Seether
Seether | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Also known as | Saron Gas (1999–2001) |
Origin | Pretoria, South Africa |
Genres | |
Years active | 1999–present |
Labels | |
Members |
|
Past members |
|
Website | seether |
Seether are a South African rock band founded in 1999 in Pretoria, Gauteng. The band originally performed under the name Saron Gas until 2002, when they moved to the United States and changed it to Seether to avoid confusion with the deadly chemical known as sarin gas. Lead vocalist and guitarist Shaun Morgan is the band's longest serving member, bassist Dale Stewart joined shortly after formation while drummer John Humphrey joined them for the band's second album. Since 2018, the band has been employing second guitarist Corey Lowery. Several notable guitarists like Corey's brother Clint and Troy McLawhorn have toured or recorded with the band, however, Shaun has recorded most guitar parts for the band's records.
Seether gained mainstream popularity in 2002 with their US Active Rock number one single "Fine Again". Their success was sustained in 2004 with the single "Broken", which peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. They have experienced continued success with many number one hits on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, such as "Remedy", "Fake It", "Country Song", "Tonight", "Words as Weapons", "Let You Down", "Dangerous", "Bruised and Bloodied", and "Wasteland". The band has released eight studio albums; their most recent, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, was released in 2020.[2] As of 2023, Lowery is the longest serving lead guitarist Seether has had as a four piece band.
History
Formation as Saron Gas (1999–2001)
The band formed in South Africa in May 1999 under the name Saron Gas.
Disclaimer releases (2002–2004)
In August 2002, Seether launched their first official album, Disclaimer, which earned the band three singles: "
Following the release of Disclaimer, the band toured continually in order to increase sales and gain name recognition. A planned second album was delayed for nearly a year when Seether was selected as the support act for an Evanescence worldwide tour. Seether reworked their acoustic ballad "Broken" into an electric ballad with guest vocals by Amy Lee of Evanescence. Favourable audience response led the band to record the revised version, with Lee on vocals. The track, along with a new song entitled "Sold Me", was featured on the soundtrack for the 2004 film The Punisher, and became a major success for the band, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. A romance developed between Lee and Morgan during this time.
Morgan has stated that the reworking of "Broken" was due to the wishes of the record company rather than those of the band.[5] An alternate version of the original album, with many of its songs remixed or re-recorded, was released in June 2004 and entitled Disclaimer II. The alternate version also featured eight extra tracks.
Karma and Effect (2005–2006)
Seether's follow-up album, Karma and Effect, was released in May 2005. Originally titled Catering to Cowards, the name was changed due to the record label's demand.[6] Karma and Effect debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200 album charts and was certified gold in the US and Canada. The album spawned three singles, "Remedy", "Truth", and "The Gift". "Remedy" reached number 1 on the US Mainstream Rock Charts, Seether's first number 1 hit.
Seether released an acoustic CD/DVD set titled One Cold Night, recorded at the Grape Street Club in Philadelphia, on 22 February 2006. Morgan had been suffering from a stomach ailment, and decided to do an acoustic performance of their set rather than cancel the show. The exclusion of "Needles" and "Burrito" from the album is due to the label's desire that it contain no obscenities.[7]
Guitarist Patrick Callahan's departure from the band was announced on 15 June 2006. His last performance with them was on 3 June.[8] Pat was later interviewed on a radio show in Philadelphia where he said his departure was not anything musical, but he and the singer Shaun had a "personality" clash and were not seeing eye to eye, and just couldn't work things out, but was still very friendly with the other two members. Pat also did not like certain band decisions. One example was the band being on the Punisher and Daredevil soundtrack in which he did not like the lineup of bands they were associated with. Shaun Morgan himself later commented on Pat's departure:
- "Um... relieved a little... actually a lot. He was the guy in the band that was always our naysayer, and he was the negative energy as far as writing. I personally have no love lost, which is weird for some reason 'cause he was my friend for four years. But when he walked out, it kinda walked out with him."[5]
Morgan entered a rehabilitation program for what he felt was "dependence on a combination of substances" in August 2006, which forced the band to cancel a tour with Staind and Three Days Grace.[9]
Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces (2007–2009)
Shaun Morgan, prior to the next album's release, claimed that it would be more diverse than previous efforts.
A tour launched in support of the album in early 2008 lasted much of the year. Troy McLawhorn of Dark New Day, Evanescence, and doubleDrive was hired as a touring guitarist on 15 February 2008. Bands Seether shared the stage with on the tour included Three Days Grace, Finger Eleven, Breaking Benjamin, 3 Doors Down, Skillet, Red, Papa Roach, Flyleaf, Econoline Crush, and Staind. McLawhorn was afterwards made an official member of the band.
"No Shelter" appeared on the
Seether supported
Seether covered the song "I've Got You Under My Skin" on the Frank Sinatra tribute album His Way, Our Way, which came out on 7 July 2009.
Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray (2010–2013)
The band spent several months recording in
On 3 September 2013, Seether announced the name of a compilation album, titled
On 30 November 2013, Seether released a 3-track single titled "Goodbye Tonight", featuring Van Coke Kartel & Jon Savage. The song is also featured on the deluxe edition of their follow-up album Isolate and Medicate.[31]
Isolate and Medicate (2014–2016)
In a 2013 Twitter interview, bassist Dale Stewart confirmed that the band was writing songs for their next album. During an AmA (askmeanything) interview on Reddit.com, Shaun Morgan stated that the band was "In the studio getting ready for our new album..."[32]
On 24 April 2014, it was revealed that the album Isolate and Medicate would be released on 1 July 2014, with the lead single "Words as Weapons" slated for release on 1 May 2014.[33]
On 29 April 2014, Bryan Wickmann was announced as the new touring guitarist. Wickmann was the band's long-time guitar tech, as well as Isolate and Medicate's cover art creator, and a former art director of Schecter Guitar Research.[34][35]
On 17 May 2014, Seether performed their first single, "Words as Weapons," from the album Isolate and Medicate, live at the Orbit Room in front of 1,700 fans. The band released a music video for the album's second single, "Same Damn Life," on 30 October 2014. The video was directed by Nathan Cox. In late May and early June, Seether announced European tour dates in September, along with several stops in the UK. On 7 July, Seether kicked off their summer tour with 3 Doors Down.
Poison the Parish (2016–2018)
On 13 September 2016, Seether shared pictures of them recording a new album on social media. They announced in November that they were to release their seventh album in May 2017. A countdown timer later started on Seether's website, counting down to 23 February 2017.
Morgan appeared on
In May, July, and August 2017, the band toured throughout the United States with American hard rock band
Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum (2019–present)
In June 2019, John Humphrey revealed that recording had commenced for their upcoming eighth studio album. On 24 June 2020, the band announced their eighth studio album, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, set for release on 28 August 2020 through Fantasy Records. They also released the first single of the album, "Dangerous".[40] Translating to "If You Want Peace, Prepare for War", the album features 13 new tracks, and was produced by Morgan himself in Nashville, Tennessee from December 2019 to January 2020. On 17 July, the band released the second single, "Bruised and Bloodied".[41] On 14 August, two weeks before the album release, the band released their third single "Beg".[42]
In July 2021, the band released an EP titled Wasteland – The Purgatory.[43] On July 1, 2022, the band released the deluxe edition of Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.[44]
Musical style and influences
Seether's musical style has been described as post-grunge,[45] alternative metal,[46] hard rock,[47][48] and nu metal.[49][50][51] The band is heavily influenced by American grunge groups such as Nirvana[52] and Alice in Chains.[52] AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote "Seether's lead singer/songwriter, Shaun Morgan, is an unabashed, unapologetic worshiper of Kurt Cobain, using Nirvana's sound as a template for Seether."[53] Seether have also been influenced by Deftones[52] and Nine Inch Nails.[52] Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum in particular takes heavy influence from the bands A Perfect Circle and Deftones.[54]
Band members
Former
|
Former touring musicians
|
Timeline
Discography
- Disclaimer (2002)
- Disclaimer II (2004)
- Karma and Effect (2005)
- Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces (2007)
- Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray (2011)
- Isolate and Medicate (2014)
- Poison the Parish (2017)
- Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum (2020)
Awards and nominations
Awards | Category | Nominated Work | Year of Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
MTV Africa Music Awards | Best Alternative Artist | Seether | 2008 | Won[58] |
MTV Africa Music Awards | Artist of The Year | Seether | 2008 | Nominated[58] |
South African Music Awards | Best Rock: English | Seether | 2008 | Won |
South African Music Awards | Best Rock: English | Seether | 2008 | Won |
BDS Spin Awards | 200,000 Spins | Fine Again | 2003 | Won |
BDS Spin Awards | 50,000 Spins | Driven Under | 2003 | Won |
BDS Spin Awards | 50,000 Spins | Gasoline | 2005 | Won |
BDS Spin Awards | 200,000 Spins | Remedy | 2005 | Won |
BDS Spin Awards | 50,000 Spins | Truth | 2006 | Won |
BDS Spin Awards | 300,000 Spins | Broken | 2007 | Won |
BMI Pop Awards | Best Pop | Fine Again | 2004 | Won |
BMI Pop Awards | Best Pop | Broken | 2006 | Won |
BMI Pop Awards | Best Pop | Fake It | 2008 | Won |
Billboard charts | No. 1 Active Rock Artist | Seether | 2011 | Won[24] |
Billboard charts | No. 1 Heritage Rock Artist | Seether | 2011 | Won[24] |
Billboard charts | Active Rock Song of 2011 | "Country Song" | 2011 | Won[24] |
Canadian Hot 100 | Active Rock Song of 2011 | "Country Song" | 2011 | Won[24] |
Mediabase | No. 1 Song of The Year (in terms of airplay) | "Country Song" | 2011 | Won[59] |
Metals Edge | Best Song In a Movie Soundtrack | "Broken" | 2004 | Won |
Revolver Golden Gods Awards | Best Live Band | Seether | 2012 | Won[60] |
Radio Contraband |
Indie Artist of the Year | Seether | 2012 | Won |
References
- ^ Alternative Press. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
- ^ "Seether Debut New Song 'Dangerous' + Announce Eighth Album". Loudwire.com. 24 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
- ^ a b c Bradley Torreano. "Seether | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ "Seether: 5 most pivotal moments - AXS". 17 May 2016. Archived from the original on 17 May 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Seether feels the cold on". Fasterlouder.com.au. 18 July 2006. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ "Seether : Seether Frontman Shaun Morgan Is Very Angry". VH1.com. Archived from the original on 1 September 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ "Seether". Frontrowking.com. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ Chris-Harris (15 June 2006). "Seether Lose Guitarist; Frontman Credits Stomach With Acoustic Night". Mtv.com. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ Chris Harris (26 July 2006). "Seether Frontman Enters Rehab; August Tour Dates Canceled - MTV". MTV. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
- ^ Turkoglu, Ceren. "10 Seether Songs Ranked Worst to Best". Rock Informer. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
- ^ di monaco, lou. "NY Rock Music Examiner exclusive interview w/ vocalist Shaun Morgan of Seether". examiner.com. Retrieved 23 April 2013.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Broadcast Yourself". YouTube. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ "Troy McLawhorn of Seether Interview with Backstage Axxess". YouTube. Archived from the original on 14 November 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ "Today's Dirt - Hard Drive/Hard Drive XL". Harddriveradio.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ "USO tour featuring rock band Seether". Uso.org. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
- ^ Lee, Cindal (30 August 2010). "Seether's John Humphrey talks about tonight's show at the Fair - Minneapolis / St. Paul Music - Gimme Noise". Blogs.citypages.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ jdms (3 September 2010). "Free Johnny Dare – Interview: Shaun Morgan – Seether Frontman". Freejohnnydare.com. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ "Seether live *NEW SONG* No Resolution, Duquoin". YouTube. Archived from the original on 14 November 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ "Seether Set List". i1225.photobucket.com. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "Country Song: Seether: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Archived from the original on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ "Seether official website". Seether.com. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ "Music Charts, Most Popular Music, Music by Genre & Top Music Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ "Music Charts, Most Popular Music, Music by Genre & Top Music Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ a b c d e "Seether Earns #1 Active Rock Song of the Year by Billboard". AlternativeAddiction.com. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
- ^ "Updated: EX-SEETHER Guitarist Has NOT Rejoined EVANESCENCE - 11 Apr. 2011". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 17 August 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "EVANESCENCE Manager Denies Ex-SEETHER Guitarist Has Rejoined Band". BlabberMouth.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "RockHouse Live Media Productions". Rockhouselive.com. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ "2002-2013 – Album Coming October 29th!". Seether. Archived from the original on 25 September 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "Twitter / SeetherOfficial: 3 new tracks so far. Names". Twitter.com. 8 July 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "Seether Share Song Snippet From Upcoming Album". Loudwire.com. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Goodbye Tonight - Single by Seether, Van Coke Kartel & Jon Savage". Itunes.apple.com. 30 November 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "I'm Shaun Morgan, lead singer of Seether. AMA. : Music". Reddit.com. 10 December 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "New Seether Album Out July 1st, First Single Slated For May 1st -Rock News-101 WRIF - Detroit - Everything That Rocks". Wrif.com. 24 April 2014. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "Seether | Intro to Brian". YouTube. 29 April 2014. Archived from the original on 14 November 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "SEETHER - Refining Their Sound - Screamer Magazine". Screamer Magazine. 29 July 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ "Seether". Billboard.com. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ "Seether Announce 2017 U.S. Tour, Add Clint Lowery Live". Loudwire.com. 28 February 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
- ^ "Seether return home to rock SA crowd". Thecitizen.com. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
- ^ "Seether Pull Back With Acoustic Video for 'Against the Wall'". Loudwire.com. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
- ^ "Seether announce new album 'Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum', release first single 'Dangerous'". Metal, but Grater. 24 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
- ^ "Seether Share New Single 'Bruised & Bloodied'". Wall Of Sound. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
- ^ "Listen To New SEETHER Song 'Beg'". Blabbermouth.net. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ "Seether Announce 'Wasteland The Purgatory' Ep". Blabbermouth.net. 25 June 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
- ^ "Seether Announces Deluxe Edition Of 'Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum'". Blabbermouth.net. 27 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ Grierson, Tim. "Rock Genres – A List of Rock Genres". About.com. Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
- ^ Torreano, Bradley. "Seether". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
- ^ Taylor , Jason D. "Seether - Disclaimer". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
- ^ Bort, Ryan (24 September 2016). "7 Awful Bands That We Can Blame Nirvana For Inspiring". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
- ^ Unterberger, Andrew (10 September 2004). "Top Ten Nu-Metal Bands". Stylus Magazine. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
- ^ "Seether Reach Out About Suicide | Chart Attack". Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Seether Want To Poison The Parish – The Metalist". Themetalist.net. 28 March 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Seether | Similar Artists, Influenced By, Followers". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ Stephen Thomas Erlewine (23 October 2007). "Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces - Seether | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "Shaun Morgan: "Grunge guitarists are really good players, but they put aside finesse for the sake of emotion"". Guitar World. 19 August 2020. Archived from the original on 21 September 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ "Seether - About". Facebook.com. 1 March 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
- ^ "Seether website". Seether.com. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
- ^ Pereira, Cindy C. A. "Seether live: Nothing fake going on at Wellmont Theater". Northjersey.com. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
- ^ a b "The MTV Africa Music Awards". Tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
- ^ "Seether's 'Country Song' Is Billboard's Active Rock Song of the Year". Loudwire.com. 14 December 2011. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
- ^ Kory Grow (2 March 2012). "The 2012 Revolver Golden Gods". Revolver. NewBay Media, LLC. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
External links
- Official website
- Seether at AllMusic
- Seether discography at Discogs