Seether emerged from South Africa in 1999 as one of the countries top rock bands ever. Originally named Saron Gas, the band decided to rename themselves 'Seether', as well as renaming their only album (Fragile), 'Disclaimer'. Though not one of the most popular bands currently, Seether is a hard-rocking quartet that has worked its *** off ever since they began their full-time music career outside if Africa. The three singles off the original Disclaimer were Fine again, Driven Under, and Gasoline, none of which would ever bring them much praise as a band. The song that brought them closer to the mainstreem was Broken feat. Amy Lee, formerly available only on the Punisher soundtrack.
Before we get to the music I feel this MUST be made clear: Disclaimer II is neither their first or second album. Sort of in between. After the unexpected success of Broken, the band decided to remake the original Discalimer by remastering the original twelve songs and adding eight more (meaning the original twelve sound different then they used to). The band has made it quite clear that Disclaimer II is everything they had hoped the original Disclaimer would be (although I'm betting they never planned on it being such an insanely long album). I think I've droned on long enough, so on to the music.
Gasoline - 5/5
This is one of Seether's hardest rocking songs. The lyrics relate primarily with the so-called "beauty queen" that most guys worship, yet they know nothing of her dark side, and in the end, end up becoming the one she targets her hate into after all their efforts. As the band's third single, the song did surprisingly poorly. With heavy distortion and a nice pace, this is one kick *** way to start an album.
69 Tea - 4.5/5
This time the band is in a sense mocking salvation. 69 Tea was the band's biggest success in Africa and is the reason they've become established. With "save me smiling Jesus, get off that cross", a line a which seems to define the entire song, this is the closest thing to anti-Christ Seether has ever gotton. But with a unique distorted guitar intro which soon leads into the powerful chorus, you'll soon get lost in the headbanging.
Fine Again - 5/5
Wow. All I can think to say is wow. This was the song that got me into Seether. As the band's first single ever, it has so far done the best (except for Broken), yet still sadly poor. Fine Again changed my perspective on modern music, as well as many aspects of my life. With a clean guitar intro that echos in a sad sort of way and a chorus that a person drowning in self anguish can easily relate to, this is one of the band's most moving songs.
Needles - 3/5
Sadly, somewhat of a step down from the previous three tracks. It's definitely not one of the most outstanding songs on the album, but it's another song with lyrics that one who feels smothered by others could easily relate to.
Driven Under - 4/5
I once heard someone (not sure who) say that this was a piece of lyrical garbage. How wrong he/she was. The lyrics are moving and deal strongly with one's problems with a loved one. This song did terrible as the band's second single, a fact which pains me every time I mention it. Although musically it is by far the easiest song to play on the album, the sadness it instills hits me everytime I listen.
Pride - 3/5
Similar to Needles (review wise), it's nothing special. The verses are creative, as are the instruments, backed up by a fairly decent chorus. But in the end, I would much prefer to listen to most other tracks on the album.
Sympathetic - 5/5
This song is almost as moving as Fine Again. The song begins with the lyrics, "And my words will be here when I'm gone", which, in a sense, sums up the bands goals as musicians. The chorus and bridge get to me every time I hear it, reminding me why Seether is my favorite band. Never EVER skip this track.
Your Bore - 5/5
Major double bass on this song. With a clean intro that sets an eerie mood for the song, much could be expected from Your Bore.
And then it delivers.
With a sort of background solo during the chorus that's eerie yet uplifting, this song is another that stands out on the album.
Fade Away - 1.5/5
Ich. Worst song on the album without a doubt. I like the bass intro, but the entire thing goes downhill after that. I hate to skip tracks on Discalimer II, but in this case I make an exception.
Pig - 3.5/5
Well, a huge sigh of relief after Fade Away. With strange noises (clean guitar or synthesizer?) in the background and short spurts of heavily distorted guitar, the song really starts to pick up after the guitars come in. Never really felt a need to skip this song; it's likable in a heavy rocking sort of way.
F*** It - 5/5
Just what one would hope for from a band like Seether. It's got everything: screeming, fast, heavily distorted guitars, and just large doses of pure rage. Don't let the odd intro fool you. After you hear the distortion on the guitars kick in, you'll get a nice big glimpse of Seether's metal side, and won't be disappointed.
Broken - 4/5
Nice and calm after the heaviness of F*** It. Clean guitars, good singing vocals, and lyrics that any heartbroken, lovesick person could relate to. A good reminder that this band rocks hard, yet has a nice much needed soft side. Keep in mind that this version is MUCH better then the one with Amy Lee (death to Evenessence).
Sold Me - 5/5
Previously available only on the Punisher soundtrack, Sold Me marks the beginning of the newly acquired eight tracks which provide the biggest incentive to go for Disclaimer II instead of the original. A heavy intro and a smooth chorus give the song a powerful, yet beautiful feel.
Cigarettes - 5/5
A completely kick *** song. The official website called Cigarettes a "striaghtahead rocker", which couldn't be more right. It also gives a good glimpse of Seether's talent at soloing (a very simple shred, but sounds great!). Cigarettes has unique guitar riffs and lyrics dealing with the stereotypical popular person that everybody follows, not to mention a solo that could convince a non-musical fan to pick up a guitar.
Love Her - 4/5
One of Seether's oldest songs, Love Her has a Red Hot Chili Peppers-esque guitar intro which leads into the lyrics that clearly deal with a woman who had sunk into prostitution. Not a bad song, but better ones lie up ahead.
Take Me Away - 4.5/5
These guys sure know how to do it acoustic style. Another demonstration of some of Seether's better lyrics are here, and the acoustic guitar adds to the feel of beauty in the music. The lyrics "I want you to stay, you take the pain away, I need you here to keep me sane" have stuck with me ever since I first heard them.
Got It Made - 3.5/5
Singer/songwriter Shaun Morgan was extremely inspired by Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, and the guitar intro intro shows it. The intro is reminiscent on Come As You Are, while the chorus is somewhat similar to Driven Under. Altogether, not a bad song.
Out of My Way - 3.5/5
Previously available only on the Freddy vs. Jason soundtrack, a song as heavy as this would seem to belong with a movie as horrific as F vs. J (or at least I think it's horrific; I've never seen it). In the beginning, it almost sounds as though Shaun has something wrong with his voice, but it kind of picks up later on.
Hang On - 5/5
Previously only available on the Daredevil soundtrack, this is another song that had a profound impact on me when I first heard it. The lyrics are beautiful, relating the the classic feeling of emptiness within one's self. This track is definitely motivation to go for D2 over the original.
Broken feat. Amy Lee - 0.000000000001/5
PLAYED TO DEATH. This has been the only song (band's fourth single) even remotely close to a success, which I find strangley disappointing. I hate Evenessence and really dislike Amy Lee, and can't stand the role she plays in the song. If you're trying to look into Seether's music, avoid this song like a f***ing plague.
So there you have it. Seether definitley took it up a notch from the original Disclaimer. The remastering of the original songs was quite an improvement, and most of the new eight tracks are awesome. A definite must-have for anyone who
remotely likes rock music. Easily a perfect score (in my opinion, at least).
Recommended songs:
Of the original:
Gasoline
Fine Again
Your Bore
Sympathetic
Of the new eight:
Cigarettes
Hang On
Rating - 2.5/5
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