Back from a four-week European tour with Marilyn Manson, Chicago-based modern rock band Disturbed will be tearing apart the Newport Music Hall tonight with their unique mix of hard-core guitar riffs spliced with electronic effects.
Ever since front man David Draiman joined guitarist Dan Donegan, drummer Mike Wengren and bassist Fuzz four years ago, Disturbed has been climbing the ladder in Chicago’s music scene. The release of their debut album “The Sickness,” which went platinum last winter, has propelled the band to celebrity status.
“I like being successful; I like doing what I love but when I have close personal friends asking for autographs, it’s kind of strange,” Draiman said.
According to Draiman, the ability to connect directly with the people they used to look up to is the best part of gaining celebrity.
“We went from sneaking into Ozzfest to going to a party in Malibu at Tommy Lee’s house and talking with Ozzy Osbourne,” Draiman said.
Yet, at this point the band cannot deny that they have truly hit it big. Their single “Stupify” off “The Sickness” has reached the Top 10 Modern Rock List and is currently in heavy radio rotation. Another single, “Voices,” is making its way up the Top 20 and the video, directed by Gregory Dark, can be seen on MTV.
Draiman’s voice has frequently been described as the focal point of the band, yet the singer cites the other three members for developing his style.
“The thing that makes Disturbed rather unique is that we all complement each other. I didn’t sing this way prior to joining this band,” Draiman said.
His voice is loud and strong and his intonation is excellent, leaving his lyrics still audible. Unlike similar bands, he does not resort to satanistic screams which leave the audience covering their ears.
Disturbed’s message is one of individuality.
“(My lyrics) are reflective of life experiences, my own mainly,” Draiman said. “We are trying to expose the ugliness of certain types of behavior. It’s unfortunate when you separate yourself from the flock you are considered an outcast, or disturbed.”
Draiman has certainly followed this motto. Coming from a conservative religious family, he was sent to five different boarding schools, each of which asked him to leave.
“My whole life, people have set out a certain path that they wanted me to follow,” he said. Draiman has certainly not followed that path.
When asked what he hopes for tonight’s concert, Draiman replied, “Hopefully a whole lot of pent-up aggression.”
So put on those spike collars and thick-soled boots and get ready for a good ol’ time. Do not fear any random beatings from bouncers because Draiman is on your side.
“We don’t tolerate the weekend warriors pulling kids out of the crowd and beating on them like it was their pastime … I’ll stop the show and jump in there with them,” he said. “Security is a necessary evil; sometimes they are necessary to protect the crowd from themselves, but more often than not, they aren’t helping.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. for tonight’s show at the Newport Music Hall.
