Album Information Section

Album Title: The Sickness

Artist: Disturbed

Original Release Date: March 7, 2000

Label: Unknown Label

Genres: Nu Metal, Alternative Metal

Track Listing:

• 1. Voices (3:12)
• 2. The Game (3:47)
• 3. Stupify (4:34)
• 4. Down With the Sickness (4:39)
• 5. Violence Fetish (3:24)
• 6. Fear (3:47)
• 7. Numb (3:45)
• 8. Want (3:53)
• 9. Conflict (4:35)
• 10. Shout 2000 (4:18)
• 11. Droppin’ Plates (3:49)
• 12. Meaning of Life (4:03)

Recording Information

The Sickness was recorded at the famed Groovemaster Studios located in Chicago, Illinois. The recording sessions took place primarily in 1999, culminating in the album’s release in early 2000. The production was helmed by the renowned producer, Johnny K, who has worked with a plethora of significant acts within the rock and metal genres. The engineering was managed by Johnny K as well, ensuring a cohesive sound throughout the album.

Notable recording techniques included the use of heavy distortion on the guitar and bass tracks to achieve a more aggressive sound, which became a hallmark of Disturbed’s style. The album also utilized layered vocal tracks, particularly in the choruses, to create a more anthemic feel. An interesting production note is that the vocals were recorded with a significant emphasis on capturing the raw emotion of lead singer David Draiman, who was known for his powerful and dynamic vocal delivery.

Band Context

At the time of The Sickness’s release, Disturbed was relatively new to the music scene, having formed in 1994 in Chicago. The band consisted of David Draiman (vocals), Dan Donegan (guitar), Steve Kmak (bass), and Mike Wengren (drums). Prior to this album, they had released a demo tape that garnered attention, but it was The Sickness that truly launched them into mainstream success.

Leading up to the release, Disturbed had been playing numerous gigs and building a loyal fanbase, particularly in the Midwest. Their energetic performances and Draiman’s distinctive vocal style began to catch the eyes of record labels, ultimately resulting in a deal that would lead to this debut album. The Sickness marked a significant turning point for the band, as it not only established their presence in the nu-metal scene but also set the stage for their future success.

Track Commentary

The Sickness opens with “Voices,” a track that showcases the band’s signature sound, blending heavy guitar riffs with electronic elements and Draiman’s intense vocals. The song touches on themes of inner turmoil and psychological struggle, themes that resonate throughout the album. Following this is “The Game,” which features a more straightforward rock sound and was later released as a single, further enhancing the album’s appeal.

One of the standout tracks is “Down With the Sickness,” which became an anthem for the band and is often regarded as one of their defining songs. The song’s aggressive chorus and memorable hook helped solidify Disturbed’s place in rock music history. “Stupify” also gained significant attention, with its catchy refrain and themes of social frustration and conformity.

The album’s latter half includes “Shout 2000,” a reimagining of the classic “Shout” by Tears for Fears, which showcases the band’s ability to reinterpret existing material while infusing it with their unique style. The closing track, “Meaning of Life,” encapsulates the album’s overarching themes of existential questioning and personal introspection.

Overall, The Sickness received critical acclaim for its powerful sound and lyrical depth, helping to launch Disturbed into the upper echelons of rock music. The album’s legacy continues to influence countless artists within the genre and remains a cornerstone of early 2000s nu metal.