REVIEW: Self Deception - One Of Us
- Hannah Martin
- May 11
- 4 min read
The Swedish melodic hard rock band SELF DECEPTION is set to release their seventh studio album, One Of Us, on May 15. Blending modern metal, electronic influences, and catchy choruses, the band delivers an energetic record that feels tailor-made for live shows and festival crowds. While the album may not reinvent the genre, it succeeds in creating an entertaining listening experience filled with sing-along anthems and heavy breakdowns.
Opening with the title track, ONE OF US, the band immediately sets the tone for the album with a catchy and intense modern metal anthem. The song wastes no time introducing the listener to the record’s high-energy atmosphere, combining aggressive instrumentals with in-your-face lyrics. It serves as a strong opener and perfectly showcases the direction SELF DECEPTION wants to take on this release. TIME’S UP continues this momentum without holding anything back. Beginning with rap-inspired vocals before exploding into a massive, melodic chorus, the song highlights the band’s willingness to experiment with different genres. Electronic elements are layered throughout the track, helping it stand out while also making it incredibly catchy. The fusion of metal, rock, and electronic influences works surprisingly well and leaves the chorus stuck in your head long after the song ends.
Another standout high-energy track is WAKE UP, which once again leans heavily into electronic influences. At times, the song reminds of bands like SET IT OFF, who are known for combining heavy instrumentals with electronic sounds to create unbelievably catchy songs. Despite its modern and polished production, WAKE UP still manages to sound heavy and aggressive, making it one of the harder-hitting tracks on the album. With DON’T B E L O N G, SELF DECEPTION reveals a more vulnerable side. Addressing themes such as mental health and addiction, the track carries a darker and more emotional tone than the previous songs. The melancholic atmosphere is reflected not only in the lyrics but also in the melody, which allows the emotional weight of the song to shine through. It’s a welcome change of pace that adds more depth to the album overall.
DEATH OF ME quickly shifts the focus back toward electronic sounds before surprising the listener with a crushing breakdown in the second half of the song. This balance between melody and heaviness is something SELF DECEPTION handles particularly well throughout ONE OF US. The same can be said for BREAK!, a song centred around relationship struggles. Hard-hitting drums and sudden breakdowns give the track an aggressive edge, while the electronic influences keep it modern and accessible. One of the biggest standouts on the album is definitely THE WEDDING. The song’s massive chorus feels perfectly designed for crowd sing-alongs and instantly becomes one of the most memorable moments on the record. Combining melodic hooks with heavy instrumentation, the track balances emotional storytelling with raw energy. Lyrically, it explores the image of a wedding that seems destined for an unhappy ending, adding a darker layer beneath its catchy exterior.
KETAMINE COWBOY is another highlight and will likely appeal to long-time fans of the band. The song strongly recalls some of SELF DECEPTION’s earlier hits, particularly Fight Fire With Gasoline. Fast-paced, energetic, and incredibly catchy, it is one of the easiest and most entertaining listens on the album. Its infectious energy makes it easy to imagine this track becoming a fan favourite during live performances. BLAME takes the album into slightly darker territory once again while maintaining the electronic influences that define much of One Of Us. The memorable chorus and intense instrumentation ensure the song remains engaging from start to finish, even if it follows a somewhat familiar formula established earlier on the album.
As the album approaches its conclusion, ENTERTAINED delivers one of its most emotional and impressive moments. Featuring a huge melancholic chorus and one of the strongest vocal performances on the record, the song initially feels more emotional and restrained. However, it unexpectedly transitions into one of the heaviest breakdowns not only on One Of Us, but in SELF DECEPTION’s entire discography. It’s a powerful and satisfying surprise that gives the album an extra burst of intensity before the finale. Closing track GODDAMN ME ends the album in classic SELF DECEPTION fashion. While it may not be the most memorable song on the record, it still works well as an energetic and fun conclusion to the band’s seventh studio album. The track captures the spirit of One Of Us perfectly.
Overall, One Of Us succeeds in exactly what it sets out to do. It may not be the most innovative or deeply thought-out album in modern metal and rock, but it doesn’t need to be. SELF DECEPTION delivers a collection of energetic tracks, memorable choruses, and heavy breakdowns that make the album consistently enjoyable from beginning to end. Fans of modern melodic metal with electronic influences will find plenty to love here, especially in a live setting where these songs will work out the best.
Score: 7/10
One Of Us will be released on 15th May 2026 via Napalm Records.
Words: Hannah Martin
Photos: Evelina Szczesik
Comments