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Disturbed

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Band Timeline

1994-1996

Formation and Early Years

Disturbed originated from a band called Brawl formed by guitarist Dan Donegan, drummer Mike Wengren, and bassist Steve 'Fuzz' Kmak. Vocalist Erich Awalt left shortly after a demo recording, prompting the search for a new singer. David Draiman joined in 1996 after an extensive audition process, bringing original compositions that impressed the band. With Draiman as frontman, the group was renamed Disturbed, a name chosen to symbolize their feelings about conformity and societal pressure. This early lineup set the foundation for their heavy metal sound, with the band's mascot "The Guy" also conceptualized during this period.
1997-2000

Debut Album 'The Sickness' and Rise to Popularity

Disturbed released two three-track demo tapes with early versions of signature songs like "Down with the Sickness" and "Stupify." After signing with Giant Records in August 1999, the band released their debut album, The Sickness, in 2000. The album achieved commercial success largely due to hit singles and the band's intense touring schedule, including opening for Ministry. The unique blend of aggressive vocals, nu metal influences, and engaging rhythms propelled them into the limelight, securing a strong fanbase and setting the stage for future albums.
2002

Second Album 'Believe' Achieves Chart Success

Building on their momentum, Disturbed released their second studio album, Believe, in 2002. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing the band's growing mainstream appeal. Believe explored darker lyrical themes and more refined musicianship, further solidifying Disturbed's identity in the metal scene. The album introduced new singles that maintained their popularity on rock radio and MTV, reinforcing their status as a leading force in American heavy metal.
2004

Lineup Change and Continued Success

In 2004, bassist Steve 'Fuzz' Kmak was replaced by John Moyer, bringing new energy to the band's rhythm section. That year, Disturbed released their third album, Ten Thousand Fists, which also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Known for its anthemic and aggressive style, the album expanded their fanbase worldwide. The band embarked on extensive touring, further promoting their work and strengthening their live performance reputation.
2008

Fourth Album 'Indestructible' and Musical Maturation

Disturbed released Indestructible in 2008, continuing their streak of albums debuting atop the Billboard 200. This record showcased the band's musical growth with more melodic and polished arrangements while retaining their heavy sound. Lyrically, Indestructible reflected themes of resilience and personal struggle. The album was critically acclaimed, and the subsequent tour was marked by successful large-scale concerts, underscoring their enduring appeal in the metal genre.
2010

Fifth Album 'Asylum' and Sustained Popularity

Released in August 2010, Asylum was Disturbed's fifth studio album and fourth consecutive to debut at number one on the Billboard 200. The album featured a heavier musical style, dark lyrical content inspired by personal experiences of vocalist David Draiman, and commentary on social issues such as global warming. The supporting Asylum Tour further solidified the band's strong connection with their fanbase and demonstrated their ability to evolve musically while maintaining core elements of their sound.
2011-2014

Hiatus and Side Projects

In October 2011, Disturbed announced a hiatus, allowing members to pursue individual side projects. During this period, they released The Lost Children in 2011, a compilation album featuring unreleased tracks, satisfying fans despite the band's break. The hiatus marked a pause in their collective activity but not an end, with members exploring new creative avenues and maintaining their presence in the music industry.
2015

Return and Release of 'Immortalized'

Disturbed ended their hiatus and returned in June 2015 with the release of their sixth album, Immortalized. The album marked a strong comeback, returning to the band's heavier roots and featuring the hit cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence," which gained widespread acclaim and expanded their audience. Immortalized debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, demonstrating the band's lasting relevance and ability to connect with new and loyal fans alike.
2018

'Evolution' Album and Continued Innovation

Disturbed released Evolution in 2018, an album that incorporated new musical elements and stylistic experimentation while preserving their signature heavy metal sound. The album showcased the band's willingness to evolve, featuring more melodic passages and varied vocal performances. Evolution was well-received commercially and critically, illustrating the band's sustained creativity and adaptability in a changing musical landscape.
2022

'Divisive' Album and Recent Activity

In 2022, Disturbed released Divisive, their eighth studio album. The record continued to affirm their position in contemporary heavy metal, delivering aggressive and socially aware themes. The band maintained a strong touring presence to support the release, engaging with fans worldwide and reinforcing their legacy. Divisive reflects Disturbed's ongoing commitment to producing impactful music and remains relevant in the 21st-century rock and metal scenes.

Albums

disturbed_1st_album
The Sickness
12 tracks
2000
disturbed_2nd_album
Believe
12 tracks
2002
disturbed_3rd_album
Ten Thousand Fists
14 tracks
2005
disturbed_4th_album
Indestructible
12 tracks
2008
disturbed_5th_album
Asylum
12 tracks
2010
disturbed_6th_album
Immortalized
13 tracks
2015
disturbed_7th_album
Evolution
10 tracks
2018
disturbed_8th_album
Divisive
10 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Marty O’Brien

N/A

John Moyer

2015

Bass guitar

Dan Donegan

1994

Electronic instruments

Guitar

Mike Wengren

1994

Membranophone

John Moyer

2015

Background vocals

Dan Donegan

2015

Background vocals

David Draiman

1996

Lead vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

John Moyer

2005
2011

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Dan Donegan

2015
2015

Bass

Fuzz

N/A
2003

Bass guitar

Story of Disturbed

Disturbed: A Heavy Metal Force to Be Reckoned With

Disturbed, hailing from the heart of Chicago, burst onto the heavy metal scene in 1994. This powerhouse quartet, featuring the blistering guitar work of Dan Donegan, the relentless drumming of Mike Wengren, the powerful vocals of David Draiman, and the solid bass lines of John Moyer, has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock.

While Donegan and Wengren have been with the band since its inception, Disturbed's lineup has evolved over the years. Draiman joined in 1996, replacing original vocalist Erich Awalt, while Moyer stepped in for founding bassist Steve "Fuzz" Kmak in 2004.

Their debut album, The Sickness, released in 2000, propelled them to commercial success with hit singles like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stupify". This was just the beginning of a string of chart-topping albums, including Believe (2002), Ten Thousand Fists (2005), Indestructible (2008), and Asylum (2010) - all of which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2011, Disturbed took a brief hiatus, allowing members to explore side projects and release The Lost Children, a compilation of unreleased tracks. They returned in 2015 with their sixth album, Immortalized, followed by Evolution (2018) and Divisive (2022), proving their enduring appeal.

Disturbed's legacy speaks for itself: over 17 million records sold worldwide, six RIAA certifications (including 5x platinum for The Sickness), consistent top 10 charting singles on the Mainstream Rock chart, and two Grammy Award nominations. They stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Slipknot and Godsmack as one of the most successful rock bands of the 21st century, leaving an undeniable mark on the heavy metal landscape.

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