Judas Mind

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"Judas Mind"
Single by Seether
from the album The Surface Seems So Far
ReleasedJuly 19, 2024 (2024-07-19)
Recorded2023–2024
Genre
Length4:34
LabelFantasy Records
Songwriters
Producers
Seether singles chronology
"Wasteland"
(2020) 		"Judas Mind"
(2024) 		"Illusion"
(2024)
Music video
"Judas Mind" on YouTube

"Judas Mind" is a song by South African rock band Seether, released on July 19, 2024, as the lead single from the band’s ninth studio album, The Surface Seems So Far.[1] The track reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, giving the band their tenth career No. 1 song on that chart since 2005.[2][3]

Background and composition

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The band completed recording for the album in January 2024, with mastering finished in early February. Lead singer Shaun Morgan described the songwriting and production process as "an evolving" one, saying that new material only "presented itself as finished" after extensive drafting and refining. He emphasized the importance of avoiding deadlines, remarking that the pressure to write quickly often results in "stuff for the sake of writing it," whereas "Judas Mind" came together organically.[4]

Musically, the track features a heavy post-grunge and alternative metal sound, with muted, melodic verses and aggressive choruses.[5] The song was produced by Morgan and engineered and mixed by Matt Hyde, whose work contributed to its polished and forceful production style. Mastering was handled by Ted Jensen.[6][7]

Release and promotion

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On July 10, 2024, Seether announced that they would be releasing a new song titled “Judas Mind,” the lead single from The Surface Seems So Far, scheduled for release in September.[8] Morgan described the song as a reflection on how certain people attempt to force outcomes or expectations on others, characterizing it as a response to unwanted influence and pressure.[9]

"Judas Mind" was officially released on July 19, 2024, alongside its music video.[10] Following its release, the band supported the album with an 18-date co-headlining U.S. tour with Skillet, including appearances at the 2024 festivals Louder Than Life and Aftershock.[11][12]

Despite touring earlier in the year, the band chose not to include “Judas Mind” in their live setlists before its release. Morgan explained that this was part of an effort to preserve anticipation for new material, saying:[13]

We live in such a horribly overconnected world that even the smallest things that make life slightly more exciting, even for us, I think it’s cool. Anticipation is a good thing. You used to wait for album releases. Those things don’t exist anymore, so any bit of anticipation we can build is what we intend to do.

Lyrics and theme

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Morgan explained in multiple interviews that the song was written during a period of reflection on how outside forces can shape or distort personal direction. He described it as "a song about reaching an understanding that there are bad actors in our lives who are trying to force an outcome for us that we don’t see as our destiny." [14] He further noted that the song is about “rising up against people who have a vision for you that you don’t share.”[15]

The lyrics confront themes of betrayal, manipulation, and personal autonomy, using the figure of Judas as a symbol of violated trust.[16][17][18][19][20][21]

Critical reception

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"Judas Mind" received generally positive reviews from critics, who viewed it as a strong example of Seether’s established style.[22] Reviewers praised the track’s blend of brooding atmosphere, heavy guitar work, and the dynamic contrast between its restrained verses and forceful chorus.[23] Morgan’s vocal performance drew particular acclaim, with several critics highlighting the intensity of his delivery and the effectiveness of the song’s climactic screamed passages.[24]

Enharmonic Magazine described the single as "blistering, defiant, and driven," noting its distorted guitars and Morgan’s "grungy, fervent vocals."[25] Soundlink Magazine stated that the track delivers the “rhythmic and heavy-footed sound that old fans have come to expect,” calling it an effective introduction to the album’s emotional range.[26] Versatone highlighted the single as one of the album’s strongest moments, remarking that Seether "feel like [they’re] at their best."[27]

AllMusic Magazine praised the song’s dynamic shifts, calling it "a great and exciting listen," and highlighted Morgan’s screamed passages as reaching "levels that would make metal legends proud."[28]

My Global Mind described "Judas Mind" as a blend of elements reminiscent of Deftones and modern Alice in Chains and called it "an excellent choice to kick things off," noting its early Top 10 chart performance.[29] Everblack Media characterized the track as "classic Seether goodness," praising its gritty sound and effectiveness as both album opener and lead single.[30]

Rocked.net highlighted "Judas Mind" as one of the standout tracks on the album, praising its dynamic range and balance between post-grunge roots and heavier alternative metal elements.[31]

Blabbermouth.net noted that the song demonstrates the band’s emphasis on dynamic contrast, beginning with softer guitar passages before building into a “slow-burning rocker,” praising Morgan’s lyricism and the track’s placement as the album opener.[32]

Some critics offered more reserved reactions, stating that the chorus was not as immediately catchy as earlier Seether singles or that the song remained stylistically “standard” for the band. Despite these critiques, most reviewers described “Judas Mind” as well executed, thematically resonant, and an effective lead single that set the tone for the album.[33]

Charts

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Chart performance for "Judas Mind"
Chart (2024) Peak position
US Rock & Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[34] 8
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[35] 1
US Hot Hard Rock Songs (Billboard)[36] 9

Music video

[edit]

The official music video for "Judas Mind" premiered on August 14, 2024. It was directed by David Brodsky of My Good Eye Music Visuals and produced by Allison Woest.[37] The video uses dark, atmospheric imagery that reflects the song’s themes of pressure and inner conflict.[38][39]

Personnel

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Credits adapted from Apple Music.[40]

  • Shaun Morgan – lead vocals, guitar, songwriter, producer
  • Dale Stewart – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • John Humphrey – drums, percussion
  • Corey Lowery – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Production

[edit]
  • Shaun Morgan – producer
  • Matt Hyde – co-producer, mixing engineer, recording engineer
  • Ted Jensen – mastering engineer
  • Corey Lowery – additional engineer

References

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  1. ^ Schaffner, Lauryn. "Seether Drop Defiant New Song 'Judas Mind,' Announce Ninth Album". Loudwire. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  2. ^ Rutherford, Kevin. "Seether Scores 10th Mainstream Rock Airplay No. 1 With 'Judas Mind'". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  3. ^ McIntyre, Hugh. "Seether's New No. 1 Marks A Huge Milestone For The Band". Forbes. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  4. ^ Armstrong, Chuck. "Interview: Seether's Shaun Morgan Reflects on Fatherhood + How It's Changed Him as an Artist". Loudwire. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  5. ^ "Seether Announces Ninth Studio Album – The Surface Seems So Far – Releases Blistering New Single 'Judas Mind'". May The Rock Be With You. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  6. ^ DeWald, Mike. "ALBUM REVIEW: Seether stays reliably hard on 'The Surface Seems So Far'". Riff Magazine. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  7. ^ "SEETHER Announces New Studio Album "The Surface Seems So Far", Releases New Single "Judas Mind"". Brave Words. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  8. ^ "SEETHER Announces 'The Surface Seems So Far' Album, Shares New Single 'Judas Mind'". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  9. ^ White, Logan. "Seether announce new album + share new single "Judas Mind"". Substream Magazine. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  10. ^ "AllMusic: Seether – Judas Mind (Single)". AllMusic. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  11. ^ "Watch: SEETHER Performs New Single 'Judas Mind' At SiriusXM Studios". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  12. ^ "Seether announces spring tour supporting 'The Surface Seems So Far' album". 98KUPD. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  13. ^ Graff, Gary. "Seether Confronts Self-Doubt and 'Genuine Anguish' on New Album 'The Surface Seems So Far'". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  14. ^ Macmillan, Paul. "Seether Shares a New Single and Lyric Video for 'Judas Mind' – New Album Coming Soon". Ghost Cult Magazine. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  15. ^ Nattress, Katrina. "Seether Unleash New Era With Triumphant Single And Album Announcement". iHeart. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  16. ^ AMNPLIFY. "SEETHER New Studio Album 'The Surface Seems So Far' Out Now". AMNPLIFY. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  17. ^ Weaver, James. "Seether announce new album 'The Surface Seems So Far'". Distorted Sound. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  18. ^ Metzler, Sean. "Seether Announces Ninth Studio Album 'The Surface Seems So Far' and Releases New Single 'Judas Mind'". Rock View Live. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  19. ^ "Album Review: Seether – The Surface Seems So Far". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  20. ^ "Judas Mind by Seether – Songfacts". Songfacts. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  21. ^ Iahn, Buddy. "Seether releases 'Judas Mind' video". The Music Universe. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  22. ^ La Torre, Michael. "Album Review: Seether – 'The Surface Seems So Far'". Alt Revue. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  23. ^ Jones, Patricia. "Seether – 'The Surface Seems So Far' (Album Review)". Cryptic Rock. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  24. ^ Hill, John. "Seether on Daughtry Tour, Deftones Resurgence, 25-Year Legacy and More". Revolver. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  25. ^ Huffman, Mckinley (August 16, 2024). "Review: Seether 'Judas Mind'". Enharmonic Magazine.
  26. ^ Gillis, Jason (September 13, 2024). "Album Review: Seether – 'The Surface Seems So Far'". Soundlink Magazine.
  27. ^ Stephens, Eric (November 6, 2024). "Seether – 'The Surface Seems So Far' Review". Versatone.
  28. ^ Singer, Mike (September 2024). "Seether delivers emotions and power on their latest release, 'The Surface Seems So Far'". AllMusic Magazine.
  29. ^ "Seether – The Surface Seems So Far Review". My Global Mind. September 19, 2024.
  30. ^ Garrahy, JD (September 19, 2024). "Seether – 'The Surface Seems So Far' [Album Review]". Everblack Media.
  31. ^ Buck, Rowan (September 19, 2024). "Seether – 'The Surface Seems So Far'". Rocked.
  32. ^ "Seether – The Surface Seems So Far Review". Blabbermouth. September 2024.
  33. ^ Penfold, Scott. "New Seether Album 'The Surface Seems So Far' Announced, Listen to New Song 'Judas Mind'". Loaded Radio. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  34. ^ "Seether Chart History (Rock & Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  35. ^ "Seether Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  36. ^ "Seether Chart History (Hot Hard Rock Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  37. ^ Milner, Megan. "Seether Releases Official Music Video for U.S. Top 10 Rock Single 'Judas Mind'". Silver Tiger Media. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  38. ^ "Seether Release Official Music Video for Top 10 Rock Single 'Judas Mind'". Brave Words. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  39. ^ "Seether premieres video for "Judas Mind" single". 105.7 The Point. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  40. ^ "Song Credits: Judas Mind — Seether". Apple Music. Retrieved November 25, 2025.