CD Review by Michael S. Robinson

Released June 3, 2008 on Reprise Records

My loyal readers know that I simply do not review albums by bands who recorded their first record after 1989.  I just cannot let go of my unbridled passion for 80s glam metal, and pretty much refuse to listen to anything otherwise.  That was until several years back when my wife requested I buy her the new CD by a band I had never heard of called Disturbed who had just released their second album, Believe. Being the excellent husband that I am, I purchased the CD for her, and with more than a little reluctance, agreed to play it in the car on the ride home.

I didn’t quite know what to make of the band at first; the guitar was heavier than anything I would usually listen to and the overall tone and direction was certainly taking me to a darker place than I was used to. But I didn’t hate what I was hearing, and was, in fact, strangely drawn to this heavier sound, featuring some downright bizarre, yet pleasantly melodic vocals, which included what I could best describe as various grunting sounds and other assorted animal noises.  Some of these melodies would stick with me over the coming days, and I found myself listening to the album more and more.  It never became a go-to favorite, but I didn’t dislike it either.

Flash forward to 2005 with the release of Ten Thousand Fists, and that was it - I was hooked.  My favorite record from that year, Ten Thousand Fists was a perfect album, start to finish.  I finally had accepted Disturbed as a band I knew I would be following from this point forward, viewing them as a logical evolution to the 80s arena rock bands that I still follow religiously. 

Singer David Draiman is a brilliant, melodic vocalist, throwing down powerful melodies which nicely compliment the band’s hard-driving sound.  Often political in their lyrics, Disturbed seem to have something to say, and with the stellar songs album after album, not to mention three albums in a row now debuting at number one on the charts, clearly people are listening.

Indestructible is a solid effort, and a nice follow up to Ten Thousand Fists.  The band’s fourth album, and first to be self-produced, clearly you know what you’re going to get with a new Disturbed record, and that is not a bad thing.  The production is noticeably different from the more polished Ten Thousand Fists, featuring a dryer, grittier sound than its predecessors.  But the songs and performances really make this album, including the crushing first single, Inside The Fire, as well as other notable highlights like Deciever, Haunted and my favorite, Façade.

Guitarist Dan Donegan continues on with the trend that Ten Thousand Fists started, including guitar solos in the songs.  My only complaint would actually be that the lead guitar track during the solos is somewhat drowned out by the rhythm guitar track; however, in a climate where so few bands are bothering to put solos in their songs, Donegan’s efforts are both solid and appreciated.  Drummer Mike Wengren is incredible, as always, and the drum sound on Indestructible is one of the record’s great attributes.

Indestructible is a nice mixture of the band’s previous efforts.  It’s definitely a heavier and darker record than Ten Thousand Fists; however, there are some memorable melodies and hooks that stay with you after just one listen.  I cannot imagine any Disturbed fan being disappointed with this release, so if you haven’t already, I would certainly recommend picking up Indestructible.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

David Draiman - Vocals
Dan Donegan - Guitars/Electronics
Mike Wengren - Drums
John Moyer - Bass

Track Listing:

1. Indestructible
2. Inside The Fire
3. Deciever
4. The Night
5. Perfect Insanity
6. Haunted
7. Enough
8. The Curse
9. Torn
10. Criminal
11. Divide