"Betray and Degrade" is a song by South African rock band Seether. It is the second single off of their studio album Poison the Parish. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in December 2017.

"Betray and Degrade"
Single by Seether
from the album Poison the Parish
ReleasedAugust 9, 2017 (2017-08-09)
Recorded2016
GenreHard rock[1]
Length4:04
Songwriter(s)Shaun Morgan
Producer(s)Shaun Morgan
Seether singles chronology
"Let You Down"
(2017)
"Betray and Degrade"
(2017)
"Against the Wall"
(2018)

Background

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The song was released as the second single, after "Let You Down", from the band's seventh studio album, Poison the Parish.[2] The song's music video was released on August 10, 2017.[3] Its music video was noted for its change in direction from usual - while typically serious, the video was described as "comedic" and "carefree".[2] The video features the band - vocalist and guitarist Shaun Morgan, bassist Dale Stewart, touring guitarist Clint Lowery and drummer John Humphrey - performing in a lighthearted manner, with huge grins in peaceful backdrops like forests and beaches.[4] As the song progresses, the scenery darkens, while the band members begin to look menacing, covered in dirt and blood,[4] and zombie-fied. Also, the band smashed their instruments.[5][6]

Themes and composition

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The song was self-produced by Morgan.[7] The song uses quiet-loud dynamics, going from "bouncy" vibes to heavier, more aggressive tones.[4]

Reception

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The song was generally well received by critics.[8][9] Loudwire named the song the 23rd best hard rock song of 2017.[1]

Personnel

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Charts

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Chart (2017) Peak
position
Czech Republic Rock (IFPI)[10] 3
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[11] 16
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[12] 29

References

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  1. ^ a b "25 Best Hard Rock Songs of 2017".
  2. ^ a b "VIDEO: Seether – Betray And Degrade | DEAD PRESS! | Alternative music news, reviews, interviews and more!". www.deadpress.co.uk. August 15, 2017.
  3. ^ "Video Premiere: SEETHER's 'Betray And Degrade'". www.blabbermouth.net. August 10, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c "Seether Don Sinister Smiles for 'Betray and Degrade' Video".
  5. ^ "Watch now: Seether puts on a happy face in "Betray and Degrade" video | News | 103.7 the KRRO". krro.com. August 11, 2017.
  6. ^ "Seether Drop Weird Video For "Betray and Degrade"". wrat.com. August 10, 2017.
  7. ^ "Seether Release 'Betray and Degrade' Music Video ::Seether News ::antiMusic.com". www.antimusic.com. August 15, 2017.
  8. ^ "Poison the Parish - Seether - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  9. ^ "Seether Drop Weird Video For "Betray and Degrade"". wmmr.com. August 10, 2017.
  10. ^ "CZ - Radio - Top 20 Modern Rock" (select "Top 20 Modern Rock" into the search box, then select "201814"). hitparada.ifpicr.cz. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  11. ^ "Seether Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  12. ^ "Seether Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 December 2017.