"The Will to Death" is the fifth studio album by American musician John Frusciante, released on June 22, 2004, on Record Collection. The album marked a significant departure for Frusciante, exploring a more introspective and experimental approach compared to his earlier works.
Frusciante, known for his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, enlisted frequent collaborator Josh Klinghoffer for the album. Klinghoffer contributed drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards, adding to the album's multi-layered and textured soundscapes.
The album's cover art is notable, featuring a photograph taken at the Cimitero Monumentale di Milano. The central figure in the photo is Luigi Ontani, adding an enigmatic and artistic touch to the album's visual presentation.
Upon its release, "The Will to Death" reached number 36 on the Top Independent Albums chart, reflecting its appeal and success within Frusciante's dedicated fan base. The vinyl edition of the album was reissued on December 11, 2012, offering enhanced audio quality with 180-gram pressings and including a choice between MP3 and WAV formats for digital downloads.