Disturbed Promise 'A Lot Ballsier' Album

Disturbed guitarist Dan Donegan gave a brand new interview to "The Big Rock Show" about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's new album and their future plans, reports 93X.com. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

On what Disturbed has been up to in the last few months?

"We've just been writing. We've been real busy. Our personal lives have been busy as well. Mike [Wengren], our drummer, just got married a couple of weeks ago, and I just had a baby boy a little over a month ago. We're all just kind of balancing family life and trying to get back in writing mode, which we've been kind of hitting it pretty hard. Before Mike's wedding and before the baby came, we wanted to get the majority of the material [for the next Disturbed album] written, which we we seemed to be pretty successful at, so we're just kind of fine-tuning a lot of stuff right now."

On how the new Disturbed material compares to previous albums?

"Definitely, as far as musically, it's a lot ballsier than we've written. There's gonna be those signature things that are us, just 'cause stylistically that's the way we perform, and David [Draiman], vocally, is always gonna sound like him, so... he's got some big melodic moments, but there's some still aggressive stuff -- just a lot ballsier, I think. [We're] trying to get a good blend of the elements of the past three CDs to try to evolve into something fresh and new for us as well."

On the bands's plans for the rest of the year and the possibility of live dates?

"Right now the gameplan is to hit the studio this fall. That's where our heads are at, that's where we feel... that we're ready for it, so as long as we get the green light from the record label to give us our budget and let us go in and make this record, then that's our main goal right now -- just bang this out and get it ready. More than likely, we probably won't hit the road until after the first of the year, but I don't wanna rule that out -- anything is possible in this business; things pop up all the time and opportunities pop up, but the main priority is, once we get into the stuio, it's highly unlikely that we're gonna leave until we're finished with the CD. I Once we get in that mode of recording, we like to just see it through and finish it."

To hear Dan Donegan's entire interview with "The Big Rock Show", download the podcast at this location (163 MB; the Donegan interview begins around the one-hour, 17-minute mark).

Disturbed's latest album, "Ten Thousand Fists" (read review on UG) has sold 1.45 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Comments

[Heavy Metal Man]

Great interview. New album sounds awsome, cant wait 4 it Rock on DISTURBED!!!!!

[KiWiSoJu]

woo

[boyan89]

cant wait WHOOO!!! GO DISTURED!!!

[TheUnholy]

Sounds like they're not really going anywhere tbh, but then

A) I guess he has to say that to appease the oldskool fans

B) Disturbed are one of the few bands I like enough to not mind more of the same.

[archangelseren]

good stuff

[dann_blood]

Hope they have alot of the old disturbed in the new album with moments of the newer music.

[Chiefwiddler]

Let me guess...I bet it sounds like "Neh Neh N-N-N-Neh Neh Neh N-N-N-Neh Neh Neh" like all the other Disturbed tracks. Dont get me wrong, I like them, but they really need to get original.

[BriGuy7727]

I thought that Ten Thousand Fists was an excellent combination of both The Sickness & Believe, and that it even went a little above that in musicianship. This new album is gonna be sweet, can't wait to pick it up

[IainDavies_2]

I Hope Dan puts on more solos because all the solos he put on the last album were maybe not the most technically challenging but they sounded really cool. I want s solo on every song, as long as it fits the song though.

[5250]

What do you think he means by "ballsier"? Will it be heavier? Faster? More aggressive? Experimental? ...I always have my doubts when bands use weird adjectives to describe their musical direction.

[TheDisturbed78]

its gonna kick some major ass

[Firewind Raging]

Looking forward to it, really like Disturbed. Dave Draiman's vocals are amazing, and Dan Donegan is a very underrated guitarist

[DaveGilmour1189]

^^ agreed his solos are pretty good. Kinda basic but still good.

I can't bash disturbed. I grew up with this band. Them and Godsmack are the few good and talented nu-metal outfits. Linkin Park was on that list, but they made a crappy emo album so...

[Gibson_SG_uzr55]

Can't wait. Love Disturbed, and I loved Ten Thousand Fists. If this album is "ballsier" then it will probably be the best.

[foxhaze]

Sounds good.

[ianl]

sweeeet!

[ReldvS]

EVILly GRINS... cant wait. Diturbed is one of the few Nu-Metal (if you will) bands that actually make me feel MEAN \m/ -ReldvS

[sambargun]

nice one chiefwiddler, "Neh Neh N-N-N-Neh Neh Neh-N-N- ....." I'm still laughing.....

[miketallica]

That's ironic... this coincides with Michael Bolton's promise that his next album will be a lot LESS ballsier.

[raymanbaracuda]

Why does that guy have metal horns on his face?

[Cied Shredder]

Why is everybody trying to get "ballsier/heavier"? It's like they're trying to prove something. Heavy is not always better...

[dirtymexican863]

nu-metal...please die already...

[soclax15]

dirtymexican... why do we have to classify Disturbed under that "nu-metal" label that has such negative connotations. Disturbed is a good band, and has the die-hard fans to prove it. I don't even feel the need to call Disturbed "metal", I just consider them good rock music. "Remember" off of their 2nd album is one of my favorite rock songs of any sub-genre. Great melodies, great guitar work, great everything in my opinion. Labels are just that, label. Lets just let bands do their thing and appreciate the their music

[petey gunnz]

disturbed rules

[thycrusader]

yay!!!

[ChazBcWarlock]

disturbed kick ass man

Checked

[wiggyisgreat]

Sweeeeet can't wait for the new album

[sebbsmith]

Of course Disturbed are Nu-metal!

[Jondy]

soclax15:

they're nu metal because of their focus on using the guitar as more of a percussive/rhythm(sp?) instrument than straight up melodic. They make an entire verse structured around the same chord and make it sound good because of the catchy rhythm.

they're probably the single most creative nu metal band out there though, and they're still awesome.

[backtobasic]

why is david on the front page?

[Guitar_Music]

I hope their new album is good, so far I have not been disappointed, their 1st album had that dark eerie sound that I like, then their "Believe" album had a raw grind type of sound (I can't really explain it), then their 3rd album, had solos and nicely blended melody with aggression, it's weird...hope their 4th album is better than their last 3, in my opinion, they always seem to top their last album

DISTURBED!!!

[SG Man Forever]

sweet. Disturbed is one of those bands that I really like, they have cool rythyms, nice melodic stuff, and on the occasion (especially in 10000 Fists) really nice solos. I feel this band gets better with every CD. They don't have a song I don't like, and while Donegan isn't the most talented guitarist outthere, sometimes they don't have to be to like them y'know?

[a god]

yeah i like them theyre a pretty good band. 10,000 fists rocked. they are one of the few nu-metal along with godsmack and a few others. hope they dont fail with the new album(like Linkin Park or Metalica...)

[Limpbizkit69]

bands always say stuff like this to get fans pumped for the new album.

personally i think another the sickness would be cool

[Castlebravo]

I hope they're going to stay with the hard rock of the last album and not fall back into the nu metal that they once played. I mean their old stuff was pretty good, but Ten Thousand Fists was an amazing album. I was hoping they would focus on being more creative rather than trying to be more aggressive.

But hey, there's nothing wrong with that, so I'll still be looking forward to their new album.

[ripewithdecay]

the guitar work on believe was a big step up from the sickness, hopefully this will be a step up from 10000 fists, which had good guitar work too. He's really starting to prove to people that he may be pretty underrated as a guitarist, i've always really liked his style

[White And Nerdy]

Awesome, been wondering what was up with them lately, Can't wait for the new album. I hope David does some " EWW AH-AH-AH-AH's " in it. lol.

[TeenBite]

Band says new CD is heavier, fresher than their others. Stop the press!!

[dudewithapen]

I've read lots of stuff I agree with; that they seem to top their last album with each new release and that while they can't be accused of re-inventing themselves every album, they do manage to keep the songs fresh. They are a unique band that found a formula that works. Nothing wrong with that.

[TDAJGuitarist]

ripewithdecay wrote:

the guitar work on believe was a big step up from the sickness, hopefully this will be a step up from 10000 fists, which had good guitar work too. He's really starting to prove to people that he may be pretty underrated as a guitarist, i've always really liked his style

Well he is good at producing cool riffs but idk if I would say there is "Good Guitar Work"

He isnt really a great guitarist...But I do love some of his riffs....Pretty chunky stuff.

As for the new album...I hope its better then 10,000 Fists cuz it was pretty disapointing....

[CapnKickass]

Disturbed is sweet. I got his signiture effects pedal

[MylesPetro]

i find when bands say albums are "their best yet", that just sets up the fans for a huge disappointment, and when they say it's their heaviest yet, they probably went more mainstream.

[Charlatan_001]

Disturbed are pretty lame. They have a couple of decent riffs, but their singer is an egotistical douche who sings the exact same way on every song and their songs sound the same

[Rebourne]

It needs to be a lot more cohesive and groove oriented in my opinion.

[michhill8]

I like disturbed, but Dropping Plates sucked... badly.

[It Was Zero]

I used to be a pretty big fan of their first two albums, but got into other stuff by the time their third came out. I think I've listened to it maybe 3 times over since I bought it and it's deffinitely something I regret purchasing (same goes to Godsmack IV).

Every song sounds exactly the same to me on 10kF, boring and monotonous.

In my opinion, Believe has been their best album thusfar by a long shot. I don't think I'll be buying anything by Disturbed or Godsmack again.

[xvictimofadownx]

Firewind Raging wrote:

Looking forward to it, really like Disturbed. Dave Draiman's vocals are amazing, and Dan Donegan is a very underrated guitarist

hes not that underrated....hes got a pedal named after him, now tell me where daron malakians pedal is, or where dan jacobs signature pedal is....both of them are very talented guitarists, maybe even better than dan donegan, but they have no signature pedal....but dan is good, dont get me wrong

[zackk]

disturbed is a good band and i personally cant wait until the new cd comes out.

[TDAJGuitarist]

xvictimofadownx wrote:

Firewind Raging wrote:

Looking forward to it, really like Disturbed. Dave Draiman's vocals are amazing, and Dan Donegan is a very underrated guitarist


hes not that underrated....hes got a pedal named after him, now tell me where daron malakians pedal is, or where dan jacobs signature pedal is....both of them are very talented guitarists, maybe even better than dan donegan, but they have no signature pedal....but dan is good, dont get me wrong

Sorry to burst your Bubble but Daron Malakians is not a good guitarist....Donagan is a much better guitarist and even he isnt that good.....I like both System Of A Down and Disturbed but come on...Anybody who is trained in guitar knows that neither of them are very good....

[metal4me]

Chiefwiddler wrote:

Let me guess...I bet it sounds like "Neh Neh N-N-N-Neh Neh Neh N-N-N-Neh Neh Neh" like all the other Disturbed tracks. Dont get me wrong, I like them, but they really need to get original.

what are you talking about?
they are original
i've never heard anyone use the vocals draiman uses (down with the sickness, stricken, etc.)
and if they were to change, you would probably be saying "they sold out"
they're doing what they do best and what makes them Disturbed

[RockMusicFan]

Can't wait!

[ledmetacdc]

Hope we get some kick-ass solos on this one. Ten Thousand Fists's were cool, but we need more, man!

[DeAd-RiP]

lol were not gettin ne more wacka kakka then lol more power to em if they can add more balls to it fine b good to c what they can do without fuzz

[Raijin.xiii]

skindred wrote:

TDAJGuitarist wrote:

xvictimofadownx wrote:

Firewind Raging wrote:

Looking forward to it, really like Disturbed. Dave Draiman's vocals are amazing, and Dan Donegan is a very underrated guitarist


hes not that underrated....hes got a pedal named after him, now tell me where daron malakians pedal is, or where dan jacobs signature pedal is....both of them are very talented guitarists, maybe even better than dan donegan, but they have no signature pedal....but dan is good, dont get me wrong




Sorry to burst your Bubble but Daron Malakians is not a good guitarist....Donagan is a much better guitarist and even he isnt that good.....I like both System Of A Down and Disturbed but come on...Anybody who is trained in guitar knows that neither of them are very good....

dimebag + slash

best guitarists ever

what does that have to do with anything?


is it just me or does the singer look like the guy from "deal or no deal" on the front page of UG?

[Alexander_BR]

Will this album be ballsier than a gay orgy??

[Prince Albert]

yes

[2late2know]

Raijin.xiiiwrote:
is it just me or does the singer look like the guy from "deal or no deal" on the front page of UG?

I've thought he does look a bit like howie mandel... at least when he doesn't have the hair/
anyway i'm really looking forward to this new album

[insomniac38]

IainDavies_2 wrote:

I Hope Dan puts on more solos because all the solos he put on the last album were maybe not the most technically challenging but they sounded really cool. I want a solo on every song, as long as it fits the song though.

Amen to that! definitely one the best of the Nu Metal bands, nothing really amazing, nothing really bad. I think Dan is gonna step it up for the next album

Check

[perilouspete]

Raijin.xiii wrote:

skindred wrote:

TDAJGuitarist wrote:

xvictimofadownx wrote:

Firewind Raging wrote:

Looking forward to it, really like Disturbed. Dave Draiman's vocals are amazing, and Dan Donegan is a very underrated guitarist


hes not that underrated....hes got a pedal named after him, now tell me where daron malakians pedal is, or where dan jacobs signature pedal is....both of them are very talented guitarists, maybe even better than dan donegan, but they have no signature pedal....but dan is good, dont get me wrong




Sorry to burst your Bubble but Daron Malakians is not a good guitarist....Donagan is a much better guitarist and even he isnt that good.....I like both System Of A Down and Disturbed but come on...Anybody who is trained in guitar knows that neither of them are very good....

dimebag + slash

best guitarists ever

don't forget EVH or Zakk for god's sake...but if you judge a guitarist as being good because he has a "signature pedal" that's kinda retarded, because slash just got one like a year or two ago, and he's been around obviously much longer than that.

[skindred]

nah i just said slash n dimebag because they play my fav style of guitaring which i think is the best.

but yeah disturbed, believe was good, 10,000 fists was forgettable, ill give this a lesson though

[Caustic]

The bald guy on the front page has the stupidest looking piercing ever.

[KingSquall802]

the guitar parts of this band we're all the same. there maybe a little exception. but it really sounds the same. daron malakian is not a good guitarist, i think donegan and daron we're good but not that good. they have good riffs.

[efferus]

You know what amuses me? If even one of you guys here saying "this" guitarist and "that" guitarist aren't good were half as good as they are at putting together a successful and listenable song together, you wouldn't be here on these forums bitching about them, you'd be where they are. But here's a sad dose of reality for you, you're not, so respect those who have the skill and more talent then you to get themselves somewhere with it and quit bitching about how "bad" they are. Move on with your life, focus on your own playing, and if you're so much better than they are enough to expect people to appreciate your opinion, prove it.

[DarthKarth]

i like how all of these sucky "metal" bands are trying to be heavier on their next album, when that just means they're going to have more palm mutes and pinch harmonics...

its a damn shame that most bands don't care about making good music, and stick with decent noise...

[dm_86]

I think when he says the albums is gonna be alot 'Ballsier' he sayin that Disturbed are gonna be brave and move into a different direction in terms of their music like Linkin Park have

[DarthKarth]

dm_86 wrote:

I think when he says the albums is gonna be alot 'Ballsier' he sayin that Disturbed are gonna be brave and move into a different direction in terms of their music like Linkin Park have

only to strengthen my point about more palm mutes and pinch harmonics...

[MikESPviper]

i dont really care of Disturbed, i always viewed them as the.. band that never really progressed musically.

Checked

[sum41freak8733]

i like disturbed but ..... for some reason i know that they sound different on songs but overall it still sounds the same .....maybe when they mean ballsier they mean "were finally going to be original " but i doubt it

[DR_SH]

It would be great if just one Nu metal band would make a stand and say F**K YOU WERE NOT GOING WITHOUT A FIGHT..... but then again who am I kidding. most bands only care about the pay cheque these days

I wasn't that keen on their 1st album, but then prayer and 10,000 fists really got my attention. like a few people have said I wouldn't mind them keeping there old sound, but expanding on it. Heavy isn't always best. If they take the melodic vocals and cool riffs and add some more tasteful solos into the mix that would be awesome.

and to the guy going on about palm mutes and pinch harmonics. You might want to check lasts time I heard that what 95% of metalcore bands do to create those riffs that make me want to dive into a pit and kill someone..... or turn it off if I've not died of boredom already

[axeslinger0u812]

there is one nu metal band that isn't going anywhere, and seem to be getting even MORE radio play than they used to: Godsmack. how they are doing it, I have no idea. I actually really like some of their songs, which more or less means I like all their songs, since they all sound the same. I prefer them to Disturbed, and don't really like Disturbed at all, but I would be thoroughly surprised if either of these bands went into a new direction.

[chiefmegadeth]

I remember reading in a mag that "Ten Thousand Fists" sounded like judas priest,thats what Dan Donegan said...but it sounded nothing like them,I love the priest.
I think that was a bold statement.Probley the reason i didn't like the album much.Also thought the singer didn't push he's voice as much as the last albums...
Go nuts mate!!!!

[dark_falco3000]

Can't wait for the new album. Dan Donegan's a decent guitarist, but even if they don't require much skill, his solos just sound awesome musically, if that makes sense. It goes to show that a solo doesn't need to be technical in order to sound awesome. At least, that's what I think.

[guitgrinder]

Disturbed (and 'Smack) are alright for a couple tracks, but I can't really just sit down and feel a whole record y'know? Each band basically has like, 120 min. of good tunes out of their entire career. My fav. Disturbed song was Land Of Confusion, which made me buy the record... not thoroughly impressed, but they've got a couple good originals. Same w/ Godsmack. Each band fit their time, but I think they'll have a bit of trouble in the future. We'll just have to wait and see, huh? Meanwhile, let's see if Slipknot's next album will crash and burn, or launch past the stratosphere...

[i_eat_souls]

I liked disturbed my freshman year of highschool, i really liked the sickness, but then i kind of realized they're not that good. Now I cant really stand listening to him, and i do think their singer looks like the guy from deal or no deal.

Checks

[ronismonis]

Children... settle down. isn't an admin supposed to delete these hate posts?

Anyway... down to business. I think the CD should be good, might get it if i like what I hear. I have high expectations as each CD they've done has been better than the last. They're a great live band btw.. Saw em last summer

[bruddawoodchuck]

could give a shite whether disturbed is 'original'. jimmy page's a genius & he stole from bluesmen for 20 yrs. donegan & draiman have a kicking formula. guitars crunching, vocals wailing, melody cranking. phuckin' loved sickness & believe, but 10k fists set the standard for disturbed's music & politics. deify is my ringtone. much respect for the benefit show the band helped put together for dimebag darrell's family.

[JujiProgramDBJ]

dirtymexican863 wrote:

nu-metal...please die already...

Thank you! Lol.

[Decembero]

are something-cool and riffer-maddness both 11 years old? HAHHHA I smell a BAN coming along... Please keep this article about disturbed, instead of trash talking and hiding behind your keyboards. Talking like that on a forum is not cool.

[Chiefwiddler]

metal4me wrote:

Chiefwiddler wrote:

Let me guess...I bet it sounds like "Neh Neh N-N-N-Neh Neh Neh N-N-N-Neh Neh Neh" like all the other Disturbed tracks. Dont get me wrong, I like them, but they really need to get original.


what are you talking about?
they are original
i've never heard anyone use the vocals draiman uses (down with the sickness, stricken, etc.)
and if they were to change, you would probably be saying "they sold out"
they're doing what they do best and what makes them Disturbed

I was referring to the riffs. Draiman has excellent enunciation and I agree he is original. But, Donegan, although showing some different stuff on Ten Thousand Fists, still needs to work on getting something different into his riff writing. I personally love Disturbed, but I do get annoyed when they churn out the same stuff. I am not aiming to cause offence!

ronismonis wrote:

Children... settle down. isn't an admin supposed to delete these hate posts?

Yeah but we only check through occasionally. Anyway, something-cool gets a ban, anyone else flaming will get warnings/bans.

[DirtyNoise]

I just don't like hearing the same song over and over again. They have stalled in their progress to be better.

[prsfloyd]

Pinky Swear?

[TheDisturbed78]

it really shouldnt matter if a guitarist is "good" or not you just worry about the bands sound, the only guitarist u should care about is urself and ur other friends who play.

[Chiefwiddler]

TheDisturbed78 wrote:

it really shouldnt matter if a guitarist is "good" or not you just worry about the bands sound, the only guitarist u should care about is urself and ur other friends who play.

What?????

[2late2know]

michhill8 wrote:

I like disturbed, but Dropping Plates sucked... badly.

Seriously disturbed is my favorite band but that song was just... terrible

[urmomsma]

o my god indestrucible kicks ass u cant beat it it aint the same its disturbed with balls suck it haters