Album Review: Self Deception – One Of Us (Napalm Records)

Swedish modern rock unit Self Deception is set to unleash their Napalm Records debut, ‘One of Us’, on May 15th, 2026.

One listen of this new album and I think most will agree that Self Deception have learned a hell of a lot in the time between records. A lot about anthems, a lot about digestibility, and a lot about creating music that will stand the test of time thanks to its live energy. This is an album designed for a crowd. An album created to be danced to, an album to be sung to, and an album to let loose to.

It doesn’t completely work, but I think the majority of listeners are going to come away very satisfied by what they hear here. More than that though, it’s clear that this album has the potential to pick up even more listeners thanks to its mainstream focus. Self Deception know that to really leave a mark on the music world, they need to appeal to more and there isn’t a single track on this album that doesn’t have something liable to turn a casual listener into a hardcore fan.

That is impressive, but so is how varied and experimental the album is. Self Deception have gone a bit ‘kitchen sink’ here, but they’ve done it in such a meaningful and authentic way, it’s very hard to not appreciate. You’ll hear a wealth of ideas here, a ton of influences creeping in, and a ton of genre bending. It, for me at least, is what makes the album as interesting as it is.

Yet, as much fun as it can be to pull it apart, and there’s plenty of depth to be found if you do, it’s just as much fun to unchain the brain and move to a ton of likable anthems.

Anthems like the brilliant hit that is Ketamine Cowboy, which is one of those tracks that get stuck in the head for hours afterwards and you just know goes off so hard when played live. Although you can also say that about the punchy title track, the ‘tribute’ to Electric Callboy that is the bounce along Time’s Up, the dramatic and melody focused Don’t B E L O N G, the wild Death of Me, and the energised ride that is Break! These are my favourite tracks and each show just how effortlessly Self Deception create extraordinary anthems.

It is the biggest takeaway as far as I’m concerned. Yes, there is heart and soul, emotion pouring out of it, authentic truth and so much more, but it’s how Self Deception compel the body to move by setting off fireworks in the brain that ends up mattering more.

A lot of people are going to love this album and I’m 100% convinced that they’re going to blow up even more once it has properly landed. How f**king cool is that!?

Self Deception – One of Us Track Listing:

1. One of Us
2. Time’s Up
3. Wake Up
4. Don’t B E L O N G
5. Death of Me
6. Break!
7. The Wedding
8. Ketamine Cowboy
9. Blame
10. Entertained
11. Goddamn Me

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