Self-released June 18, 2003, The End is Near was intended to be the fifth and final full-length studio album from Five Iron Frenzy. The album was originally sold exclusively at shows on their Summer Festival Tour and subsequent farewell tour later that Fall. The album saw an eventual retail release on April 20, 2004 by Five Minute. The retail release not only featured the bonus track The Cross of St. Andrew, but also included a second disc featuring a recording of the band's supposed final performance in Denver, CO. The second disc was entitled The End is Here.