“The Reticent sheds light on mental health in new video for ‘The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)'”
Progressive metal band The Reticent has recently released a lyric video for their latest single, “The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)”, featured on their upcoming fifth studio album, “please”. Set for release on 13th November 2025 through Generation Prog Records, this album delves into the tumultuous realm of mental illness, providing a raw and emotional perspective.
The track “The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)” shines a spotlight on the dismissive attitude often adopted towards mental health issues, encapsulating phrases like “just get over it” and “it’s all in your head.” Taking a unique approach, the song incorporates groove-oriented rhythms, major chords, and even introduces elements like the oud and hand percussion to mirror this detached stance from the world.
“please” is not just another album for The Reticent; it serves as a form of catharsis and survival for band founder Chris Hathcock. The entire album was crafted within a span of six months and recorded under intense conditions. While the drum recordings were completed in a single day, the guitar, bass, and keyboard sessions took only two days. However, it was during the vocal recordings that Hathcock faced his biggest challenge, injuring his larynx severely, which led to six weeks of mandated silence.
The labor and physical toll continued throughout the production process, with Hathcock sustaining injuries while filming the music video for the album’s earlier single. Despite breaking two toes, spraining three others, and partially tearing his rotator cuff, Hathcock remarkably performed at the ProgStorm Festival in Montreal just a week later.
Distinguished for engineering most of the album at his Silent Muse Studio, Hathcock worked alongside long-time producer Jamie King. The lyrical content of the album is influenced by renowned clinical psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison, with her voice even making its way into the track “Discharge”.
Looking ahead, The Reticent, spearheaded by Grammy-nominated music educator Chris Hathcock, is gearing up for several notable festival appearances in 2026. The celebrated prog act is scheduled to hit the stage at ProgPower USA in September 2026, followed by ProgPower Europe in October.
With a tracklist including compelling songs like “Intake”, “The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake)”, and “The Night River (Those Who Can’t Rest)”, “please” promises to be a poignant and evocative exploration of mental health struggles, offering listeners a poignant and resonating experience.