20 Years of The Sickness!!!!

Holy hell, as of March, it's been 20 years since Disturbed put out "The Sickness", which was their first full length album. This album features such gems as "Stupify", "Numb" and "Down With The Sickness". Of course everyone knows "Down With The Sickness", even if you're not a follower of the band, as it's been featured in NFL shows, used by wrestlers, used in well known films like "Queen of the Damned", it was in an episode of South Park, and has been in video games such as "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". So even if you're not a follower of the band, I'm sure you've at least heard that song, which is an impressive feat. This album is so well known for a good reason. It kicks ass! I remember when I was a little demon riding around with my father listening to this album. It's so good.

The album starts off with a short one minute track "Voices" which is an intro to an album, which is without a doubt one of the shortest yet best metal songs I know. It really sets the tone for the album, and is a great track.

After that we get "The Game", which is another great song, but one I feel like is often forgotten, since it's followed by "Stupify" and "Down With The Sickness" My favorite track has always been "Stupify". It's one of those songs that great to wake up and get your ass in gear.

I can't say enough good stuff about "Down With The Sickness" it's just such an aggressive, headbanging, badass, and well composed piece of music. From the drums at the beginning, you know you're in for something great. The repetitive chorus and instrumental pieces, the pure anger in this song, and just raw emotion that I know a lot of people can relate to. It's just such a good song.

A couple tracks later we get "Numb", which is another track I really enjoy. It's a bit more mellow and really shows how versatile and good of a singer Draiman is. It's a great song! I love it when bands are able to put softer pieces in the album and still have the whole thing sound cohesive.

A bit later we get their cover of "Shout" which was originally by Tears for Fears. I'm a huge fan of the original, and this cover definitely does it justice. It's got just the right amount of the elements that make it recognizable, but enough heaviness and with Draiman's vocals, it's just a wonderful cover. The first time I heard it I remember starting to sing along and then having a moment of clarity like wait a minute... holy shit!! It's a phenomenal cover.

This album has stood against time and is still one of the most well known metal albums pretty much of all time. Their new music still has a similar sound to it, and when you hear Disturbed, you know it's them. It's great that they've been able to stay true to their roots and still have the same recognizable sound. I'm still infected with The Sickness. ~Gangis