It's difficult to imagine rock stars being lonely. It's easy to conclude that since they receive gobs of attention from adoring groupies, sadness or the desire for true love wouldn't be factors present in their life. Disturbed frontman David Draiman seems hellbent on proving this stereotype wrong. On the metal band's latest album, Ten Thousand Fists, a common lyrical theme is that of the hardships of wanting to seriously commit (Hi, David, my phone number is 9...whoops) while touring and living the fast-paced 'rock star lifestyle'. Regardless of whether or not someone digs Disturbed's sound, it's difficult to deny the authenticity of David's emotions and facial expressions while he's onstage -- someone has screwed this dude over horribly. As much as I think it sucks that David's heart is broken, I'm kinda happy about the situation because it makes for such incredible music. I'm an awful person, I know.
"Stricken" is the powerful first single from Ten Thousand Fists. It's one of Disturbed's most passionate songs to date, and its appeal seems to know no boundaries. In several interviews, David has clarified that this song is about 'a relationship that is so debilitating and difficult that it sort of inflicts you with a disease'. I'm sure that many people can identify with the notion of not being able to give something up, even though it's slowly deteriorating you. In this way, the song's message is universal. Surely, people can be stricken by the most gorgeous (yet evil) person ever. People can be stricken by an overwhelming workload in College Biology. Someone can be stricken by Reese's peanut butter cups. Who the hell can really eat just one of those things, anyway?
I've never seen the Stricken single in stores. I got it online. Despite the fact that I was hoping the cover art would be more people raising their fists Todd McFarlane style (dude, TTF's artwork is a valid enough reason to slap $12 down for it), this is a fairly rockin' single. It features two tracks - "Stricken" (who knew?!) and "Dehumanized". I could whine and moan about how two songs simply aren't enough, especially considering the hefty price I paid for this, but I won't. These two songs are so excellent that I don't regret making this purchase. Not only does this single boast some quality Disturbed music, it serves as yet another rarity to add to me ever-growing Disturbed collection. Sick.
Of course the focal point of "Stricken" is David Draiman's gorgeous vocal performance. He seems to have gotten reacquainted with the raspy tones he frequently used on Disturbed's debut The Sickness -- but he's exploring new ranges too, hitting notes that even the biggest Disturbed fans didn't know he was capable of. His desolate cries of "You come along, letting all of us savor the moment / Leaving me broken another time," remind listeners that Disturbed has matured both musically and lyrically since the days of wanting to "take you, scare you, fuck you after we finish the show". Really, I should write a thank-you note to the girl who (perhaps unknowingly) caused all of this pure lovesickness. It brings out the best in David vocally and lyrically. His feverish obsessions actually bring out the best in his bandmates, too. Guitarist Dan Donegan offers up a smooth-sailing guitar solo that wails with the best of 'em. Bassist John Moyer and drummer Mike Wengren create a groovy, yet arguably heavy, rhythm that slams ten times harder than "Stupify" ever could.
Disturbed devotees everywhere should instantly recognize "Dehumanized", although it appears on this single in a different form -- yup, we get the coveted studio version here. As anyone who picked up Music As A Weapon II should know, Disturbed performed the never-before-heard "Dehumanized" (a beautiful Believe B-side) during their set. Although the differences between the live performances and studio version are few, hardcore fans may have to listen to this one several times over to truly adjust. This midpaced song contains some of David's most beautiful, sorrowful vocal work to date. The entrancing verses are gorgeous, and the sonic chorus is instantly memorable -- "If I offer you my soul, will you carry me away? / I cannot be the only one to be dehumanized again, left behind." Dan's crispy guitar riffs are simple and don't overpower David at all.
This single is an essential token to anyone who seeks out Disturbed rarities. As I mentioned earlier, I'd usually grumble about there only being two songs on here. Rules are made to be challenged, and Disturbed is one of the bands that I'll forgive for releasing such a short single. Both songs on here are phenomenal. This may be a bit hard to find, sure -- and the solemn, mature vibe of the two songs featured may disappoint fans of the 'early Disturbed', a band that was a bit more welcome to profanity and anger. If you ask me, I adore the expansion of Disturbed's lyrical subjects. David can pull off love songs wondrously, because he brings different emotions to the table. With "Stricken", there's no 'girl, I want you back because you hurt me'. There's a desolate plea from a man who may be getting tired of meaningless relationships. Just as long as the next album isn't titled "Buff, leather-loving lead vocalist of metal band loves long strolls on the beach", I'm cool with it. Disturbed rocks.
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