Nachtmystium began recording for their new album in early 2011. The progress of the album was impeded by the departure of Judd's longtime band mate and friend, Jeff Wilson, who left Nachtmystium for personal reasons. Finally, in 2012, Nachtmystium released their sixth full-length studio album, "Silencing Machine". The album marked a departure from the band's previous two "Black Meddle" albums. Judd described the album as "a follow-up to "Instinct: Decay"". He further stated that the album has "still some psychedelic vibes here and there, but overall it's much more on par towards our older material". "Silencing Machine" was positively received by critics, including Sputnikmusic, Allmusic, and Popmatters. Pitchfork Media summarized their review of the album by stating, ""Silencing Machine" is an impressive and stylish reinvention of an earlier form by a band that could've easily lost the plot, but instead reigned in the excess, and wrote us a new one."