The band then released "Nocturama" in 2003. The album marked a return to band-oriented and collaborative arrangements, as previous releases involved a decreased level of input from Cave's bandmates. "Nocturama" garnered mixed reviews, with critic Eric Carr stating that "in truth, it may still be the group's best work since "Let Love In", but it had the potential to be so much more". Shortly after the album's release, Bargeld left the band after 20 years to devote more time to Einstürzende Neubauten.