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Seether
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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, Morgan has recorded most guitar parts for the band's records.

Key Information

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 nine studio albums; their most recent, The Surface Seems So Far, was released in 2024.

History

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Formation as Saron Gas (1999–2001)

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The band formed in South Africa in May 1999 under the name Saron Gas.[2] Consisting of frontman, vocalist, and guitarist Shaun Morgan, bassist Tyronne Morris (who left the band in December 1999 and was replaced by Dale Stewart in January 2000), drummer Dave Cohoe, and guitarist Johan Greyling (who departed shortly after the band's formation), Saron Gas released their first album, Fragile, in October 2000 under Johannesburg-based independent record label Musketeer Records.[2] Despite the region's focus primarily on pop and indigenous music, the band found success, and eventually caught attention of American record label Wind-up Records, who gave them a record deal to begin releasing music in North America.[2] Upon signing to the label, they were told they needed to change their name due to its similarity to sarin gas, and switched to calling themselves Seether, after the Veruca Salt song. Around the same time, Cohoe departed from the band. His replacement on drums was not immediately named.[3]

Disclaimer releases (2002–2004)

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In August 2002, Seether launched their first official album, Disclaimer, which earned the band three singles: "Fine Again", "Driven Under", and "Gasoline", in which only the first managed significant success. "Fine Again" was also included in the video games Madden NFL 2003 in 2002 and 1080° Avalanche in 2003. After utilizing session drummers on Disclaimer, the band brought in Nick Oshiro as the full-time drummer. In addition, Patrick Callahan was added to the lineup as a second guitarist.

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. The band also had their song "Hang On" featured in the 2003 film Dardevil.

Morgan has stated that the reworking of "Broken" was due to the wishes of the record company rather than those of the band.[4] 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. Prior to the recording of Disclaimer II, Oshiro left the band in order to join Static-X, and he was replaced on drums by John Humphrey.

Karma and Effect (2005–2006)

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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.[5] 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.[6]

Guitarist Callahan's departure from the band was announced on 15 June 2006. His last performance with them was on 3 June.[7] 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."[4]

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.[8]

Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces (2007–2009)

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Seether performing in 2008

Shaun Morgan, prior to the next album's release, claimed that it would be more diverse than previous efforts. Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces was slated for an August 2007 release but was delayed until 23 October 2007 due to the suicide of Morgan's brother, Eugene Welgemoed. The album debuted at number 9 in the Billboard 200 album charts, and sold 57,000 copies in its first week. Its cover artwork featured "Candice the Ghost", and was illustrated by David Ho. The first single, "Fake It", reached the top position of the US Mainstream Rock Charts and Modern Rock Charts, and held that spot for at least 9 weeks on both charts. It became the theme for WWE's No Way Out (2008). "Rise Above This", written for Eugene Welgemoed, was released as a single and reached the No. 1 spot on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and No. 2 on its mainstream counterpart, Mainstream Rock Songs. The final single from the album was "Breakdown", the video for which was released on 12 November 2008 after a delay from its original scheduled release date of 23 October. Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces won Seether's first South African Music Award in the category "Best Rock: English", as well as their first MTV Africa Music Award for "Best Alternative Artist".

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 NCIS Official TV Soundtrack, released on 10 February 2009, and a version of George Michael's "Careless Whisper" was made available for purchase as a digital or mobile download.[9] The song was reportedly covered as a joke,[10] in which the band turned an "80s pop ballad" into a hard rock/metal song in response to Wind-up's request that they record a Valentine's Day song. The music video for "Careless Whisper" premiered on 15 June 2009, and the song is included as an additional track on the reissue of Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces.

Seether supported Nickelback on their Dark Horse tour in March and April 2009. Shaun and Dale confirmed in an interview on 2 March 2009 that, after the Nickelback tour, Seether would take the rest of year off to write and record the follow-up to Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces.[11] The band nevertheless gave performances through the remainder of the year, which included a date in Okinawa to play for American troops as part of a USO tour on 23 and 24 May at Camp Schwab, and then in MCAS Iwakuni on 26 May for the US Marines. Seether also made appearances at a number of festivals during the summer, including sets at the Chippewa Valley Music Festival and the Quebec City Festival, before the tour's conclusion at The Big E Festival, West Springfield, Massachusetts, on 4 October.

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)

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Seether performing in 2012

The band spent several months recording in Nashville, Tennessee[12] with producer Brendan O'Brien,[13] then resumed touring in April 2010 with the intention of returning to the studio "in the first week of June"[14] to complete the new record. Drummer John Humphrey confirmed in August that recording was completed, and the album was in the mixing process. He said that the band believed this album to be their best work, and that the songs are "very strong, melodic, and heavy at times".[15] Morgan confirmed the album's completion in September, and gave the expected release date as early 2011.[16] A new song, "No Resolution", was debuted on 4 September 2010, during a live show at the DuQuoin, IL State Fair.[17][18] McLawhorn and Humphrey, in a radio interview, announced that the new album would be titled Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray, and that it would be released in May. The album's first single, "Country Song", was released on 8 March in the US and on 4 April in the United Kingdom,[19] and the new album was released on 17 May 2011.[20] Seether reached their highest position on the US Billboard 200 Charts when Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray rose to the Number 2 position. It also reached number one on the US Rock Albums, US Alternative Albums, and US Hard Rock Album Charts.[21] Their single-week sales of 61,000 records was their best since Karma and Effect sold 82,000 copies in 2005.[22] Billboard named Seether the No. 1 Active and No. 1 Heritage Rock Artist of 2011.[23] A remix EP of the Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray album, titled Remix EP, was released on 7 February 2012.

Troy McLawhorn's departure from the band and return to Evanescence was announced on 8 March.[24][25] Seether performed live in Cincinnati, Ohio on 10 May, and in South Bend, Indiana on 11 May. Both concerts were recorded, and released as a limited edition CD set for each individual city.[26] The band played main stage at the Uproar Festival alongside Avenged Sevenfold, Three Days Grace, Bullet For My Valentine, and Escape The Fate, and supported 3 Doors Down on their European tour from November to March.

On 3 September 2013, Seether announced the name of a compilation album, titled Seether: 2002-2013. It was released on 29 October 2013 as a 2-disc album featuring some of the band's greatest hits, unreleased demos, soundtrack songs, and 3 all-new tracks, including a cover of Veruca Salt's "Seether" (the song that the band is named after).[27] Seether: 2002-2013 also contains two new recorded songs ("Safe to Say I've Had Enough" and "Weak") and was produced by Brendan O'Brien.[28] The band released a 15-second demo clip for the song "Safe to Say I've Had Enough" on loudwire.com.[29] They also carried out a small, semi-acoustic tour of Europe and South Africa.

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.[30]

Isolate and Medicate (2014–2016)

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Seether performing at Rock am Ring in 2014

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..."[31]

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.[32]

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.[33][34]

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)

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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 Octane on 22 February to discuss the new record, entitled Poison the Parish. Jose Mangin stated that the new material is looking to be "harder than anything they've done". The album was released through Morgan's label Canine Riot Records.[1] Three singles, "Let You Down", "Betray and Degrade", and "Against the Wall", were released in support of the album, all charting significantly on the Billboard Mainstream Rock songs chart.[35]

In May, July, and August 2017, the band toured throughout the United States with American hard rock band Letters from the Fire, adding guitarist Clint Lowery (Sevendust, Dark New Day) to the touring lineup.[36] They then recorded a cover of "Black Honey" by American post-hardcore band Thrice during a live session for SiriusXM in June 2017. In February 2018, Clint Lowery returned to Sevendust to begin touring and promoting their album All I See Is War. His brother (and former Dark New Day bassist), Corey, took over his duties as Seether's touring guitarist. The band then supported Nickelback on their eight-week Feed the Machine European and UK tour. Before the tour ended, Corey Lowery was initiated as a full-time member of the band. On 20 May 2018, Seether played in their hometown of Johannesburg for the first time in six years.[37] On 6 June 2018, they released an acoustic version of "Against the Wall," along with an accompanying music video.[38]

Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum and The Surface Seems So Far (2019–present)

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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".[39] 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".[40] On 14 August, two weeks before the album release, the band released their third single "Beg".[41]

In July 2021, the band released an EP titled Wasteland – The Purgatory.[42] On 1 July 2022, the band released the deluxe edition of Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.[43]

The band announced the new single "Judas Mind" which was released on 10 July 2024. The band's ninth studio album, titled The Surface Seems So Far, was released on 20 September 2024.

Musical style and influences

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Seether has been described as post-grunge,[44][45] hard rock,[46][47] alternative metal[48] and alternative rock,[49][50][51] while their early work has been characterized as nu metal.[52][53][54] The band is heavily influenced by American grunge, such as Nirvana[55] and Alice in Chains.[55] 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."[56] Seether have also been influenced by Deftones[55] and Nine Inch Nails.[55] Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, in particular, takes heavy influence from the bands A Perfect Circle and Deftones.[57]

Band members

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Timeline

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Discography

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Awards and nominations

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Awards Category Nominated work Year of award Result
MTV Africa Music Awards Best Alternative Artist Seether 2008 Won[61]
MTV Africa Music Awards Artist of The Year Seether 2008 Nominated[61]
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[23]
Billboard charts No. 1 Heritage Rock Artist Seether 2011 Won[23]
Billboard charts Active Rock Song of 2011 "Country Song" 2011 Won[23]
Canadian Hot 100 Active Rock Song of 2011 "Country Song" 2011 Won[23]
Mediabase No. 1 Song of The Year (in terms of airplay) "Country Song" 2011 Won[62]
Metals Edge Best Song In a Movie Soundtrack "Broken" 2004 Won
Revolver Golden Gods Awards Best Live Band Seether 2012 Won[63]
Radio Contraband Indie Artist of the Year Seether 2012 Won

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Seether is a South African rock band formed in in 1999, renowned for their and style characterized by melodic hooks, heavy guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics. Originally performing under the name Saron Gas, the band rebranded in 2002 upon signing with U.S. label and relocating to America, where they built a global fanbase through relentless touring and radio airplay. The band's core lineup has long featured frontman on lead vocals and rhythm guitar since its inception, bassist Dale Stewart who joined in early 2000, and drummer John Humphrey who became a permanent member in 2007. Over the years, Seether has navigated lineup changes, including various guitarists and drummers in their early days, but has maintained a consistent sound influenced by pioneers while evolving toward more polished production in later works. Their debut major-label album, (2002), marked their breakthrough with the single "Fine Again," establishing them in the scene. Seether has released nine studio albums to date, including notable efforts like Karma and Effect (2005), which featured the hit "Remedy"; Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces (2007) with the Amy Lee collaboration "Broken"; and Isolate and Medicate (2014), produced by Brendan O'Brien and peaking at number 4 on the Billboard 200. Their most recent album, The Surface Seems So Far (2024), continues their tradition of blending aggression with vulnerability. Commercially, as of 2025, the band has achieved two platinum and two gold albums in the U.S., over 4.5 million records sold worldwide, and more than 20 top-10 hits on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, including the multi-platinum single "Fake It" and the platinum single "Words as Weapons." A live DVD, One Cold Night (2006), has sold over 500,000 copies, underscoring their enduring live appeal.

History

Formation and name change (1999–2002)

Seether was founded in May 1999 in , , , initially under the name Saron Gas, by vocalist and guitarist , along with early members including lead guitarist Johan Greyling, bassist Tyronne Morris, and drummer David "Dave" Cohoe. Bassist Dale Stewart joined the group in early 2000, solidifying the core lineup that would contribute to the band's early development in the local rock scene. The band quickly gained traction in South Africa, signing with Johannesburg-based Musketeer Records in September 2000 and releasing their debut album, Fragile, later that year in October or November. Produced by Brian O’Shea, Fragile featured singles such as "69 Tea," which reached No. 2 on the chart, and "Empty," helping to establish Saron Gas as one of the country's emerging rock acts. The album earned a nomination for Best Rock Album at the 2001 (SAMA), recognizing its impact on the domestic music landscape. As Saron Gas sought international opportunities, they signed an exclusive seven-album deal with U.S. label in late 2001, prompting a relocation to in early 2002. This period also marked significant lineup shifts, with Cohoe departing due to family commitments and Morris and Greyling leaving around the same time, though Stewart and Morgan remained central. In early 2002, the band rebranded as Seether to facilitate their global debut, driven by legal concerns over an existing U.S. for "Saron Gas" and to avoid associations with gas—a lethal linked to and a 1995 terrorist attack—which could hinder international marketing, especially in the post-9/11 climate. The new name was inspired by Veruca Salt's 1994 song "Seether," selected after considering other options amid conflicts. Under the Seether moniker, the band entered and began recording their major-label debut, Disclaimer, in early 2002 at NRG Recording Services and Larrabee Studios in , with production and mixing handled by . This album incorporated re-recorded tracks from Fragile alongside new material, setting the stage for their breakthrough in the U.S. market.

Disclaimer and early success (2002–2004)

Seether released their debut major-label album, , on August 20, 2002, through . The record marked the band's transition from their earlier South African incarnation as Saron Gas and introduced their sound to a wider audience. It debuted and peaked at No. 92 on the chart, reflecting solid initial reception in the U.S. market. The album's success was driven by key singles, including "Fine Again," which became a staple on rock radio and topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, earning widespread airplay. Another standout was "Broken," a duet featuring Amy Lee of Evanescence, released in 2004 and included on the album's reissue; the track gained prominence through its placement on the soundtrack for the film The Punisher. These singles helped propel Disclaimer's commercial breakthrough, with the album surpassing 500,000 units shipped by early 2004 and receiving RIAA Gold certification for its strong sales performance. Promotion for included high-profile appearances at 2002, where Seether performed on the second stage alongside acts like and , exposing them to large rock audiences across . The band also undertook early U.S. headlining tours and supported slots to build momentum. Lyrically, the album drew from frontman Shaun Morgan's personal battles with depression, infusing tracks with raw emotional depth that resonated with listeners navigating similar struggles. In 2004, issued Disclaimer II, a re-recorded and expanded version of the original album, featuring remixed tracks, bonus songs like "Broken," and additional content such as music videos in select editions. This re-release capitalized on the band's growing popularity, further solidifying their foothold in the rock scene.

Karma and Effect era (2005–2006)

Karma and Effect, Seether's second major-label studio album, was released on May 24, 2005, through . Produced by Bob Marlette, the record marked a shift toward a more polished sound while retaining the band's raw emotional intensity. It debuted at No. 8 on the chart, selling over 80,000 copies in its first week and signaling the group's rising commercial momentum following their debut . The album produced three singles: "Remedy," "Truth," and "The Gift." "Remedy" became Seether's first No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, holding the top position for eight weeks and earning a gold certification from the RIAA. "Truth" and "The Gift" also achieved notable airplay on rock radio, contributing to the album's thematic exploration of personal turmoil, addiction, and redemption—themes influenced by frontman Shaun Morgan's struggles during his 2003–2005 relationship with Evanescence singer Amy Lee. By the time of recording, the band's lineup had stabilized with the addition of drummer John Humphrey in late 2003, following the departure of previous percussionist Nick Oshiro, providing a solid rhythm section alongside Morgan and bassist Dale Stewart for the sessions. To support the release, Seether embarked on extensive North American and European tours throughout 2005, including headline shows and opening slots for acts like , performing over 100 concerts that year and solidifying their international presence. Karma and Effect was certified gold by the RIAA in August 2005 and later achieved platinum status in December 2020, with U.S. sales exceeding 1 million units, underscoring its enduring popularity in the rock genre.

Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces (2007–2009)

Following the personal challenges faced during the promotion of their previous album, Seether took a brief hiatus in mid-2007 after frontman Shaun Morgan's brother Eugene committed on August 13, 2007, leading to the cancellation of several North American tour dates. This tragedy compounded Morgan's ongoing struggles with and substance issues from the prior year, during which he had entered rehab in July 2006, prompting the band to postpone activities and focus on recovery. The period allowed the band to regroup as a trio—comprising Morgan on vocals and , Dale Stewart, and John Humphrey—after lead guitarist Pat Callahan's departure in 2006. The band channeled these difficulties into their third studio album, , released on October 23, 2007, via . Produced by , the album debuted at No. 19 on the chart, selling over 43,000 copies in its first week and marking Seether's highest chart entry at the time. It featured introspective lyrics addressing loss and resilience, with the lead single "Fake It" becoming a major hit, topping the Mainstream Rock chart for a record-tying 14 weeks and also reaching No. 1 on the chart. The follow-up single, "Rise Above This," released in 2008, was written as a to Morgan's late brother and peaked at No. 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart while raising awareness for . In late 2008, Seether expanded their lineup with the addition of guitarist , formerly of and , who joined for touring and contributed to the band's evolving sound during live performances. This refreshed configuration supported their growing success, including their first major awards: Best Rock Album (English) at the 2008 (SAMA) for Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces, and Best Alternative at the inaugural MTV in November 2008. The album era saw Seether intensify their touring schedule, headlining U.S. and international shows throughout , including a fall North American run with support acts like and Crossfade, and co-headlining dates with in late 2008 and early 2009. In 2009, they opened for on the Dark Horse Tour across from March to April, exposing the band to larger audiences and solidifying their presence in the rock scene.

Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray (2010–2013)

Seether released their fourth studio album, Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray, on May 17, 2011, through Wind-up Records. The album was produced by Brendan O'Brien, renowned for his work with artists such as Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots, marking a departure from the band's previous self-production efforts. It debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 42,000 copies in its first week and representing the band's highest chart position to date. The production emphasized experimental elements, including layered instrumentation and dynamic shifts, while the band leaned into heavier, more aggressive guitar riffs compared to the melodic introspection of their prior release Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces. The album spawned several singles, including "Country Song," released on March 8, 2011, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and "Nobody Praying for Me," issued in 2012 and reaching number six on the same chart. "Country Song" showcased a raw, stripped-back arrangement with post-grunge intensity, reflecting themes of emotional detachment. A key highlight was the inclusion of a re-recorded version of "Broken," originally from 2004, featuring a collaboration with Evanescence vocalist Amy Lee, who had previously contributed to the track during the Disclaimer II era; this version underscored the band's ongoing ties to that earlier partnership. In August 2011, guitarist departed the band to join , prompting Seether to enlist temporary replacements such as Dan Sanders for live performances during the album's promotional cycle. The group undertook extensive touring to support the release, including headlining slots across the on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival in 2011 and a European leg in 2012, alongside a significant return to their native for shows in and in August 2012. In 2013, the band issued an acoustic rendition of select tracks from the album as part of the compilation Seether: 2002–2013, offering a more intimate reinterpretation of its heavier material.

Isolate and Medicate (2014–2016)

Seether released their fifth studio album, , on July 1, 2014, through The Bicycle Music Company in association with . The record debuted at No. 4 on the chart, marking the band's highest charting position at the time and selling over 43,000 copies in its first week. By this point, drummer John Humphrey had been a full-time member since joining the band in 2003, contributing to the album's alongside vocalist/guitarist and bassist Dale Stewart; his integration solidified the lineup's stability following earlier touring roles post-2004. The album was produced by Brendan O'Brien, who had previously helmed Seether's 2011 release Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray, with recording taking place at Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood, . O'Brien's involvement emphasized a raw, dynamic sound blending aggression with introspective elements, diverging from the more acoustic leanings of prior work. Lyrically, Isolate and Medicate delved into themes of isolation, struggles, anger, and anxiety, reflecting Morgan's personal experiences with sobriety—achieved after rehab in —and ongoing family issues, including the 2007 suicide of his brother Eugene. The title itself captured Morgan's songwriting process, where he isolated himself to confront these emotions. Promotion included the lead single "Words as Weapons," released on May 1, 2014, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, followed by "Same Damn Life" in September 2014. The band supported the album with a spring 2014 U.S. headlining tour, featuring Black Stone Cherry and Skindred as openers, running from April to June across North America. This period highlighted Seether's evolving focus on emotional vulnerability amid commercial success.

Poison the Parish (2017–2018)

Seether released their sixth studio album, Poison the Parish, on May 12, 2017, through frontman Shaun Morgan's imprint Canine Riot Records in partnership with . The album debuted at No. 5 on the Top Rock Albums chart and No. 1 on the Albums chart, marking the band's third leader on the latter tally. Recorded at Blackbird Studio in , Poison the Parish represented a shift toward a heavier, more aggressive sound compared to the electronic-tinged experimentation hinted at on the previous album , while incorporating subtle industrial edges in tracks like the opener "Stoke the Fire" for a denser, brooding atmosphere. Morgan handled production duties for the first time, emphasizing raw emotional intensity and self-assured structures amid challenges of transitioning to independent label operations. The album's lead single, "Let You Down," was released in March 2017 and topped the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for three weeks, becoming Seether's seventh No. 1 on the ranking. Follow-up single "Betray and Degrade," issued in August 2017, peaked at No. 2 on the same chart, showcasing the band's melodic grooves paired with gritty riffs. Lyrically, Poison the Parish delved into themes of betrayal and , with Morgan drawing from personal frustrations and societal disillusionment—exemplified in the title track's for corrupting communal trust and songs like "Betray and Degrade," which critique interpersonal deceit and broader cultural toxicity. To promote the album, Seether embarked on the Poison the Parish World Tour starting in April 2017, including a summer U.S. leg with support from acts like and festival appearances, followed by a fall run featuring Bush and . The tour highlighted the band's live ferocity, blending new material with staples amid lineup stability. Guitarist , who joined as a touring member in late 2017 and became full-time for the album's sessions, continued as a core member.

Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum and recent developments (2019–present)

Seether released their seventh studio album, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, on August 28, 2020, through Fantasy Records, a division of Concord. The album debuted at No. 37 on the Billboard 200 chart and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart, marking the band's continued presence in the rock genre amid shifting industry dynamics. It featured a raw blend of aggression and introspection, with lead single "Dangerous" topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in October 2020, becoming Seether's seventh No. 1 on that airplay tally. The follow-up single, "Bruised and Bloodied," released in July 2020, explored themes of self-deprecation and rage through a groovy, pop-infused hard rock structure, further showcasing the album's emotional depth. The global significantly disrupted Seether's promotional plans, canceling live tours shortly after the album's release and forcing the band to pivot to virtual formats. In response, they hosted their first full-production, multi-camera livestream concert, Locked & Live, on August 29, 2020, during restrictions, allowing fans worldwide to experience the new material in a simulated live setting. This adaptation highlighted the band's resilience in maintaining fan engagement despite venue closures and travel bans that halted traditional touring for much of 2020 and into 2021. Guitarist , who had been contributing to Seether since 2018, solidified his role as a core member during this period, contributing to both recording and virtual performances. By 2022, Lowery's involvement extended to production elements on subsequent projects, reinforcing the band's stable lineup amid external challenges. In 2024, Seether returned with their eighth studio , The Surface Seems So Far, released on September 20 via , emphasizing themes of , melancholy, and personal reflection drawn from the pandemic era. The 's , "Judas Mind," debuted in July 2024 and held the No. 1 spot on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for multiple weeks, underscoring Seether's enduring radio dominance. Follow-up "Illusion," released August 23, 2024, added atmospheric layers to the record's aggressive sound, while later singles like "Walls Come Down" in continued to explore emotional turmoil. Throughout these works, frontman has openly addressed struggles and emotion regulation, framing the as a tool for resilience and self-examination. Building on this momentum, Seether announced a co-headlining tour with Daughtry in 2025, featuring support from P.O.D. and Kami Kehoe, commencing October 1, 2025, at The Dome at Virginia Beach in Virginia. The 24-city run, produced by Live Nation, spans North American venues and focuses on delivering high-energy performances of recent and classic material, signaling the band's ongoing commitment to live resilience post-pandemic. As of November 2025, the tour is underway, and the band released a new single, "Lost All Control" (featuring Shaun Morgan and Corey Lowery), on November 12.

Music

Musical style

Seether's music is primarily rooted in , , and , incorporating elements of and that define their aggressive yet accessible sound. The band's style features heavy, riff-driven guitars creating a "wall-of-guitar" attack, paired with Shaun Morgan's intense, versatile vocals that shift from raw aggression to melodic delivery. Songs often build through soft, introspective verses that explode into powerful, anthemic choruses and bridges, blending emotional vulnerability with high-energy rock structures. Lyrically, Seether explores themes of personal anguish, depression, strained relationships, and broader social issues, drawing heavily from autobiographical experiences. Morgan's words frequently delve into struggles, as seen in tracks addressing and resilience, inspired by real-life events like his brother's battle with depression. This introspective approach conveys raw and self-reflection, often framing pain as a catalyst for without resorting to overt resolution. Over their career, Seether's sound has evolved from the raw, grunge-infused post-grunge of their debut Disclaimer (2002), characterized by unpolished emotional intensity and heavy riffs, to more refined alternative metal explorations in mid-period albums. By Poison the Parish (2017), they returned to a heavier, ballistic energy reminiscent of their early work, emphasizing hard rock aggression over experimentation. Recent releases like Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum (2020) and The Surface Seems So Far (2024) incorporate subtle industrial edges and maintain anthemic post-grunge with Nirvana-inspired raw guitars, balancing melody and cathartic release while staying true to their core heaviness. Seether's style aligns them with contemporaries in the post-grunge and scenes, such as and , sharing melodic hooks, emotional depth, and radio-friendly dynamics that prioritize personal storytelling amid heavy instrumentation.

Influences

Seether's frontman has frequently cited Nirvana as a primary influence, particularly the raw emotional intensity and grunge edge of their 1991 album , which he described as a pivotal record that shaped his songwriting from a young age. This impact is evident in Seether's aggressive guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, drawing from Kurt Cobain's honest expression that Morgan first encountered as a 12- or 13-year-old in Pretoria, South Africa. Similarly, played a formative role in Morgan's development, with their harmonic vocal layers and exploration of dark, personal themes inspiring his approach to melody and emotional depth. Morgan has recalled covering songs alongside Nirvana tracks during his childhood, highlighting how these bands formed the core of his early musical explorations in . The ' atmospheric heaviness, especially on their 1997 album , also profoundly affected Morgan, influencing Seether's blend of heavy riffs with ethereal elements. Other key inspirations include Rage Against the Machine's politically charged aggression from their 1992 self-titled debut, which added a socially conscious edge to Morgan's writing, and the ' funk-rock fusion on (1991), contributing to Seether's rhythmic versatility. Morgan's South African roots further colored these American alt-rock influences, as he was initially exposed to local artists like and before immersing himself in ; this fusion is apparent in the raw energy of early Saron Gas demos, where regional rock sensibilities merged with international sounds. In interviews, Morgan has emphasized how these childhood experiences in —amid a turbulent socio-political landscape—drove his formative listening and band formation.

Band members

Current members

Shaun Morgan, born December 21, 1978, in , , is the founder of Seether, serving as lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter since the band's formation in 1999. As the creative force behind all of Seether's studio albums, Morgan has shaped the band's sound through introspective lyrics addressing personal struggles, , and relationships, with notable contributions including the composition of hits like "Remedy" and "Broken." His role extends to production on several records, ensuring continuity in the band's evolution from their debut to recent releases like The Surface Seems So Far (2024). Dale Stewart, born in 1979 in , , joined Seether as co-founder and bassist in 2000, providing backing vocals and occasional songwriting contributions. Since relocating to the with the band in 2002, Stewart has anchored the rhythm section across every album, including co-writing tracks on (2005) and (2020), while his steady bass lines have supported the band's live performances for over two decades. His long-term collaboration with Morgan has fostered the band's signature blend of melody and aggression. John Humphrey, born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, joined Seether on drums in 2003, bringing stability to the lineup following early personnel changes. A veteran of rock bands including , Humphrey's powerful and precise drumming has propelled the band's sound on albums from onward, contributing to the dynamic energy of tracks like those on Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray (2011) and enhancing live tours with his jazz-influenced versatility. His tenure has been marked by consistent performances, helping Seether maintain a robust stage presence through 2025. Corey Lowery, born February 23, 1973, serves as lead guitarist and backing vocalist, having joined Seether as a touring guitarist in 2018 before becoming a full-time member in 2019. Drawing from his experience in bands like Stuck Mojo and Saint Asonia, Lowery's riff-heavy guitar work has infused heavier elements into recent albums, including Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum (2020) and The Surface Seems So Far (2024), where he also assisted with engineering and production. His addition has bolstered the band's live sound, adding technical depth to their post-grunge framework.

Former members

Johan Greyling served as Seether's original lead guitarist in 1999 during the band's formation as Saron Gas. Tyronne Morris was an early bassist for the band in 1999, contributing to initial songwriting efforts including the track "Beer" from the Fragile album. David "Dave" Cohoe performed as the original drummer and provided backing vocals from 1999 to 2002, appearing on the debut album Fragile and supporting early live performances before departing due to family commitments upon the band's relocation to the . Nick Oshiro joined as drummer in late 2002 following the release of , handling live duties through early 2003 until his replacement during the band's touring schedule. Pat Callahan played from 2002 to 2006, providing key contributions to the albums (2004) and (2005), as well as extensive touring support. Troy McLawhorn acted as lead guitarist and backing vocalist from 2008 to 2011, joining for tours and contributing to the band's live performances during the Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray era.

Timeline

Seether's lineup has evolved significantly since its inception as Saron Gas in 1999, with frequent changes primarily in the drummer and guitarist positions, while vocalist and guitarist and bassist Dale Stewart have served as the consistent core members throughout the band's history. The following table outlines key periods of lineup stability, highlighting member tenures and correlating album releases that occurred during those phases.
PeriodCore LineupKey Events and Album Releases
1999–2002 (vocals, guitar); Dale Stewart (bass, from 2000); Dave Cohoe (drums)Formed as Saron Gas in , ; released debut album Fragile (2000); relocated to the in early 2002 and renamed to Seether; Cohoe departed due to family commitments.
2003–2004 (vocals, guitar); Dale Stewart (bass); Nick Oshiro (drums, 2002–2003); Pat Callahan (guitar, from 2002)Drummer transition from Oshiro to John Humphrey in 2003; released (2002) during the shift, featuring Cohoe's drumming contributions.
2004–2007 (vocals, guitar); Dale Stewart (bass); John Humphrey (drums, from 2003); Pat Callahan (guitar)Stable quartet period; released (2004) and (2005); Callahan departed in 2006.
2007–2011 (vocals, guitar); Dale Stewart (bass); John Humphrey (drums); (guitar, 2008–2011)Operated as a trio briefly in 2007 before McLawhorn joined; released (2007); McLawhorn left in 2011 to join .
2011–2018 (vocals, guitar); Dale Stewart (bass); John Humphrey (drums)Returned to trio formation; released Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray (2011), (2014), and Poison the Parish (2017); various touring guitarists, including from 2018.
2018–present (vocals, guitar); Dale Stewart (bass); John Humphrey (drums); (guitar, from 2018)Lowery joined as touring guitarist in 2018 and full-time in 2019; released (2020) and The Surface Seems So Far (2024); lineup stable as of 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

Seether's studio discography consists of nine albums, each achieving varying levels of commercial success on the Billboard 200 chart, with six earning RIAA certifications. The debut album Disclaimer, released on August 20, 2002, via Wind-up Records, peaked at No. 92 on the Billboard 200. It was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2004 for 500,000 units shipped in the United States. Disclaimer II, released on June 15, 2004, via , peaked at No. 53 on the . It was certified by the RIAA in 2014 for exceeding 1,000,000 units. , issued on May 24, 2005, through , debuted at No. 8 on the with first-week sales of 82,000 copies. The album was certified by the RIAA on December 13, 2005, for exceeding 1,000,000 units. Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces, released October 23, 2007, on , entered the at No. 9, selling 57,000 copies in its first week. It received certification from the RIAA on February 13, 2009. Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray, the band's fifth studio effort, came out on May 17, 2011, via and marked their highest debut at No. 2 with 61,000 first-week units. The album was certified by the RIAA on August 3, 2011. Isolate and Medicate, released July 1, 2014, through The Bicycle Music Company, peaked at No. 4 on the . It was certified Gold by the RIAA on November 30, 2022, for 500,000 units shipped in the United States. Poison the Parish, issued May 12, 2017, on , debuted at No. 14 on the , moving 16,000 equivalent units in its opening week. Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, the ninth studio album, arrived on August 28, 2020, via and reached No. 37 on the 200. The Surface Seems So Far, released September 20, 2024, on , peaked at No. 138 on the 200.

Singles and other releases

Seether has released numerous singles since their formation, many of which have achieved significant success on rock radio charts, particularly 's Mainstream Rock Airplay and charts. Their breakthrough single "Fine Again," released in 2002 from the album , topped the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and reached number six on the chart, while peaking at number 61 on the Hot 100. Subsequent hits solidified their presence in the rock genre. "Remedy," issued in 2005 from , held the number one position on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for eight weeks and charted at number two on the chart. "Fake It," the lead single from in 2007, dominated the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for a record 14 weeks for the band and peaked at number four on , also reaching number 56 on the Hot 100. More recently, "Dangerous" from in 2020 returned them to number one on Mainstream Rock Airplay for three weeks.
SingleRelease YearMainstream Rock Airplay Peak PeakHot 100 Peak
Fine Again20021661
Remedy20051 (8 weeks)270
Fake It20071 (14 weeks)456
Dangerous20201 (3 weeks)
Seether's other releases include covers and acoustic reinterpretations rather than extensive compilations. Notable covers encompass a 2009 rendition of George Michael's "Careless Whisper," which peaked at number 63 on the Hot 100 and number seven on Mainstream Rock Airplay, and live acoustic versions of originals like "Words as Weapons" featured on compilations such as Seether 2002-2013 (2013). The 2021 compilation Vicennial – 2 Decades of Seether highlights 20 career-spanning tracks, including several #1 hits, but focuses primarily on originals without new covers.

Awards and nominations

Awards

Seether has received several awards recognizing their contributions to rock and alternative music, including from South African, African, and U.S. music institutions. In 2008, the band won the South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Rock: English for their album at the 14th annual ceremony. That same year, Seether claimed the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Alternative Artist at the inaugural event held in , . The band has also earned multiple BDS Spin Awards for radio airplay, including 200,000 Spins for "Fine Again" (2003), 50,000 Spins for "Driven Under" (2003), and 50,000 Spins for "Gasoline" (2005). Additionally, Seether received BMI Pop Awards for songwriting, including for "Fine Again" (2004), "Fake It" (2008), and "Remedy" (2010).

Nominations

Seether has received several nominations from prominent South African music awards, reflecting their impact on the local rock scene despite early international success. These recognitions highlight the band's consistent acknowledgment in categories emphasizing rock and group performance. The band's debut album under the name Saron Gas, Fragile (2000), earned a nomination for Best Rock Album (English) at the 7th Annual South African Music Awards in 2001. Their follow-up international release, Karma and Effect (2005), was nominated in the same category at the 12th South African Music Awards in 2006. In 2008, (2007) secured three nominations at the 14th : Best Duo or Group, and MTN Record of the Year for the single "Fake It." The Best Duo or Group nomination placed Seether alongside acts like and , underscoring their competitive standing in broader categories. At the inaugural in 2008, Seether was nominated for Artist of the Year, competing against international and African contemporaries like and . This nomination emphasized their prominence as a leading African rock export.
YearAwardCategoryWork
2001Best Rock Album (English)Fragile
2006Best Rock Album (English)
2008Best Duo or Group
2008MTN Record of the Year"Fake It"
2008Artist of the YearSeether

References

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