Violator was Depeche Mode's international breakthrough after spending the latter part of the 1980s on the verge of worldwide success.  The album didn't depart much from their style, but a surprising element was the inclusion of guitars and other traditional rock instruments along with the usual synth sounds.  In 1993 the band went all in with Songs of Faith and Devotion, creating a recording now regarded as one of their best, but at the cost of a founding member.