I am happy to say that Seether fans can enjoy what is a solid new entry in the band’s catalog. Their last two albums have seen the band attempt to expand on their usual “post-grunge” formula, and The Surface Seems So Far continues that trend while still retaining enough similarities to their early work that things feel like a natural evolution.
This album has Seether really showing off their musical capabilities, continuing to find what is a great balance between post-grunge and alt metal. Judas Mind, and Dead On the Vile are probably my favorite songs off the album as they highlight the band’s dynamic range and deliver an exciting first listen. On the other side of the spectrum, songs like Beneath The Veil and Paint the World are much more reminiscent of the more straightforward post-grunge that was the band’s earlier work, but the vocals and instrumentals are delivered so strongly that they still stand out on their own. Overall, there is something here for both newcomers and lifetime fans of Seether to enjoy.
While there is much to enjoy, not every track is a winner. Songs like Illusion, Same Mistakes, and Try To Heal follow too closely to that “post-grunge” blueprint, making them feel somewhat unremarkable compared to the stronger tracks. They’re by no means bad, but all I can think about listening to them is, “yeah, that was a Seether song” and that was about the end of it. Unfortunately, those underwhelming tracks prevent me from fully embracing the album as a whole, as I’m more likely that I’ll return to it just for specific songs rather than to listen to it in full.
Also this was a slight issue I had, but it felt like there were times the instrumentals overpowered the vocals, especially at times when Shaun Morgan’s voice was filtered with audio effects. It’s a shame because Shaun’s vocals are on point throughout the entire album and hearing everything clearly together leaves you mesmerized. While it isn’t egregious—there are certainly worse cases of bad mixing—it’s frustrating when I have to replay sections to decipher the lyrics, especially when you take into account that I had this issue in a quiet environment and was focused solely on listening.
Overall, there’s enough here to satisfy both longtime fans and casual listeners. However, I don’t believe it will be regarded as anything more than just a slightly above average addition to Seether’s legacy.
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“Seether’s highly anticipated album, The Surface Seems So Far, is set to release on September 20, 2024. This marks the band’s ninth studio album, showcasing their signature blend of emotional depth and powerful rock sound. The album features tracks like “Judas Mind” and “Illusion,” crafted over an 18-month period, reflecting both personal experiences and the band’s evolution. With its unapologetically aggressive tone, The Surface Seems So Far promises to resonate with fans old and new, solidifying Seether’s place in the rock music landscape. Pre-orders are available now, allowing listeners to dive into this compelling new chapter of Seether’s musical journey.” (Perplexity)
Seether The Surface Seems So Far
