Hailing from Sweden, this modern rock band blends elements of groove metal and alternative rock to create a really fun, infectious sound. SELF DECEPTION brings a harsh yet melodic vibe, intermingling the two in a balanced act that makes their music really easy to sing and dance along to. Having shared stages with artists and bands like Electric Callboy, Danko Jones, Adept, and more, this band is not shy about reaching the same level as the aforementioned.
Their newest album, "One Of Us," is brimming and full of groove that keeps you moving and gets lodged in your head, with some parts being more 'sing-song' in nature and other parts being harsher in vocals to create this interesting duality. The upbeat tempo of the instrumentals pins down this modern alt-rock vibe, while the vocals will pay homage to groove metal with the band's usage of rhythm to make each track as energetic as they are. The blend is soft, but notable enough, and is what gives them such a jammable vibe.
The cover art for "One Of Us" is from artist Alex Tillbrook, who previously worked with Metallica on art for their albums and also for the show "Stranger Things". SELF DECEPTION has thought of all the bases to cover- since Metallica is thrash metal (and groove metal is a derivative of thrash), it's really cool to see SELF DECEPTION work with these visual artists affiliated with some of the biggest names in thrash and have a history working with the scene in particular.
The album is set up to feel like multiple black sheep anthems packed into one. From the lyrics, the unified hype-level across its members, and an artwork that portrays not only this unifying brand of the band, but also the overall feeling they present, and the characters they play in their music videos and during live performances.
Time for the music video breakdown!...
Y'all know by now that I am a sucker for a good music video, be it cinematic, emotional, filled with layers, or just a good time. Well, SELF DECEPTION's video for "One Of Us" is a lot of fun. It's all like watching a live show with the band in the crowd, being one with them as they mosh and move around the band as they actively play. I love a good live show-based video because it often shows newcomers what a live show is like (well, maybe with them on the stage) and brings old concert goers back to the memories of seeing the band live.
I watched a few of their videos and love that they have a range of videos that are more cinematic and focused on a story for the song, and some that are just fun and make you feel like a part of the crowd. It's a nice mix of the two that I love; it shows an impressive versatility in the band as well as the understanding of when deepening the plot is needed and when it is not. They have a great gauge on what to do with their sound while making sure to have what feels like live, intimate moments with the audience, even if virtually.
In their music videos, they even give us the elements of cinema to help build emotion and hold the band's branding together. From costume pieces, emotionally shot scenes, and their ability to portray themselves in a genuine way as the outcasts, they have crafted a full experience in their music already. They are set for themes that involve a team of ragtag misfits or action movies for sure!
The Swedish group has a way with their music that makes it very usable in movies, games, and shows as well. I can wholeheartedly picture their music in movies like Suicide Squad, or shows like Invincible, or games like Call of Duty. The fitting setup for an upbeat "ragtag of action misfits." The "One Of Us" album, especially (because yes, I have to check out prior releases and see what has changed from their music of the past), is full of bangers that are simple, clean, and fun, but not in a way that feels corny or childish. They have a great knack for sync-worthy music in their discography, like: "ONE OF US", "WAKE UP", and "ENTERTAINED". Along with my personal favorites: "DON’T B E L O N G", "KETAMINE COWBOY", and "BLAME".
"DON'T B E L O N G" is a good emotional song, which is one of my favorite tones for music. The beginning has a nice, eerie feeling to it, before taking on a more upbeat tone. I love the chorus's line of "Destroy the old you before it destroys you". With "KETAMINE COWBOY," it's a really fun upbeat song, and I just love a really fucked up lullaby, so the verses are really fun for me. That one's not too deep, I am Texan and hate country music and attire, but often meme myself as "Texas's very own emo cowboy" so it is just really fun for me in general. For "BLAME", before going all in on the music industry, I was a psych major specializing in criminal psychology, and this song actually hits on a very cool way of speaking about blame and the types of manipulation that exist. Also, the fact that we currently love to play the blame game with each other or our own mental health when we should know better that to make our own minds a weapon against others.
A lot of their songs have really cool takes that are framed in less common ways, and I love that! The band is covering common talking points, but also adding to the conversation with points I personally agree with and think should be discussed more.
Speaking of seeing them live, and not just virtually, here are their upcoming show dates so you can catch them!
Festivals
10.06. - 14.06.26 UK - Donington / Download UK
12.06. - 14.06.26 NL - Leeuwarden / Into The Grave
02.05.26 NO - Kopervik / Karmøygeddon Metal Festival
03.06. - 06.06.26 SE - Sölvesborg / Sweden Rock Festival
16.07. - 18.07. AT - Leoben / Area 53
16.07. - 19.07.26 CZ - Vizovice / Masters of Rock
And here is a link to the page on their website where you can find all their show dates and ticket links that are currently announced!
Photo Credit: Christoffer Wiklundh or @c.wiklundh on IG from their show in
SELF DECEPTION have built themselves up for success and has a scope that is reaching all over! This Swedish band is well on its way into the big leagues- I don't see them stopping anytime soon, and I hope they don't! I also hope to see more great cover art collabs and some more great collabs with other bands like "Feeding Demons", which they did with Dead By April a few years ago!
I will have my eyes and ears on them now to hear what they have in store for the future, and you should too! They have amazing energy and songs you could be hearing in your next favorite films and shows!
Meet the Band!
Andreas Clark – vocals
Ronny Westphal – Guitar
Patrik Carlberg Hallgren – Bass
Erik Eklund – Drums
