Disturbed
The Sickness

Release Date: 2000 | Tracklist

Disturbed many will know can be used as a stepping stone into the metal or heavy metal genres, it’s a band you can introduce to your ‘metal-less’ friends in order to introduce them to something a little darker and a little heavier. Appropriately Disturbed can be called ‘beginners metal’ and whilst not pushing the genres limits (being safely snuggled against them) of metal there is something in ‘The Sickness’s’ makings that makes it an easy listen. Disturbed’s debut album displays a lot about the band. It shows their creative and musical ability, as well as their overall musical style. For most hard rock/metal groups a debut can be make or break for the band, but when the music is this catchy listeners will flock to purchase the next release.

Released in the middle of the 2000s a lot of the metal community did not know what they could expect from a new group that show a fair amount of nu-metal tendencies. Amidst the yelled, smooth, and harsh mix of vocals, not to mention the use of “Ooh Wa Ah Ah’s” listeners will sense that there is something going on here that is sparking the interest of many worldwide. Disturbed show an excellent example of ‘Simple usually works’ on their débuting album and combine smooth (if not overly melodic) vocal linings with a few of the now trade mark “Ooh Wa Ah Ah’s” with the not so technical elements of the bass work, guitar riff patterns (which at most times is void of any melodic patterns or leads) and a typical metal drum kit that includes the usual double kick work found in many other groups today. The drum linings do however show some change or diversity in the music sometimes stepping out of the typical 4/4 timing patterns and displaying some ability in creating the album. Disturbed also throw in a well known cover track just for good measure ensuring a slighter increase of the bands worldwide notice. The originally recorded Tears For Fears-Shout track was modernised and adapted to suit Disturbed’s personal playing style and create a track that can be justified as a highlight for the album. It seems Disturbed really want to be able to ‘Shout’ their way to the top.

‘The Sickness’ at times however can become steadily droll as most of the tracks do have roughly the same creative makings; this is especially noticeable over repeated listens and despite its now rather typical and predictable soundings there are some tracks that stand above the others waving a victory flag over the other bloodied tracks, and overall lift the albums quality. This debut from Disturbed shows many of the makings of a successful metal band, but raises the question of its continued quality, whether it would be over many listens to the complete album or the next studio effort? Regardless this album shows a sense of catchiness that creates a steady fan base and can be used as a passage into heavier metal.

Highlights Include: Down With The Sickness, Shout 2000(cover track), and Stupify.

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3.2 good

Rank: #115 for 2000