Seether's Shaun Morgan checked in with KNOTFEST's own Mosh Talks to discuss the band's eighth full length studio effort, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.
Early in the conversation, Morgan discussed how this release was particularly fulfilling in restoring a bit of normalcy given the current status of the world.
Having finished the recording process in February, Morgan mentioned how rehearsals for the recent band's live streaming Live & Locked event, was the first time he has been able to connect with his bandmates in a half a year.
Morgan would also go on to express his appreciation for artists that have continued to release music during such an uncertain time. The ability to explore something new matter to Morgan and its a mindset that he has embraced in pressing on with the release of this new effort from Seether.
As for the record itself, translated to 'If you want peace, prepare for war,' Morgan goes on to explain that battle is equal parts internal and external. Confiding his own personal emphasis in staying mentally healthy with therapy, the other portion of that equation is obviously circumstantial. Referencing environmental and societal woes, Morgan poignantly says, "It's a battle just to be a regular human being that feels safe and secure." Morgan adds, "its the external influences that make the internal battle more difficult."
Shifting towards the health of the genre, Morgan did not mince his words in expressing how he feels rock music is under appreciated and has become diluted. Comparing the genre to hip hop, Morgan referenced how rock doesn't translate as dangerous.
He cites the heyday of bands like Creed as a turning point that made the genre too friendly, too accessible, and out of step with the counter culture. He also added that the formula-based approach of launching bands that all sound similar ultimately create an environment where the music doesn't resonate as original.
Delving further into the notion of innovation specific to rock, Morgan talked about how difficult that is to tap into. Citing how bands like the Beatles have already written "most of the good songs on the planet," Morgan similarly pay homage to bands like Metallica and Pantera in saying they have written "all the good metal songs."
In referencing such pillars of their respective genres, Morgan aims to emphasize that while originality is an endless and often times impossible pursuit, the copy and paste approach can't nee considered a viable alternative either.
Morgan gets rather specific in detailing how there seems to be two schools of thought pertaining to making rock music in the modern era. There are the bands that stay the course and for better or worse, make an effort to not let what's en vogue alter their sound. The other school of thought seems to indulge what's trendy.
Categorizing bands like Slipknot, Deftones, and has own band Seether as the type to stick to their guns, Morgan references Godsmack as the other end of that spectrum as a band that has made significant changes to their sound in a way, Morgan feels, doesn't align with what people have come to know as Godsmack.
The crux of the conversation seemed to focus on the idea of risk versus reward as it pertains to experimentation and how straying too far in the name of experimenting can translate more like compromising. Qualifying that statement, Morgan expressed his admiration for Godsmack, with a a very clear expiation for frontman Sully Erna.
Seether's last album Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum isnow available on CD, vinyl and digital formats HERE. Watch the LOADED interview with Shaun Morgan via Mosh Talks below.
