Why A Chicken?
The Disclaimer reissue (2023) cover left many fans confused as to why a chicken was chosen. The cover and other artwork however has some interesting ties to the band's history.
For the 20th anniversary of Disclaimer, the album was reissued in 2022. The reissue features the original 12 tracks, as well as 13 live songs from a show in New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach Casino in 2003. A Nirvana cover, "Something In The Way" was also included (live, 2002). Despite being the original Disclaimer, the mixes included are rather from Disclaimer II. It's unclear what exactly transpired. However during the reissue listening party, Shaun stated:
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"I believe there may be a mix-up with the mixes at the moment - not sure but I'll take a look at it and see whats up. The Disclaimer 2 mixes were vastly different because the producer went behind our backs and added a bunch of guitar and synth stuff. We only heard the mixes when we bought the first copy in store"
Front Cover: The front cover features a rooster with worn feathers. Its socks and shoes slightly resemble military leggings, worn for ceremonial purposes. On a promotional sticker is a quote from Seether. "We always hated the original cover art".
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"The chicken is closer to an album cover I wanted back in 2002 but I was told no by the label. They chose the 10 cover thing which I thought was a bad idea" - Shaun Morgan
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Front Cover Connection: The artwork was created by Astrid Arkhangelsky. Originally titled "Signs Your Neighbor May Be Spending Too Much Time with his Chickens", the artwork dates back to 2013. She currently sells these prints on Society6. As a side note, feathers represent strength, wisdom, and freedom. Hens may also represent rebirth.
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Inside Artwork: Inside is another picture of a chicken. This artwork was also created by Astrid Arkhangelsky. It was originally titled "The Chicken Man That Came to Dinner Last Night". While the interpretation is left up to the viewer, possible meanings could be Seether is represented as the middle chicken, or the piece is meant to signify the passing of loved ones.
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Back Cover: The back cover showcases 12 creatures (12 songs) wearing masks. This image perhaps has the biggest connection to Seether's history.
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Back Cover: The cover is almost identical to an album by Brad, a grunge band that formed in Seattle, Washington in 1992. Their debut album, Shame, features the same artwork except for minor changes. The figure in the front no longer wears a mask. The artwork was provided by a Seattle music club known as Crocodile Cafe. Kurt Cobain apparently "loved" the pinball machine they had. Nirvana also played at this venue.
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Brad: Similar to Seether, Brad was forced to change their band name. The band originally wanted to go by the name Shame, but the name was already taken by a band featuring musician Brad Wilson. Instead, the band took the name Brad and decided to name their debut album Shame. Seether, originally Saron Gas, decided to change their name to avoid confusion with a deadly nerve agent known as sarin gas. Shame was also mixed by Brendan O'Brien, who produced both Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray, and Isolate and Medicate. Shame was produced by the band itself, and was reissued in 2023.