The Great Deceiver (named after a King Crimson song) formed around 1996/97, immediately after At The Gates split. Rather than chase a record deal too quickly, the band spent a long while with heads down, and focused on creating a style and sound that was distinctive and original. Tomas Lindberg: "The Great Deceiver is the dark hardcore cousin of At The Gates, the logical continuation of my career."

In 1998 a deal with Swedish indie label Bridge Records was eked out and the mini-album Cave-In was born.
The band's first album proper was recorded at Berno Studio's in 2001, and is appropriately titled A Venom Well Designed. After the critical acclaim of Cave-In the band had many larger labels interested in working with them. Peaceville Records, who had been fans since hearing the EP upon its release offered the band a deal and were delighted when they accepted.
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