media response to "calculating infinity" was positive, with critics praising the aggressive nature of the album's material, as well as the complexity of the arrangement and instrumental work. several publications have highlighted it as a landmark release in the dillinger escape plan's catalogue and in hardcore punk and heavy metal as a whole. they also credited its influence on the genres and on the work of several subsequent bands. while exploring hardcore punk, the record is also classified as metalcore, experimental metal, and grindcore, in addition to being highlighted as one of the first mathcore albums. its lyrical themes mostly revolve around failing relationships and insecurity. by 2013, "calculating infinity" had sold in excess of 100,000 copies worldwide.