Strängnäs act THE MORTICIAN DEAD was the precursor to noted trad Metal band DECEIVER, featuring former members of MAZE OF TORMENT, in guitarist Peter 'Flesh' Karlsson, SERPENT OBSCENE and former XENOFANES Crille Lundin. Initially the band, also including drummer Flingan (a.k.a. Magnus Flink) had recorded 2002 demos, billed as THE MORTICIAN DEAD. These sessions saw Pehr Larsson of MAZE OF TORMENT and VINTERLAND providing guest vocals. In 2003 the band unit was joined by singer Destormo (Erik Sahlström), enrolled, a seasoned campaigner holding MAZE OF TORMENT and SERPENT OBSCENE credentials, and evolved into DECEIVER.

Under this revised banner, self-titled debut mini-CD, issued in July of 2004 through the newly launched, Gothenburg based label Iron Fist Productions, featured five songs recorded at the Abyss studio with producer Tommy Tägtgren. In support of the full length album, 'Riding With The Reaper' featuring a guesting Mia Coldheart of CRUCIFIED BARBARA on the track 'Cover The Wounds', DECEIVER would be set to tour Europe in May 2005 in alliance with DEVIL LEE ROT but cancelled these plans.

Vocalist Destormo exited in August of 2005, leaving guitarist Pete 'Flesh' Karlsson to assume singing duties. Billed as FLESH, Peter Karlsson also recorded a solo album, 'DödsÃ¥ngest', that same year on Iron Fist Productions. DECEIVER's Flingan handled drums.