Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray
Encyclopedia
Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray is the fifth studio album by South African post-grunge
/alternative metal
band Seether
. It was the first Seether album to have Troy McLawhorn
as the lead guitarist. However, he departed from the band just before the album's release, to once again become the rhythm guitarist for the band Evanescence
. It was released on 17 May 2011, and debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200
in the U.S.
, Seether would take the rest of year off to write and record the follow-up to Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces
. After several months of recording music for their upcoming album in Nashville, Tennessee
with producer Brendan O'Brien
, Seether began touring again in April 2010 with the intention of going back into the studio "in the first week of June", in order to complete the new record. The new album title was announced as "Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray."
On 17 December 2010, the band members confirmed the title in an interview in advance of their USO concerts. John Humphrey
stated in the interview that the title is "actually a lyric from an important song on the album", the song being "Here and Now".
During an interview with Planet 1051 radio in Louisiana, former guitarist Troy McLawhorn and drummer John Humphrey confirmed the band would be releasing a new album titled Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray in May. It was also during this interview that they announced the first single, which was titled "Country Song".
On 16 February 2011 the band posted a video announcing the dates of the first single and album release. On 4 March 2011, it was reported via Twitter that the album's release date was moved up a week, to 17 May 2011.
On 7 March 2011, in an interview with radio station 103.3, Lazer Shaun stated that he was writing a song for a potential movie soundtrack, and that it was sent into the label the previous week. Also, they will be recording it with Brendan O'Brien in Nashville, TN and that it could possibly be included in the album.
On 16 March 2011, Shaun announced via Twitter that they were heading back into the studio to record one last track for the album. "Band update for ya'll... heading to Nashville tomorrow to record one last track for HOSBLTF. We like to keep things last minute and fresh!" About the song, Shaun said: "It's a heavy little ditty, kinda like the stuff we did in the Disclaimer and Karma days. Should be a fun one. We'll keep you updated." Shortly after this, "Fur Cue" was added to the tracklist on the band website.
The album cover was designed by artist Mark Kostabi
, who is also known for designing the covers for Guns N' Roses
' Use Your Illusion I
and II
.
's screams are rarely found on the new album, and his lyrics reflect different subject matters. The album is described as being "very strong, melodic, and heavy at times", by the band's drummer, John Humphrey.
On 8 March 2011, Wind-Up Records released the track list and album art on the band website, along with the first single, "Country Song
", on iTunes.
On 28 March 2011, Seether made an appearance on Lopez Tonight
to perform the new single "Country Song
" live.
On 6 April, the song "Roses" became available as a free download for subscribers of the official e-mail newsletter.
On 26 April, the song "Forsaken" became available as a free download for pre-ordering the deluxe version of Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray on iTunes
.
On 13 May, the entire album was officially released for streaming if you were to "tweet" on Twitter
the given message on the website.
The band has been confirmed to play on the main stage for the 2011 Rockstar Uproar Festival along with Avenged Sevenfold
and Three Days Grace
.
, reaching #2. The album also gave Seether their second-best first week sales, with over 61,000 units sold during its first week of release in the U.S.
, also gave the album a positive review, saying in his review that, "This diverse set of melodic hard rock proves to be a solid entry in the band's catalog." In a largely positive review, Brandon Geist, of Revolver Magazine, gave the album 4 stars out of 5, and said, "Held together by Shaun Morgan’s alternately gritty and smooth vocals, Holding onto Strings Better Left to Fray should forever distinguish Seether from all the clichéd radio-rock schlock flooding the airwaves."
", a "making of the video" featurette, and a "The Making of Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray" feature, bringing the release to 16 tracks and two discs (including the bonus DVD).
* "Fur Cue" was recorded after Troy left Seether. The other tracks were already recorded when Troy was in the band.
Post-grunge
Post-grunge is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the mid-1990s as a derivative of grunge, using the sounds and aesthetic of grunge, but with a more commercially acceptable tone...
/alternative metal
Alternative metal
Alternative metal is a genre of alternative rock and heavy metal that gained popularity in the early 1990s. Most notably, alternative metal bands are characterized by heavy guitar riffs and experimental approaches to heavy music.-Origins:...
band Seether
Seether
Seether is a post-grunge/alternative metal band from Pretoria, South Africa, formed in 1999. The band is currently signed to Wind-up Records...
. It was the first Seether album to have Troy McLawhorn
Troy McLawhorn
William Troy McLawhorn is an American musician who is a guitarist of the band Evanescence.-Early carrer:He was formerly of the bands Seether, Dark New Day, doubleDrive and Still Rain. After the demise of his first band, Still Rain, McLawhorn helped form Dark New Day in 1995, although they were...
as the lead guitarist. However, he departed from the band just before the album's release, to once again become the rhythm guitarist for the band Evanescence
Evanescence
Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. After recording private albums, the band released their first full-length album, Fallen, on Wind-up Records in 2003. Fallen sold more than 17 million copies worldwide...
. It was released on 17 May 2011, and debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
in the U.S.
Background and recording
Shaun and Dale confirmed in an interview on 2 March 2009 that, after their tour with NickelbackNickelback
Nickelback is a Canadian rock band from Hanna, Alberta. Since 1995 the band has included guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist and back-up vocalist Ryan Peake and bassist Mike Kroeger.. The band's current drummer and percussionist is Daniel Adair who has been with the band since 2005....
, Seether would take the rest of year off to write and record the follow-up to Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces
Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces
Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces is the fourth studio album by South African post-grunge/alternative metal band Seether. The album was released in South Africa and Switzerland on October 19, 2007, and released worldwide on October 23, 2007....
. After several months of recording music for their upcoming album in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
with producer Brendan O'Brien
Brendan O'Brien (music producer)
Brendan O’Brien is a record producer, mixer, engineer, and musician.At age 14, O'Brien played guitar for the Atlanta-based cover band Pranks. In the late 1970s, he moved on to writing, performing and recording with the Samurai Catfish band...
, Seether began touring again in April 2010 with the intention of going back into the studio "in the first week of June", in order to complete the new record. The new album title was announced as "Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray."
On 17 December 2010, the band members confirmed the title in an interview in advance of their USO concerts. John Humphrey
John Humphrey
John Humphrey may refer to:* John Humphrey , member of the band Seether and former member of The Nixons* John Humphrey * John Humphrey , English footballer...
stated in the interview that the title is "actually a lyric from an important song on the album", the song being "Here and Now".
During an interview with Planet 1051 radio in Louisiana, former guitarist Troy McLawhorn and drummer John Humphrey confirmed the band would be releasing a new album titled Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray in May. It was also during this interview that they announced the first single, which was titled "Country Song".
On 16 February 2011 the band posted a video announcing the dates of the first single and album release. On 4 March 2011, it was reported via Twitter that the album's release date was moved up a week, to 17 May 2011.
On 7 March 2011, in an interview with radio station 103.3, Lazer Shaun stated that he was writing a song for a potential movie soundtrack, and that it was sent into the label the previous week. Also, they will be recording it with Brendan O'Brien in Nashville, TN and that it could possibly be included in the album.
On 16 March 2011, Shaun announced via Twitter that they were heading back into the studio to record one last track for the album. "Band update for ya'll... heading to Nashville tomorrow to record one last track for HOSBLTF. We like to keep things last minute and fresh!" About the song, Shaun said: "It's a heavy little ditty, kinda like the stuff we did in the Disclaimer and Karma days. Should be a fun one. We'll keep you updated." Shortly after this, "Fur Cue" was added to the tracklist on the band website.
The album cover was designed by artist Mark Kostabi
Mark Kostabi
Kalev Mark Kostabi is an American artist and composer.-Early life:Mark Kostabi was born in Los Angeles on November 27, 1960 to Estonian immigrants Kaljo and Rita Kostabi. He was raised in Whittier, California and studied drawing and painting at California State University, Fullerton...
, who is also known for designing the covers for Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band, formed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has released six studio albums, three EPs, and one live album...
' Use Your Illusion I
Use Your Illusion I
Use Your Illusion I is the third studio album by the American rock band Guns N' Roses. It was the first of two albums released in conjunction with the Use Your Illusion Tour, the other being Use Your Illusion II. The two are thus sometimes considered a double album. In fact, in the original vinyl...
and II
Use Your Illusion II
Use Your Illusion II is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Guns N' Roses. It was one of two albums released in conjunction with the Use Your Illusion Tour, and as a result the two albums are sometimes considered a double album...
.
Musical style
The album finds itself being much different than the band's previous release. Shaun MorganShaun Morgan
Shaun Morgan Welgemoed is a South African musician known as the lead singer and the lead/rhythm guitarist of the post-grunge rock/alternative metal band Seether.-Early life:...
's screams are rarely found on the new album, and his lyrics reflect different subject matters. The album is described as being "very strong, melodic, and heavy at times", by the band's drummer, John Humphrey.
Release and promotion
On 4 September 2010, during a live show at the DuQuoin State Fair, Seether debuted "No Resolution".On 8 March 2011, Wind-Up Records released the track list and album art on the band website, along with the first single, "Country Song
Country Song (Seether song)
"Country Song" is a song by South African post-grunge/alternative metal band Seether. It was released on March 8, 2011 as the lead single from their fifth studio album Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray.-Background:...
", on iTunes.
On 28 March 2011, Seether made an appearance on Lopez Tonight
Lopez Tonight
Lopez Tonight was an American late-night television talk show hosted by comedian George Lopez. The hour-long program premiered on November 9, 2009, on cable network TBS. Lopez was the first Mexican American to host a late-night talk show on an English-language network in the United States. The...
to perform the new single "Country Song
Country Song (Seether song)
"Country Song" is a song by South African post-grunge/alternative metal band Seether. It was released on March 8, 2011 as the lead single from their fifth studio album Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray.-Background:...
" live.
On 6 April, the song "Roses" became available as a free download for subscribers of the official e-mail newsletter.
On 26 April, the song "Forsaken" became available as a free download for pre-ordering the deluxe version of Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray on iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
.
On 13 May, the entire album was officially released for streaming if you were to "tweet" on Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
the given message on the website.
The band has been confirmed to play on the main stage for the 2011 Rockstar Uproar Festival along with Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1999, the group consists of vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ....
and Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace is a Canadian rock band, formed in Norwood, Ontario, Canada in 1992, originally under the name Groundswell. After a breakup in late 1997, the band regrouped in the same year under its current name and with a line-up consisting of guitarist and lead vocalist Adam Gontier, drummer...
.
Sales
Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray is Seether's highest-charting album on the U.S. Billboard 200Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, reaching #2. The album also gave Seether their second-best first week sales, with over 61,000 units sold during its first week of release in the U.S.
Reception
Upon its release, Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray has received mostly positive reviews. Steve Losey of Allmusic, gave the album a positive review, saying, " Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray is another journey into the mind of Shaun Morgan: through heartbreak and rebirth he still has a lot to say about betrayal. His stamps as a guitarist, a songwriter, and a lead vocalist are everywhere on this disc, and thankfully, that's what ultimately drives the release home." Chad Grischow of IGNIGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
, also gave the album a positive review, saying in his review that, "This diverse set of melodic hard rock proves to be a solid entry in the band's catalog." In a largely positive review, Brandon Geist, of Revolver Magazine, gave the album 4 stars out of 5, and said, "Held together by Shaun Morgan’s alternately gritty and smooth vocals, Holding onto Strings Better Left to Fray should forever distinguish Seether from all the clichéd radio-rock schlock flooding the airwaves."
Track listing
The physical pressing of the deluxe edition contains the four additional tracks listed above, as well as a bonus DVD featuring the video for "Country SongCountry Song (Seether song)
"Country Song" is a song by South African post-grunge/alternative metal band Seether. It was released on March 8, 2011 as the lead single from their fifth studio album Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray.-Background:...
", a "making of the video" featurette, and a "The Making of Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray" feature, bringing the release to 16 tracks and two discs (including the bonus DVD).
Personnel
- Shaun MorganShaun MorganShaun Morgan Welgemoed is a South African musician known as the lead singer and the lead/rhythm guitarist of the post-grunge rock/alternative metal band Seether.-Early life:...
– lead vocals, rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together... - Dale StewartDale StewartDale William Stewart is a South African musician, best known as the bass guitarist of the post-grunge band Seether.-Seether:Studio albums*Fragile *Disclaimer *Karma and Effect...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocals - John HumphreyJohn HumphreyJohn Humphrey may refer to:* John Humphrey , member of the band Seether and former member of The Nixons* John Humphrey * John Humphrey , English footballer...
– drums - Troy McLawhornTroy McLawhornWilliam Troy McLawhorn is an American musician who is a guitarist of the band Evanescence.-Early carrer:He was formerly of the bands Seether, Dark New Day, doubleDrive and Still Rain. After the demise of his first band, Still Rain, McLawhorn helped form Dark New Day in 1995, although they were...
* – lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure... - Brendan O'BrienBrendan O'Brien (music producer)Brendan O’Brien is a record producer, mixer, engineer, and musician.At age 14, O'Brien played guitar for the Atlanta-based cover band Pranks. In the late 1970s, he moved on to writing, performing and recording with the Samurai Catfish band...
– ProducerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
/Mixer
Chart performance
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
50 |
| Austrian Albums Chart Ö3 Austria Top 40 Ö3 Austria Top 40 is the name of the official Austrian singles chart, as well as the radio show which presents it, aired Fridays on Hitradio Ö3. The show presents the Austrian singles, ringtones and downloads chart. It premiered on 26 November 1968 as Disc Parade and was presented by Ernst Grissemann... |
69 |
| Canadian Albums Chart Canadian Albums Chart The Canadian Albums Chart is the official album sales chart in Canada. It is compiled every Wednesday by U.S.-based music sales tracking company Nielsen Soundscan, and published every Thursday by Jam! Canoe and Billboard, along with its sister charts the Canadian Singles Chart and the Canadian BDS... |
3 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart | 6 |
| Swiss Albums Chart Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... |
21 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
2 |
| US Billboard Alternative Albums | 1 |
| US Billboard Hard Rock Albums | 1 |
| US Billboard Top Rock Albums | 1 |