Vessel

“Vessel” stands as the third studio album by the American musical duo Twenty One Pilots, released on 8 January 2013, through Fueled by Ramen, marking their major-label debut. Initially debuting at number 58 on the Billboard 200 chart, it climbed to number 21 in 2016. By July 2019, the album had amassed over two million equivalent album units in the U.S., with all tracks certified at least Gold by the RIAA, a feat previously unprecedented for two separate albums by any group or artist. Critics acclaimed the album upon its release.

Having signed with Fueled by Ramen in 2012, the duo preceded the album with the Three Songs EP, which featured tracks like “Guns for Hands”, “Migraine”, and “Ode to Sleep”. The album was made available for streaming via Entertainment Weekly on 18 December 2012, before its official release on 8 January 2013.

Production-wise, “Vessel” saw the re-recording of several tracks from their earlier independent album, “Regional at Best” (2011), including “Ode to Sleep”, “Holding On to You”, and “Car Radio”. These re-recordings marked a strategic move by the band, prompting the withdrawal of “Regional at Best” from distribution. The recording process took place at Rocket Carousel Studio in Los Angeles, California, with Greg Wells handling production and additional contributions.

The album cover featured the paternal grandfathers of the duo, Dun and Joseph, imparting a personal touch. Regarding the album’s title, Joseph explained its symbolism in a fan interview, equating a vessel to the body carrying something more significant, which transcends upon death.

Several singles were released from the album, including “Holding On to You”, “Lovely” (for Japan), “House of Gold”, “Fake You Out”, and “Car Radio”. Notably, in 2023, a limited edition vinyl boxset was released to celebrate the album’s 10th anniversary, accompanied by a YouTube variety stream that raised over $47,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Critically, “Vessel” received positive reviews, with critics lauding its multi-genre influence and musical diversity. Despite some dissenting voices, particularly from Rolling Stone, which critiqued its fusion of rap-rock elements, the album’s commercial success was undeniable. By July 2019, it had been certified 2x multi-platinum in the U.S. by the RIAA, solidifying Twenty One Pilots’ unique achievement in the music industry.