Review DISTURBED ‘Divisive’

Disturbed began in 1994 as Brawl, at that time without frontman David Draiman. When the singer joined the group in 1996 and the band changed its name to Disturbed, an impressive success wave began, which continues to grow in popularity to this day.

These days fans of the band eagerly await the new album of the four guys from America. It is their eighth longplayer and is called ‘Divisive’.

The ten songs were recorded last year in Nashville in collaboration with producer Drew Fulk. What you can notice is the relatively constant line-up which allows the band to play tight together. The band works like a clockwork without losing a good dynamic.

The first taste of what fans can expect was given in July this year when Disturbed unveiled a first new song, ‘Hej You’. The track is also the opener of the new album and it quickly becomes clear that Disturbed are staying true to their musical approach. Badass riffs, a hard working rhythm section and great vocals, that’s what sets Disturbed apart and is also the basic ingredients for the songs on ‘Divisive’. Since the four guys have a great feeling for effective hooks too, songs immediately catch the listener’s attention and at the same time reveal something new with every listen. That ‘Hej You’, with its sing-along chorus, became a success is not surprising.

Melody and hardness are also the main components of ‘Bad Man’. The track is one of the hardest on the record. Disturbed really rock and you can not escape the fascination of riff power and melodies. It continues with the title track and also here the four Americans find the sweet spot of catchiness and hefty metal attacks.

‘Unstoppable’, the title already speaks volumes. Disturbed can not be stopped and underpin this with their new album in an impressive fashion. ‘Unstoppable’ has the typical staccato riffs and builds on an irresistible groove. The song can be labeled as a true rock anthem.

Also worth mentioning is ‘Don’t Tell Me’. The band invited Ann Wilson (Heart) to give the song a slightly different expression with her unique voice, which turns out very well. Draiman’s and Wilson’s voices harmonize in an excellent way and an emotional as well as powerful song became reality, which starts softly and gains power along the way. Great emotions are unlocked here.

‘Take Back Your Life’ is a typical thundering Disturbed track and the same goes for the brilliant closer ‘Won’t Back Down’.

Disturbed prove on ‘Divisive’ once again why they belong to the spearhead of modern metal. The four musicians combine all their trademarks in each of the ten songs and deliver music that meets the expectations 100%. Even though Disturbed use their formula for success, the album is not completely predictable. It’s the little nuances, such as the duet with Ann Wilson, that are the extra spices that make ‘Divisive’ entertaining and exciting. Excellent.