"The Ichthyologist, an epic concept album, based of a yet to be released graphic novel of the same name, written by founding band member, Aaron Gregory. The album contains ten songs spanning over a full hour of music. The band hired highly sought after producer, Matt Bayles (ISIS, Mastodon, Pearl Jam, Botch, Minus The Bear) to produce the record, which features guest appearances by Anneke Van Geirsbergen (The Gathering), Karyn Crisis (Crisis), Kris Force (Amber Asylum, Neurosis), and Lorraine Rath (Amber Asylum, The Gault). The first 1000 copies of The Ichthyologist were self released by the band through their websites, giantsquidlives.com and myspace.com/giantsquid on Feb 3rd, 2009, and featured unique fold out packaging adorned with the classic naturalist art of German professor, Ernst Haeckel. Days later, Giant Squid hit the road for an eleven day West Coast tour in support of the release with legendary L.A. sludge heroes, 16 (Relapse Records) in tow. The extremely limited, self-released edition of The Ichthyologist was nearly sold out four months later. In June of 2009, Giant Squid signed a three album record deal with Philadelphia indie metal label, Translation Loss...

Both of these official label releases feature brand new mixes and versions of the songs, "Panthalassa, Throwing a Donner Party at Sea, Blue Linckia", and "Emerald Bay," and come packaged in entirely new album art by superstar, legendary comic book artist, Sam Kieth (Hulk, Batman, Wolverine, The Maxx, Lobo, Sandman)..." - Translation Loss