Review by Josh Felty
Rating: ****
Songs of Note: The Animal, Warrior, Another Way to Die
Disturbed first came to prominence sometime after the emergence of nu-metal bands such as Korn and Linkin Park, but have always seemed to hook onto a heavier sound reminiscent of metal's earliest 80's incarnations. When you hear Disturbed you know it, probably due to their frontman's distinct style.
Their newest, Asylum, is a return to the darkest depths of the band's sound (like they ever left the abyss) and opens with the distinct, eardrum-pulverizing delivery common in past Disturbed releases. Leaning more toward a cleaner vocal melody on tracks like "The Infection", the band's vocalist bounces back to that scratchier sound on "Warrior" and the title track. Slower, darker tracks like "Another Way to Die" offer a striking parallel with some of the heavier fare in "My Child" (a recommended song from yours truly) to provide a gripping listen. And what would a Disturbed record be without a "reimagining" of sorts on an 80's pop classic: on Asylum, it's U2's epic "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For".
As a guitarist myself, I really appreciated the guitar tones the lead guitarist has chosen on this venture. He's never disappointed with that well-rounded chugga-chug-chug and the ever-present soaring guitar solo that has seemingly stepped back into the fold of much heavy music. Call it a guitar solo revival, if you will. There were also some beautiful, stoic synthesizer parts that completed what I feel is not only a well-rounded collection of tracks, but a remarkably well-written and recorded addition to Disturbed's discography.
Also included are two bonus live tracks of "Down With the Sickness" and "Stricken", for those who can't wait to get their concert fix once the boys hit the pavement backing this album.
Long live heavy metal and the fans who make it possible!