6 Songs for People Who Say They Don’t Like Disturbed

One of the most consistently popular bands to emerge from the nu-metal movement, Chicago’s Disturbed inject the melodicism of the classic era into the enhanced aggression of the modern one. Guitarist Dan Donegan helps bridge those worlds with his agile axework and solos. While they have patented a sound they have maintained throughout their eight studio albums, there are times the quartet veer off in different directions, which broadens their appeal. Frontman David Draiman is capable of barking out intense sentiments, but he also has a great singing voice that enriches both their originals and well-known covers, like “The Sound of Silence.”

Here are six tracks from Disturbed for people who say they don’t like the band. They might surprised at what they hear.

Videos by American Songwriter

“Darkness” from Believe (2002)

Ballads are oftentimes a metal band’s best weapon when achieving mainstream crossover. The sometimes bombastic power ballads of the ‘80s were configured by nu-metal acts like Staind for a new generation. “Darkness” is different. This somber, introspective piece about grappling with a dark moment in one’s life stays acoustic all the way through—piano, cello, guitar, and Draiman’s simultaneously sad and soothing singing. Long before “The Sound of Silence” captured massive accolades, Disturbed was already mining a similar vibe.

“Inside the Fire” from Indestructible (2008)

This selection and its gruesome video were inspired by the experience of Draiman losing a girlfriend to suicide when he was a teenager. He explores the idea of the devil tempting him to kill himself too in order to be reunited with her in the afterlife. It’s dark stuff, for sure, which serves a cathartic purpose for those who can relate to it. And it’s not meant to be taken literally. As a song, the melodic, mid-tempo “Inside the Fire” is stocked with meaty riffs, pounding drums, and Draiman’s commanding performance.

“The Animal” from Asylum (2010)

This track opens with a spacey synthy intro that recalls Aldo Nova’s “Fantasy,” but “The Animal” is a more menacing song and a great showcase for Draiman’s vocal power combined with Donegan’s crunching guitar work. It’s got a catchy chorus that should appeal to hard rock fans, while the lycanthropic lyricisms will lure in horror buffs. The video’s director Charlie Terrell drew inspiration from “The Woman of the Snow” segment from the 1964 Oscar-nominated Japanese horror classic Kwaidan.

“The Light” from Immortalized (2015)

One of the most inspiring tracks in the Disturbed canon has Donegan’s normally bristling guitar tone take a backseat for something brighter, while Draiman delivers one of his most sincere performances. Although Disturbed often come off as a menacing metal unit, particularly in their videos, there are positive thoughts and ideas that push through. The video for “The Light” features a firefighter dealing with physical and emotional scars following a terrible ordeal in a blaze.

When you think all is forsaken

Listen to me now (all is not forsaken)

You need never feel broken again

Sometimes darkness can show you the light

“Watch You Burn” from Evolution (2018)

Evolution was a strong step forward for these Chicago headbangers. It combined the potent electric tracks fans have come to expect with more acoustic-driven guitar numbers that added new flavors to their sound. This is a prime example of what could have been another amplified track but gets dialed back, and Draiman’s voice soars over it all. With uplifting chords belying a darker theme, “Watch You Burn” has a cool groove and adds in an unexpected, “Kashmir”-like synth string and rhythm string break. The lyrics deal with people who build you up only to break you down when you don’t serve their purpose anymore. It applies to fame, for sure.

“Don’t Tell Me” feat. Ann Wilson from Divisive (2023)

This is a cross-generational duet that emerged after Disturbed’s frontman professed his love for the vocal prowess of Heart’s famed singer. In the song, two lovers find their relationship being torn apart and lament how hard it will be to move on, even if they must. While this power ballad initially simmers in dark tranquility, it erupts into anguished, bombastic choruses for which Draiman and Ann Wilson are well suited. Their voices blend powerfully together. Matt Mahurin’s black and white video is ripe with gothic imagery that suits the material.

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