Limited heavyweight vinyl LP pressing. The Holy Bible is the third studio album by Welsh alt-rock band Manic Street Preachers. It was originally released in 1994. At the time the album was written and recorded, lyricist and rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards was struggling with severe depression, alcohol abuse, self-harm and anorexia nervosa, and it's contents are considered by many sources to reflect his mental state. The songs focus on themes relating to politics and human suffering. The Holy Bible was the band's last album released before Edwards' disappearance on February 1, 1995. Although it reached #6 on the UK Albums Chart, global sales were disappointing compared to previous albums and the record did not chart in mainland Europe or North America. It was promoted with tours and festival appearances in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Thailand - in part without Edwards. The Holy Bible has received significant critical acclaim and as of 2014 it has sold more than 600, 000 copies worldwide. The album over the years following it's release has been ranked highly on lists of the best albums ever by British publications such as Melody Maker, NME and Q.