Rough Edge: Disturbed CD Reviews

DISTURBED

"Indestructible" (Reprise.; 2008)

I enjoyed Disturbed's "Indestructible" very much the first time I listened to it from beginning to end. It's a very strong CD, with the band pulling off more magic with the sound and style that have made them so successful to date.

Still, when all was said and done, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed when it ended that first time. Although I enjoyed virtually every track on the CD, there wasn't one that really stood out, unlike "Ten Thousand Fists" from the band's previous CD, "Prayer" on "Believe" or "Down with the Sickness" on the band's first CD.

So I listened again and, although I still didn't find the track I was looking for, I realized that "Indestructible" is still damn good. Feeling darker and more sinister than the band's previous efforts, "Indestructible" once again features the vocals of David Draiman, as well as the fiery staccato guitar and driving sound that Disturbed are known for.

That darker and more sinister sound may be coming from the band's hearts. The album was reportedly written and recorded after a streak of bad luck that had certain bandmembers reeling.

I've been a champion for Disturbed since the band's "Believe," (as you'll see from the reviews below, I somehow missed "The Sickness" first time round) and "Indestructible" does nothing to change that. Still, I hope the band tries to branch out even more next go-round, and give us another album that will kick us solidly in the our collective asses.

The CD also comes in an impressive Deluxe Edition that contains luxury packaging, a

Disturbed: David Draiman - vocals; Dan Donegan - guitars, keyboards; John Moyer - bass; Mike Wengren - drums.

For more information, check out http://www.disturbed1.com.

"Ten Thousand Fists" (Warner Bros.; 2005)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Disturbed returns with this studio record that takes the band's unique metal sound and combines it with angry, politically charged lyrics, outstanding production and a band whose talent continues to amaze.

"Ten Thousand Fists" starts out with the title track, a powerful rock anthem that will have live audiences pumping more than ten thousand fists in the air during its performance. From there, the album never loses steam, delivering solid rocker after solid rocker, the music blasting vibrantly from beginning to end with barely a break.

Standouts include the aforementioned title track, the rolling power of "Guarded" and the cover version of Genesis' "Land of Confusion," given an additional political punch here. Speaking of politics, the outraged lyrics of "Deify," a scathing condemnation of President George W. Bush, are amped up with staccato guitar riffs that will make your hair stand up on end. The genuine indignation here is almost palpable. And, unlike the previous CD, "Ten Thousand Fists" doesn't end with a whimper but rather a bang. "Avarice" is perhaps the CD's most aggressive track and will have fans of the band's earliest work pumping their fists and banging their heads in appreciation.

Once again, things get a little soft in the middle (especially with the token ballad, "Overburdened"), but not to the degree that "Believe" did before it. Then again, even the weaker tunes on "Ten Thousand Fists" are strong enough to firmly hold your attention. In most cases, just the incredible vocal stylings of David Draiman are enough. Draiman is the Ian Gillan of his era and that's no faint praise.

With "Ten Thousand Fists," Disturbed continue to be one of the most exciting metal bands in the business.

Disturbed: David Draiman - vocals; Dan Donegan - guitars, keyboards; Mike Wengren - drums.

For more information, check out http://www.disturbed1.com.

"Believe" (Reprise; 2002)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

I made the mistake of dismissing Disturbed on their first past through. No reason, really. I just didn't find the time to explore their sound. Based on the success of the band's first CD and their subsequent tour, I decided not to ignore them on this, their second release. I was glad I didn't.

"Believe" is the kind of record that gives you hope for the future of metal. It's a completely unique sounding CD with outstanding production value, awesome musical performances and a vocalist who combines the screaming vocals that permeate today's rock with real singing. Speaking of that combination, it's what makes Disturbed great. Neither ignoring nor depending on the classic metal sound, Disturbed morphs classic with modern into a one-of-a-kind sonic experience.

There are only a couple of reasons this CD didn't rate a 4-chainsaw rating (our highest): 1) The CD starts off with its strongest track, "Prayer," and - try as it might - it never matches the power of this particular song. "Prayer" will have you singing along and pumping your fist and wanting to hear it again as soon as it's over. Instead, you've got to wait through 11 additional songs, all pretty good, but none as good as "Prayer." 2) The CD does seem to lose a little steam as it heads toward the end. Again, it seems like all the best songs are loaded up front, with the slower and weaker songs near the end. Of course, in this case, "slower and weaker" are still damned good.

"Believe" is a more mature and precise recording than its predecessor, "The Sickness." I think Disturbed is at the front of the new metal movement, and I can't think of a better band to be there.

Also available is a Limited Edition version of this CD which includes a "bound book" case for the CD, a real metal cover icon, and a DVD featuring the band's controversial video (there is NO reason it should be controversial) and behind-the-scenes footage.

Disturbed: David Draiman - vocals; Dan Donegan - guitars, keyboards; Mike Wengren - drums; Fuzz - bass.

For more information, check out http://www.disturbed1.com.

"The Sickness" (Giant; 2000)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Once you've listened to "The Sickness" you know that you have tapped into a band that will blow you away. The driving guitar will have you cranking the volume higher and higher. The relentless, powerful guitar and bass, plus the vocals of David Draiman, will have you begging for a hard hat because this band is dropping a 12 song beam of heavy on your head.

There is slow gallop intro until the wrecking ball hits your speakers. No words can prepare you for what is about to happen, I can only tell you to be prepared. The guitar rips with anger; these are some of the best riffs ever to come through my speakers -- it's all headbanging good stuff! A pounding from the bass as well, the aforementioned hard hat is highly recommended.

Bruising guitar, squealing and pulling rhythms, "The Sickness" has just about everything a hard rock fan loves to hear. Screaming vocals from Draiman; he has real power and knows how to make the masses sit up and pay attention.

“Shout 2000” is a Tears For Fears cover song. It's one I used to skip but, when I really listened to it, I slapped myself for passing it up. I wish Tears for Fears would have punched a little heavier on the bag when they recorded this track the first time. Disturbed give it a facelift and it sounds great.

Just when you think it’s all over Disturbed come back and relentlessly tear right through your existence. "The Sickness" is full of anger, resentment and aggressiveness and that's just the music! Disturbed have such a unique sound that if you tried to even come close to copying them you should be forever banned from music. And Draiman's vocal style has no equal.

Are you down with the sickness? If not, you should be.

The best brain mashers here are “Voices,” “The Game,” “Stupify,” “Down With The Sickness” and “Shout 2000.”

Disturbed: David Draiman - vocals; Dan Donegan - guitars, keyboards; Mike Wengren - drums; Fuzz – bass.

For moire information, check out www.disturbed1.com.

"The Sickness" (Giant; 2000)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Disturbed's "The Sickness" is one of the very best recordings I have heard in quite a while. This music appealed to me from the get go and has kept a grasp on me since my first listen. I really liked the way the words and the music combine to make for a "disturbing" listening experience.

As near as I can figure, Disturbed is rock, metal and a pinch of rap combined with power and aggression. Considering that combination, Disturbed should be a surefire hit.

Initially, I received only a five-song EP from the band. Normally, I won't go out and buy a CD based only on a short EP but I was so fucking dazzled by what I heard, I went right out a purchased the full-length CD and it has been my constant companion ever since.

Disturbed's music is alive and full of subtle meanings with some awesome lyrics and downright inspired music.

Check out Disturbed at www.disturbed1.com on the web and see if this band doesn't kick your ass, too. Highly recommended!

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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