Disturbed-Ten Thousand Fists
 

Disturbed
http://www.woopop.com/albumcovers/Di...nd%20Fists.jpg
9/20/2005

Tracklist:
1.Ten Thousand Fists
2.Just Stop
3.Guarded
4.Deify
5.Stricken
6.I'm Alive
7.Sons Of Plunder
8.Overburdened
9.Decadence
10.Forgiven
11.Land Of Confusion
12.Sacred Lie
13.Pain Redefined
14.Avarice

Nu-metal act Disturbed comes back with their third release in six years. Their first was The Sickness (2000), which was entertaining for maybe a one time listen, but extreme repetitiveness kept it from being anything that people would listen to more than just once in a while. Believe (2002) was an improvement over The Sickness with greatly improved musicianship, including some great lines from former bassist Fuzz. However, that album still failed from many songs being fairly weak, and was still slightly repetitive. In 2005 Disturbed returned with a promise of having a spectacular album that would unite the peoples, to stand up against anything that threatened them. It sounded promising, but would all the hype end up disappointing with an album that once again suffered from too many weak songs? The answer is in fact no. Disturbed fulfill the promise they made, creating a record full of angst. Angst is most likely a word that some would cringe at, expecting something that would reminisce of bands such as Linkin Park, or Papa Roach, two highly overrated nu-metal acts, not here though. This is an almost hour-long, mature record that has obviously been developed with care, lyrically, as well as musically.

Two major things have changed for Disturbed since the release of Believe.The first is the fact that bassist Fuzz is no longer a member of the band. He left right before the band started recording Ten Thousand Fists. With his departure, something else was lost; Fuzz’s wonderful bass lines are no longer a part of Disturbed, and are rather simple, particularly evident on political rager Deify. This is something old fans of Disturbed will most likely not be happy with, but sadly will have to deal with that fact for this record. The second huge change that is noticeable on this record is the fact that axe man Dan Donegan has included soloing into his repertoire, plainly evident on the second single Stricken. This is actually perhaps of the fact that Fuzz is gone, and Dan felt the need to step up. Will, he made a wise choice, as all of the solos he has on this record are all superb.

The second single, Stricken, features Dan Donegan at perhaps his best. For the most part he plays basic straightforward riffing, but his solo is stellar, and the best one on the whole album. The entire song just pulls together with the drums, and guitar working with David’s voice, which showcases some of his best vocal work ever. “You walk on like a women in suffering. Won’t even bother now to tell me why. You come alone, letting all of us savor the moment. Leaving me broken, another time. When he opens the song up with that verse you can tell this was a wise choice to be a single. The title track Ten Thousand Fists was an overly hyped song by several magazines, and the band themselves as an classic anthem that is dedicated to the fans of Disturbed who buy their albums. Well obviously one would expect great things of the song, but it fails to deliver. It’s not a bad song, but it is like most of Disturbed’s other works, and fails differentiate anything special about it. If any track on the album meets the hype both the media, and the band themselves gave Ten Thousand Fists, that would be I’m Alive.

I’m Alive is easily the best song Disturbed have ever written, and is the anthem that the title track should be, and is equally representative of the whole album with the message of rising up from oppression. Upon hearing the chorus, many would mark that as one of the most memorable things that Disturbed have ever done. “The thing I treasure most in life, can not be taken away. There will never be a reason why I will surrender to your read lies. To change myself, I’d rather die, no they will not understand. I will make the greatest sacrifice. You can’t predict where the outcome lies; you’ll never take me alive. It is catchy, but also full of anger, and defiance at the same time. This song is another example that David Draiman’s voice is the main highlight of the band. Plus, Disturbed cover the Genesis song Land Of Confusion, which they turn into something that would easily sound like something they would write, both musically, and lyrically. One song that sticks out lyrically is Sons Of Plunder. David basically attacks bands that only write songs to become a hit to the point where it “doesn’t have any soul”.

Ten Thousand Fists has many great things going for it. David’s voice is at the top of his game. Hardly any songs would qualify as filler. The whole concept of the album being about rising up, and not being pushed around works within David’s well-written lyrics. Mike Wengren has nice drum fills, and Dan Donegan has finally stepped up to the plate with the inclusion of a few nice solos on some songs. The only bad things about the album is that Fuzz is gone, as well as his groovy bass lines, and the disappointing title track, which was supposed to be the “anthem” of the album. This is an excellent album, but it may take some to listen more than once to fully appreciate it.

4/5 Excellent

Excellent review and has made me check out "I’m Alive." I'll get back to ya when I listen to it. I used to like some Disurbed songs, in particular: "Remember," but I got sick of Draiman's voice.

Edit: yeah, it's a great track, but I don't think I'll buy/download the album.

Another good review Kripes...Keep it up

Bloody good review mate. I bought this album for my sister for christmas, she's right into them, and also just went to a concert of theirs. "Best time of my life".

I haven't heard the album really, I got bored with them after 10 listens of Believe and then haven't found the desire to listen to them again. I honestly think they are a solid band, as much as I try to steer clear of nu-metal, but like most nu-metal acts theres no real substance to keep you addicted. It's all hard hitting but once that rush wears off, you're left hanging.
Disturbed have good musicians, I wish they'd push the boundary's a little more though, lyrically and conceptually.

nice review dude. i love the album, even though the old ones were better.

great cd........glad they made it.

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with this album. Love the vocals, guitar sounds, excellent album!

I love Disturbed, though I only have their album Believe I was thinking of getting this one the other day but it was 25 bucks, so I said I go a Rise Against album instead.

Anyways, I'm hopefully getting it very soon because it sounds excellent BTW great review

I hate this ****ing band.

That comment was completely useless.

I bought this album... a long time ago. I loved it -- still do. "I'm Alive" may not be my favorite track... "Sons Of Plunder" probably is for me the best track on the album. The title track... I disagree with Kripes here, because I actually like the title track a lot. The opening is rather interesting.

The new single released ("Just Stop") is actually a pretty decent song. Draiman's voice is dead-on and I heard it was inspired by one of his actual life experiences, so... dunno if that has any bearing, but it's still a good song. "Land Of Confusion" is pretty good. And surprisingly, "Avarice" is a cool song to end the album.

Agreed, and the lead singer is such an idiot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24rRjjggu-A

Knocking aside how ignorant that is, I love how he bashes 'emo' bands, when his lyrics are just as bad and Disturbed was part of a trend similar to hawthorne heights & shiz.

disturvbes is horrific, bland and, made for mall sitters.

Good review man, but I don't care for the record at all.

I hate disturbed anyway even if they did make a great album I would still think it'll be medicore.

I think it was a good album. I'm not a huge Disturbed fan. I did like the remale of Land Of Confusion. Just because I enjoy covers.

It was good, not excellent or horrible. Sorta neutral.


But they suck live. David can't pull off the studio-altered vocals.

Not a good album, but excellent informative review. I also agree with Crowquill on how Disturbed isn't very good and his lyrics aren't too fantastic, cover or not, i.e. Land Of Confusion.

I'm not a big disturbed fan, but I dug this album a lot.

disturbed really surprised me with this album. i was happy with the sound.

I really enjoyed this album....I let my roommate borrow my cd and he put that bad boy on repeat for days on end.

lol. that'll happen with a good album.

you guys 've forgoten their best single off this album, Guarded. the song is amazing. Keep up the goodwork Disturbed, ibet their newr album (comes out in a couple of months) will be even better

Good review. This was definately their best album, musically. Donegan really stepped up, and each song (mostly) has a good meaning.

I'm seeing double

I really like Disturbed, and I own all of their albums, but I have to say 10,000 Fists is my least favorite.
Good review though, anyway.

i started listening to disturbed like 5 months ago nw and i have all there albums on my i-pod now, i suppose u could say they have grown on me lol

This CD is a major step up form all their past work, however, it's not really mind-blowing. All of the songs are pretty solid, although there is some repetition as far as lyrics and ideas. I have a feeling Indestructible is going to be even better.

Draiman's an ass but I've always been a Disturbed fan. (pun intended)
I like TTF and I like Indestructible.
I'm a sucker for overpolished mainstream radio.

I think Disturbed has released some solid singles in the Nu-Metal genre over the last 7 years. My only gripe is that their formula is very predictable (tempo, tuning, structure, growling etc...) I guess so many bands from that ilk do similar things just like bands of the Creed/Nickelback style so whatever. I do like the song ''Stricken'' as well as the title track and also really like their newer song ''Into The Fire'' from the recent album. Cheers

Gopal (The Musical Mad Scientist)

Fixed.

Fixed.

Bro, you bloody well read my mind! Haha thanks man.

This is a good band

Great review! I write long reviews but I never try to make them sound professional like this one. I'm guessing I need to start? lol. Would've convinced me to buy the album, but I already own all of Disturbed's albums so I'm already there. 5 stars.

Disturbed is solid! Ten thousand fists is a better cd than asylum I think..

Stricken is my favorite single on the album, and maybe the most popular also.

I'm not a huge fan of Disturbed. But this was there best release