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Disturbed: Band Overview and History

Disturbed is an American heavy metal/hard rock band formed in Chicago in 1994. They are known for six studio albums that have reached number one on the Billboard charts. Their blend of melodic hard rock and heavy metal influences from bands like Black Sabbath and Metallica helped them find mainstream success. Their seventh studio album Evolution was released in 2018.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
50 views1 page

Disturbed: Band Overview and History

Disturbed is an American heavy metal/hard rock band formed in Chicago in 1994. They are known for six studio albums that have reached number one on the Billboard charts. Their blend of melodic hard rock and heavy metal influences from bands like Black Sabbath and Metallica helped them find mainstream success. Their seventh studio album Evolution was released in 2018.

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arkan
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DISTURBED

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Disturbed is an American hard rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1994. The band includes vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist/keyboardist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike
Wengren. Former band members are vocalist Erich Awalt and bassist Steve Kmak.

The band has released six studio albums, five of which have consecutively debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Disturbed went into hiatus in October 2011, during which the band’s members
focused on various side projects, and returned in June 2015, releasing their first album in four years, Immortalized, on August 21, 2015. They also recorded and released one live album, Disturbed: Live at
Red Rocks on November 18, 2016, which was recorded on August 18, 2016 at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado, located about 10 miles west of Denver, Colorado. Their seventh studio
album, Evolution, was released on October 19, 2018.

Before David Draiman joined Disturbed, guitarist Dan Donegan, drummer Mike Wengren, and bassist Steve “Fuzz” Kmak were in a band called Brawl with vocalist Erich Awalt. Before changing their
name to “Brawl”, however, Donegan mentioned in the band’s DVD, Decade of Disturbed, that the name was originally going to be “Crawl”; they switched it to “Brawl”, due to the name already being used
by another band. Awalt left the band shortly after the recording of a demo tape; the other three members advertised for a singer. They posted an advertisement in the local music publication in Chicago,
Illinois, called the “Illinois Entertainer”. Draiman answered the advertisement after going to twenty other auditions that month. Guitarist Dan Donegan commented on Draiman: “You know, out of all the
singers that we had talked to or auditioned, he was the only singer who was ready to go with originals. And that impressed me, just to attempt that”.

With regard to Draiman being the singer for the band, Donegan said, “After a minute or two, he just starts banging out these melodies that were huge…I’m playing my guitar and I’m grinning from ear to
ear, trying not to give it away that I like this guy, you know, because I don’t want to, you know… ‘Yeah, we’ll give you a call back. We’ll, you know, discuss it.’ But I was so psyched. Chill up my spine.
I’m like, ‘There is something here.'” As drummer Mike Wengren commented, “We clicked right off the bat.” Draiman then joined the band in 1996 and the band was renamed Disturbed. When asked in an
interview why he suggested to name the band “Disturbed,” Draiman said, “It had been a name I have been contemplating for a band for years. It just seems to symbolize everything we were feeling at the
time. The level of conformity that people are forced into was disturbing to us and we were just trying to push the envelope and the name just sorta made sense.

Disturbed headlined the 2018 Rock Fest, along with Godsmack and Incubus. The band announced via social media in early January of 2018 that they had entered the studio to begin recording their next
studio album. In June 2018 lead guitarist Dan Donegan and bassist John Moyer confirmed with sources that the new album is complete, with 100% of the songs finished it is on to just mixing and mastering.
Band members also posted a picture via Instagram together at a dinner party in celebration of completion of the recording process. The band’s first album in over 3 years and the band’s first album in over 8
years to have bassist John Moyer being involved in.

The album, Evolution was released on October 19, 2018. On August 16, 2018, the lead single, titled “Are You Ready” was released. On September 21, 2018, the album’s second single, titled “A Reason to
Fight” was released.

Disturbed’s mascot, named “The Guy”, was originally just a drawing of a face with a large grin, as seen on the back of the album The Sickness. The original drawing of The Guy was then edited using a
digital distorting program. After the original image had been distorted three times The Guy became the official mascot for the band. Later, he would be drawn as a full figure by artist David Finch.

Classified as a heavy meta or hard roc band, Disturbed is also regarded by some critics as nu metal and alternative metal. When asked about die-hard heavy metal fans not finding Disturbed heavy enough,
Draiman at one time stated:

“We probably have too much melody going on or we’re not quite as turbulent or caustic. While I really love that type of music, it’s not what we try to do. If we have to place things in context, we’re more
hard rock than heavy metal these days. The secret is that we were never really part of any particular trend, although we definitely benefited from the popularity of what was called nu metal at the time …
We never had the stereotypical attributes that those bands had. We don’t rap; there’s no turntable involved; no fusion in that respect. We play, in my opinion, classic metal. Sabbath, Maiden, Priest,
Metallica, Pantera: these are the bands that made us want to play.”

Allmusic reviewer Bradley Torreano described the album Believe as “taking the sort of jump that their heroes in Soundgarden and Pantera made after their respective breakthrough records”. He also
described the title track as moving “from a brutal chug to a sweeping chorus that suddenly stops in its tracks and turns into a winding riff that recalls the work of vintage James Hetfield”. Believe is also
considered by several critics to be a step away from the nu metal sound featured on The Sickness, moving towards a more hard rock and heavy metal sound that was continued in their following albums.

According to frontman David Draiman on the band home documentary M.O.L., the lyrics that he writes are inspired by actual experiences of his own, and he stated that he likes to present his ideas with
cryptic lyrics. These lyrical themes range from the Judeo-Christian concept of Heaven and Hell, domestic abuse, suicide, insanity, relationships, war, to more fantasy-like themes, such as vampirism,
werewolves and demons.

They have often cited their influences as Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Metallica, Pantera, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Queensryche, Nirvana, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden.

Guitarist Dan Donegan uses guitar tunings Drop C, Drop C# and Drop B (also occasionally Eb), which are lower tunings than regular E standard. These lower tunings allow for a heavier sound and quicker
chord changes in Donegan’s riffs. Donegan also uses subtle electronic effects, which the rest of the band refers to as “The Danny Donegan Orchestra”.

Common questions

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The album 'Believe' marked a shift in Disturbed's musical style, moving away from the nu metal sound of 'The Sickness' towards a more hard rock and heavy metal orientation. Critics recognized this progression, with Allmusic reviewer Bradley Torreano noting that the album took a leap similar to the one made by Soundgarden and Pantera after their own breakthroughs. The title track showcased a dynamic range from brutal chugging riffs to sweeping choruses, drawing comparisons to vintage Metallica. 'Believe' was considered a step toward a more mature and complex sound .

Social media was a key tool for Disturbed during the production and release of 'Evolution.' The band announced their start of recording via social media in early 2018, keeping fans engaged with updates and behind-the-scenes insights. Confirmation of the album's completion and subsequent celebration was shared on platforms like Instagram, building anticipation for its release. This strategic use of social media ensured high visibility and excitement among fans, contributing to a successful album launch .

Disturbed cite influences from bands such as Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Metallica, Pantera, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Queensryche, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden. According to David Draiman, these influences are evident in their music, which he regards as more aligned with classic metal rather than being constrained by the 'nu metal' label. Although they benefited from nu metal's popularity, Disturbed never embraced the typical attributes of that genre, steering clear of rap or turntablism. Draiman sees their style as deeply influenced by the classic metal bands that inspired them to create music .

David Draiman's lyrics for Disturbed are inspired by his personal experiences and often involve cryptic ideas. The themes prevalent in his lyrics include Judeo-Christian concepts of Heaven and Hell, domestic abuse, suicide, insanity, relationships, and war. Draiman also explores more fantastical themes such as vampirism, werewolves, and demons. These diverse lyrical themes often reflect his introspection and personal views .

The band name 'Disturbed' was chosen by the lead vocalist David Draiman. He suggested the name because it symbolized everything they were feeling at the time, particularly their reaction against the level of conformity people were forced into, which they found disturbing. The name 'Disturbed' was a way to push the envelope and make a statement against societal norms .

Dan Donegan employs alternative guitar tunings such as Drop C, Drop C#, Drop B, and occasionally Eb. These tunings are lower than the standard E tuning, allowing for a heavier and more resonant sound, which is characteristic of Disturbed's music. These tunings facilitate quicker chord changes and contribute to the band's distinctive heavy sound. Donegan also incorporates subtle electronic effects, adding layers to their musical texture, sometimes referred to by the band as 'The Danny Donegan Orchestra' .

Dan Donegan and David Draiman's initial meeting and interactions were pivotal in forming Disturbed. Donegan was impressed that Draiman came to the audition ready with original material, a rarity among the singers they auditioned, which instantly set Draiman apart. Donegan was so affected by Draiman's singing that it sent chills up his spine. This connection and Draiman's readiness to contribute originals were key in solidifying the band's lineup with Draiman as its frontman .

Disturbed's mascot, 'The Guy,' originated as a simple drawing of a face with a large grin, as seen on the back of their album 'The Sickness.' This original drawing was digitally distorted three times, creating the eerie and distinctive mascot for the band. Later, artist David Finch contributed to its evolution by drawing 'The Guy' as a full figure, further cementing its role as the band's official mascot .

During Disturbed's hiatus from 2011 to 2015, band members focused on various side projects, which allowed them to explore individual interests and musical styles. The hiatus ended in June 2015, culminating in the release of their comeback album 'Immortalized,' marking their return after four years. This album demonstrated a refreshed and united band, ready to reconnect with their audience and continue evolving their sound .

Disturbed's debut album, 'The Sickness,' released in 2000, played a crucial role in establishing their career. The album's success, characterized by its heavy, aggressive sound and hits like 'Down with the Sickness,' landed them significant recognition in the hard rock and metal scenes. It set the foundation for their musical identity and allowed them to cultivate a robust fan base. The album's impact was profound enough to frame their legacy, influencing subsequent material that builds upon their initial success .

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