Disturbed is:
David Draiman (vocals)
Dan Donegan (lead Guitar)
Mike Wengren (Drums)
John Moyer (Bass)
Disturbed is a blockbuster heavy metal band, though it is possible most people here in India may not have heard them or heard of them.Their last three albums 'Believe', 'Ten Thousand Fists' and 'Indestructible' along with Asylum have debuted at #1 on the U.S. Billboard 200.
Asylum is a darker album than their last record, 'Indestructible', with heavier guitar riffs and vocals.According to the band, the lyrics deal with events in lead singer David Draiman's life.Almost all songs are made on the same chord, which enhances the continuity in the tracks and increases the 'listenability' factor.I was a casual listener of Disturbed, but Asylum converted me into a fan.
Asylum (2010) ----------------------- *******ooo [7/10]
As mentioned earlier, Asylum is undoubtedly darker than 'Indestructible', but the songs still have a consistent rhythm and melody.Asylum is typical Disturbed and can be recognized by it's style from a mile away.As always, the production quality is perfect.The only thing which disappointed me (though which may have been embraced by others) was that there was not much new or fresh or experimental here.Made me think of a factory manufacturing products.
First up, it's Remnants, an instrumental track which leads wonderfully to the title track, Asylum.
Asylum is one of the better songs on this record.Starts off with Bass and launches into a full-on metal track.This track talks about losing someone you love, going insane, and entering an asylum, from which one tries to run away and commit suicide, just to be with the person you loved.
Next up is The Infection.Also a great track.In fact, the album starts off pretty strongly and somehow loses the plot halfway.A very good chorus and Bass support this track, which speaks of depression after losing someone you loved, and likens it to an infection.
Warrior is a generic Disturbed track.Quite aggressive and scathing lyrics.But nothing new, which catches your attention.
Another Way To Die is my favourite track on this album.Yet another band takes up the issues of climate change, global warming and mankind's continued shirking of action, inspite of being aware of the consequences.
Disturbed - Another Way To Die
Never Again is a very good track.It condemns the Nazi system and mourns all those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and hopes this will 'never again' happen.
The Animal is next on the list.It has one of the catchiest choruses on the entire album.This song takes inspiration from the fact that there is an animal inside every person, and sometime or the other it comes out.
Crucified is arguably the last great song on this record and the second-best track after Another Way To Die.
All downhill from here.Serpentine is pretty average and may not elicit a second listen.
My Child looks forced and is unimpressive.
Sacrifice, and Innocence too, don't live up to the atmosphere created by the first few tracks.
Ishfwilf, standing for I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, is a totally unnecessary track inclusion.It is a cover for a song by U2 of the same name on their album Joshua Tree.
The good songs are too good, and the others are way below par.
I think I can give them an optimistic 7/10 for their effort.Don't miss the good tracks, as they will occupy your playlist for a long time.
Next Week: Review of my personal favourite, Death To Analog by Julien-k
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NEWS:
1] Mike Portnoy has kept his promise of staying with Avenged Sevenfold till the end of 2010, as was the original agreement.He had joined A7x, during difficult days, as a drummer after the death of former drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan and contributed to their 2010 album, Nightmare.A7x have officially short-listed a drummer and will try him out in 2011 before taking a call.
You can see the Note posted by them on Facebook:
MESSAGE FROM A7X
nice job,mate....quite a frank review!
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