The Reticent releases lyric video for “The Scorn”
Progressive metal group The Reticent has released a lyric video for their song “The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)” from their upcoming album titled “please.” The band is known for their emotionally intense concept albums that delve deep into the struggles of mental illness.
The track “The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)” captures the dismissive attitude towards mental health issues by echoing phrases like “just get over it” or “it’s all in your head.” Musically, the song features groove-oriented rhythms and major chords that reflect the detached perspective of those who fail to comprehend mental health struggles. The use of exotic instruments such as the oud and hand percussion sets this track apart from the rest of the album.
“please” is not just an album but a reflection of survival mechanisms. It was written within six months and recorded under strenuous conditions. The process of recording drums for “please” and its sequel took only a day, while guitars, bass, and keys were completed in two days. However, recording vocals took two weeks, during which founder Chris Hathcock sustained a severe injury to his larynx, leading to six weeks of enforced silence and non-verbal communication to allow time for recovery.
The challenges did not end there, as Hathcock broke two toes, sprained three others, and partially tore his rotator cuff while filming the video for “The Concealment.” Despite these injuries, he persevered and performed at the ProgStorm Festival in Montreal just days later, enduring intense pain throughout the performance.
“please” marks the first album by The Reticent to be largely engineered by Chris Hathcock himself. While drums were recorded with longtime producer Jamie King, all other elements were captured at Hathcock’s Silent Muse Studio. The album was mixed and mastered by King, adding a unique polish to the final product. The self-recording process added an additional layer of emotional strain, particularly during the vocal sessions.
Lyrically, the album draws inspiration from clinical psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison, with references to her works on suicide and bipolar disorder. The album also features a return to 6-string guitars, a departure from previous releases, except for “The Bed of Wasps.” The five-year gap between “please” and their previous album reflects the emotional toll and life events that shaped its creation.
The Reticent, led by Grammy-nominated music educator Chris Hathcock, is known for their autobiographical concept albums that blur the lines between metal show and performance art. Their appearance at ProgPower USA was lauded as one of the most poignant in the festival’s history by Metal Injection. After performing at ProgStorm Festival in Montreal, the band is set to make appearances at the 2026 editions of ProgPower USA in September and ProgPower Europe in October, expanding their international presence.