The Swedish death metal band Hypocrisy was formed by Peter Tagtgren in 1990 upon his return to Sweden from Florida, where he had been inspired by that state's flourishing death metal scene (bands like Morbid Angel, Deicide, Death, and Obituary). Hypocrisy's first demo was recorded entirely by Tagtgren himself; once it secured him a record deal, he recruited a lineup of Masse Broberg (vocals), Jonas Osterberg (guitar), Mikael Hedlund (bass), and Lars Szoke (drums), while he himself settled on guitar. This lineup released Penetralia in 1992, upon which point Osterberg left the group. Obsculum Obscenum appeared in 1993, and Broberg subsequently departed as well, with Tagtgren assuming vocal duties. Thus reconstituted as a power trio, Hypocrisy began to hit its stride, recording The Fourth Dimension (1994), Abducted (1996), and The Final Chapter (1997); in the meantime, Tagtgren developed an alternate career as a producer, working with bands like Dimmu Borgir, Immortal, and Dark Funeral. Hypocrisy officially disbanded following the release of The Final Chapter; however, fan interest persuaded Tagtgren to reconsider the breakup, and a live album, Hypocrisy Destroys Wacken 1998, was released in early 1999 as a precursor of things to come. The new album Hypocrisy followed shortly thereafter and Into the Abyss was released in mid-2000.

Steve Huey, All Music Guide