the third release from Merseyside, United Kingdom's dark, experimental metal band Torture Garden. A double-disc album in its physical form, the album was initially released as a 'pay what you want' download on the 1st of July, 2013, with CD copies made available later. The album was recorded in a variety of locations. The album marked a significant advancement for the band, both musically and lyrically. Taking in additional influences from industrial and folk music, and making extensive use of samples, Torture Garden's sound had evolved and expanded greatly since their previous album, 2011's 'Dead Romantic'. Lyrically, themes were centred around the current global economic crisis, with many of the album's samples being added during the final few days prior to its release, reflecting then current events around the world. Various sonic references are made to the era of the Great Depression in the 1930s throughout the album. The cover art for the album is a detail from a painting by Liverpool artist John O'Neill, which is currently displayed in the city's Casa Bar. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.