South African Rock outfit Seether may have changed their name from Saron Gas (not to be confused with the poison, sarin gas) upon establishing themselves in the United States, but after over 20 years in music, they are still killing the competition as songwriters and artists. Founded in 1999, Seether broke out on the scene with their debut studio album Disclaimer in 2002 and has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
Praised by fans for their raw performances, emotional honesty, and transparency in their music, the band has always endeavored to show us the world and their experiences through their eyes. The lyrical rawness of Vocalist/Rhythm Guitarist Shaun Morgan is a hallmark of the Seether experience, especially when matched with the musical prowess of Corey Lowery (lead guitar), Dale Stewart (bass), and John Humphrey (drums). Together, these four musicians create a sonic maelstrom that carries you away and down the rabbit hole of each album’s twisty journey before spitting them out on the other side.
Now, their latest musical misadventure titled The Surface Seems So Far will be their ninth studio album and is set for release on September 20, 2024, on Fantasy Records. This release has been four years in the making since their 2020 release, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum (translation: If You Want Peace, Prepare for War), and three years since 2021’s Wasteland – The Purgatory EP.
The debut single off the album,“Judas Mind,” is a classic Seether song with its raw, cutting vocals, pummeling percussion, and crushing riffs. A grungy indictment of the people in our lives who may not have our best interest at heart and betrayal, this track cracks open the album’s themes of introspection and mindful self-reflection. “Illusion” follows with a sweeping ambiance in the chorus that is infectious with a sway-inducing melody that is almost trance-like. This is contrasted by the injection of strategically placed heavier riffs and screams in later verses and the bridge. “Beneath The Veil” explores different dynamics emotionally and instrumentally. Ranging from the same kind of metered and seemingly country-influenced twang found on 2014’s Isolate and Medicate to the cascading ebb and flow with interjections of grittier vocal effects reminiscent of “Fine Again” from 2002’s Disclaimer.
This is while “Semblance of Me” carries hints of Nirvana-esque vibes at opening. It is slow, somber, thoughtful, and meditative in its reflection on one’s sense of self and what it means to unburden yourself from others’ expectations. This song really touches on how there are many different versions of ourselves that we as people present to the world depending on circumstances and how overwhelming it can be to try and be grounded in a world laden with expectations. It is melodic and haunting and full of yearning.
As you reach the midpoint of the album, “Walls Come Down” brings a more uptempo shift instrumentally and lyrically that reads on the surface as more hopeful and aspirational. What is left when the walls we put up to protect ourselves finally come down? Do you dare to hope for “something more?” Is there “light in the darkness?” Moving along in this journey comes some of the album’s heavier offerings. “Paint The World” has both weight and effervescence that creates a dichotomous vortex of experiences in one song that is both driven and exhilarating. Delivering a heavier dose of shredding guitars and pounding drums near the album’s conclusion is “Dead on the Vine.” This feels like an angst-ridden lament of the frustration that comes from disappointment, betrayal, and raw emotional tumult. It is decisive, blunt, and unrelenting in its force and impact.
Closing out the album is “Regret” which is rife with longing and remorse as the name implies. It is another lovely Seether brand ballad that is poignant without being overly morose. There is a nostalgic vibe in Morgan’s lyrics and delivery that allows the listener to easily connect and empathize with the emotional turmoil of the song.
While not as consistently heavy in some regards as their last endeavor Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, The Surface Seems So Far does offer a heavy dose of emotion and contemplation. Stand-out tracks like “Paint The World” and “Judas Mind” do a fine job of bringing the depth and ferocity to this album. This should come as no surprise to long-time Seether fans. The band has long established a reputation for being both instrumentally and emotionally dexterous in their messaging.
Seether’s ability to compel you physically with vicious riffs and nasty percussion and mentally with contemplative lyricism has become their trademark. Shaun Morgan has never been one to shy away from the personal and emotional while finding new ways to lure listeners on new journeys… and adventures and The Surface Seems So Far is no exception. Seether once again proves why they are amongst Rock’s most skilled and tenured veterans with their alluring sonic explorations and lyrical meditations on the human experience. So, for that, Cryptic Rock gives The Surface Seems So Far 4 out of 5 stars.
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