Disturbed, hailing from Chicago, has always carved a unique path in the rock and metal landscape. Emerging onto the scene in 2000 with their groundbreaking debut album, The Sickness, they were quickly categorized within the nu-metal movement. However, this label never quite encapsulated the band’s distinct sound. Unlike many of their nu-metal contemporaries such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Slipknot, Disturbed’s music lacked hip-hop influences, and frontman David Draiman’s powerful vocals leaned towards melodic singing and guttural screams rather than rapping. Beyond guitarist Dan Donegan’s signature drop-D tuning, Disturbed operated in a sonic space that was uniquely their own.
For over two decades, Disturbed has occupied an intriguing position in the music world. Their sound is too intense and brooding for casual rock listeners, yet perhaps too melodic and structured for die-hard thrash metal enthusiasts who idolize bands like Metallica or Pantera. This in-between status, however, has become a cornerstone of their appeal. Fans worldwide have resonated with Disturbed’s distinctive blend of aggression and melody, propelling their last five albums to the coveted No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Furthermore, they have achieved an impressive eight No. 1 singles on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart, solidifying their place as a dominant force in hard rock. This dedicated fanbase eagerly anticipates each new release, including their upcoming album Evolution at the time of the original article’s writing, and continues to champion the band’s unique sonic identity.
As Disturbed gears up for their next chapter, marked by the hard-hitting single “Are You Ready,” it’s the perfect moment to delve into their discography and celebrate their finest work. Here, we rank Disturbed’s 10 best songs, a collection of modern metal anthems that are guaranteed to make you stand up, take notice, and perhaps even scream along, echoing Draiman’s iconic closing at every live show: “We all are DISTURBED!”
10. “The Sound Of Silence,” Immortalized, 2015
It’s only fitting to begin this list with a cover song, as Disturbed has consistently demonstrated a knack for reimagining tracks from outside the metal genre. From their rendition of Tears For Fears’ “Shout” in 2000 to Genesis’ “Land Of Confusion” in 2005 (which earned them a No. 1 Mainstream Rock hit), Disturbed has showcased their versatility. However, their 2015 transformation of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic 1964 ballad, “The Sound Of Silence,” stands as their most remarkable cover to date. This rendition is nothing short of triumphant – orchestral, haunting, and utterly captivating. It unveils a different facet of Draiman’s vocal prowess, highlighting his rich baritone before incorporating his signature rasp later in the song. “The Sound Of Silence” not only broadened Disturbed’s appeal but also earned them their highest-ever position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching No. 42 in 2016, proving the power of a well-crafted cover song to reach new audiences.
9. “Stricken,” Ten Thousand Fists, 2005
For those who experienced the Guitar Hero craze of the mid-2000s, “Stricken” might evoke flashbacks of frantic fingerwork and near-impossible note charts on Expert mode. Putting those virtual anxieties aside, “Stricken,” a standout single from Ten Thousand Fists, reveals itself as a meticulously crafted track that signaled Disturbed’s move towards a slightly more accessible sound. While still retaining their signature heaviness, “Stricken” presented a more melodic and radio-friendly edge, earning substantial airplay on MTV in 2005. This track served as a potential gateway for new fans, broadening Disturbed’s reach without compromising their core identity. Notably, “Stricken” was the sole track from Ten Thousand Fists to break into the Hot 100, peaking at No. 95.
8. “Inside The Fire,” Indestructible, 2008
While much of Disturbed’s lyrical content explores themes of societal unrest and inner turmoil, “Inside The Fire,” the lead single from 2008’s Indestructible, delves into deeply personal and autobiographical territory. Inspired by the tragic suicide of Draiman’s teenage girlfriend, this song is raw, visceral, and intensely aggressive. It pulsates with a relentless energy, driven by Donegan’s powerful guitar work and Draiman’s emotionally charged vocals. The song is uniquely narrated from the perspective of Satan, who tempts Draiman to join his lost love, Devon, in hell, adding a layer of dark theatricality. “Inside The Fire” showcases Disturbed’s ability to channel personal pain into powerful music and earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Song in 2009, marking a significant critical recognition for the band.
7. “The Game,” The Sickness, 2000
While “Down With The Sickness” and “Stupify” from The Sickness might be more widely recognized, “The Game” stands out as an unrestrained and explosive track from their debut album. This song is a furious, electro-tinged anthem that portrays Draiman as a betrayed lover, unleashing his rage at a dishonest ex-partner. “The Game” arguably leans closest to the nu-metal sound with its electronic elements and choppy, heavily distorted riffs. Draiman’s vocal delivery is a potent mix of simmering anger in the verses and explosive frustration in the chorus. For long-time Disturbed fans, the inclusion of “The Game” in their live sets is always a welcome throwback to their raw and energetic early days.
6. “Voices,” The Sickness, 2000
“Voices,” the opening track of The Sickness, holds a special place in Disturbed’s history as the song that essentially launched their career. To this day, it remains a fan favorite and a staple in their live performances, and for good reason. “Voices” bursts from the speakers with the force of a grizzly bear, an unrelenting sonic assault from start to finish. From Draiman’s primal growls and piercing screams to the heavy, sludgy breakdown that underscores the song’s themes of inner turmoil and madness, “Voices” is a masterclass in intensity. The spoken-word section, where Draiman ominously whispers, “Can’t you imagine how good going through this will make you feel?”, adds a chilling layer to the song’s exploration of psychological distress. In their early tours, Draiman would famously be wheeled onto stage in a straitjacket, Hannibal Lecter-style, before breaking free to perform this song, adding a theatrical element that perfectly complemented the song’s themes.
5. “Liberate,” Believe, 2002
“Liberate” from Believe is not for the faint of heart, featuring a barrage of expletives – Draiman unleashes no less than 17 “motherfucker” bombs throughout the song. However, beneath the profanity lies a truly monumental track. The staccato verses, characterized by abrupt silences that create a jarring and unsettling effect, act as a sonic bulldozer, paving the way for one of Disturbed’s most anthemic and powerful choruses. For those who frequented Ozzfest in the early 2000s, “Liberate” was an undeniable anthem, its defiant chorus “waiting for your modern messiah!” resonating with a generation seeking rebellion and questioning societal norms.
4. “Ten Thousand Fists,” Ten Thousand Fists, 2005
Unity and community are recurring themes in Disturbed’s music and live shows. Draiman often refers to the audience as “my brothers, my sisters, my blood” before leading into the “we are disturbed!” chant. “Ten Thousand Fists,” the title track from their 2005 album, perfectly encapsulates this ethos of collective strength and shared conviction. This powerful anthem arrived with an album that saw Disturbed broaden their sonic palette, incorporating more diverse styles and even guitar solos, while maintaining their signature heavy drums and crushing guitar riffs. Experiencing “Ten Thousand Fists” live is truly something special, with audiences raising their fists in unison, mirroring Draiman’s commanding stage presence – a truly epic and unifying moment.
3. “Stupify,” The Sickness, 2000
“Stupify,” the industrial funk-infused track, often overlooked as Disturbed’s first single, was a game-changer upon its release. This song introduced headbangers to a new band, a fresh groove that Disturbed has arguably never surpassed in terms of pure, unadulterated energy. For those without readily available internet access in 2000, the non-English word Draiman hauntingly sings in the bridge sparked considerable curiosity (it was “tefached,” Hebrew for “be afraid,” adding a layer of mystique). “Stupify” remains one of Disturbed’s most experimental and dynamic tracks, a cornerstone of the early 2000s hard rock sound, brimming with both innovation and raw aggression.
2. “Remember,” Believe, 2002
For those who believe Disturbed is solely about aggression and darkness, “Remember” from Believe offers a powerful counterpoint. This song stands as Disturbed’s most poignant ballad, showcasing their depth and emotional range. Draiman himself has lauded “Remember” as his favorite song from their first two albums, praising its melody and emotional impact. The song’s power lies in its dynamic structure, with the initial chorus building into an even more expansive and emotionally charged section midway through. In live settings, when Disturbed performs an acoustic rendition of “Remember,” it is a truly breathtaking and hair-raising experience, highlighting the song’s raw emotional core.
1. “Down With The Sickness,” The Sickness, 2000
Ooh, wah-ah-ah-ah! Was there ever any other contender for the top spot? “Down With The Sickness” is unequivocally the quintessential Disturbed song, encapsulating all the band’s signature elements – their simmering rage, their now-iconic tribal-infused rhythm, and Donegan’s distinctive guitar chugging – into a blistering three-and-a-half-minute alt-metal masterpiece. It’s menacing, rhythmic, and rebellious. As Draiman has explained, the spoken “abuse” section in the extended bridge is not meant to be interpreted literally as domestic violence, but rather as a metaphor for society’s oppression of individual freedom. “Down With The Sickness” became Disturbed’s first platinum-selling single and served as a psychodramatic introduction for many fans to a band that thrived within the nu-metal scene but ultimately transcended its limitations, forging their own unique and enduring legacy in rock music.
