Judas Mind


"Judas Mind" is a song by the 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. 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.

Background and composition

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.
Musically, the track features a heavy post-grunge and alternative metal sound, with muted, melodic verses and aggressive choruses. 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.

Release and promotion

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. 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.
"Judas Mind" was officially released on July 19, 2024, alongside its music video. 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.
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:
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

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." He further noted that the song is about “rising up against people who have a vision for you that you don’t share.”
The lyrics confront themes of betrayal, manipulation, and personal autonomy, using the figure of Judas as a symbol of violated trust.

Critical reception

"Judas Mind" received generally positive reviews from critics, who viewed it as a strong example of Seether’s established style. Reviewers praised the track’s blend of brooding atmosphere, heavy guitar work, and the dynamic contrast between its restrained verses and forceful chorus. 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.
Enharmonic Magazine described the single as "blistering, defiant, and driven," noting its distorted guitars and Morgan’s "grungy, fervent vocals." 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. Versatone highlighted the single as one of the album’s strongest moments, remarking that Seether "feel like at their best."
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."
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. Everblack Media characterized the track as "classic Seether goodness," praising its gritty sound and effectiveness as both album opener and lead single.
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.
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.
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.

Music video

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. The video uses dark, atmospheric imagery that reflects the song’s themes of pressure and inner conflict.

Personnel

Credits adapted from Apple Music.

Production