invective and songs about "culture, alienation, boredom and despair" soon gained them a loyal following and cult status. the band's later albums kept a politicized and smart lyrical style. they also adopted a broader alternative rock sound. enigmatic lyricist richey edwards gained early notoriety by carving the words "4 real" into his arm with a razor blade (narrowly missing an artery and requiring seventeen stitches) in response to the suggestion that the band were less than authentic. the dark nature of 1994's "the holy bible" showed the result of edwards' instability.