The band released a studio cover of the Bruno Mars single "That's What I Like", for Punk Goes Pop Vol.

Upon the album's announcement, clean vocalist Tilian Pearson confirmed that Kurt Travis is featured on the track "Shelf Life".

In an interview with Alternative Press, Will Swan commented on the band's writing process for the album and how it differed from previous recording sessions.

Tilian Pearson explained his lyrical writing process for the album, describing it as "more personal" than on Mothership (2016) and Instant Gratification (2015).

Artificial Selection was announced by the band on March 23, 2018, revealing pre-order packages, the album cover art, and track listing.

[22] The group announced a headlining tour with I See Stars, Erra, and Sianvar, on March 28, 2018, that spanned from May 26 to June 21, 2018, in North America.

[25] An Australian headlining tour was announced on November 5, 2018, which spanned from February 27 to March 5, 2019, with support from Veil of Maya.

[26] On January 8, 2019, the group announced The Artificial Selection Tour, which took place from March 30 to May 12, 2019, with support from Periphery, Don Broco, Hail the Sun, Covet and Thousand Below.