Asylum (Disturbed album)
Asylum is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Disturbed. It was released on August 31, 2010, in the United States by Reprise Records. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the band's fourth consecutive album to achieve this feat.
Background and Production:
The album's creation followed a period of significant personal challenges for the band members, particularly vocalist David Draiman, who experienced personal difficulties that influenced the album's lyrical content. The songwriting process was collaborative, with the band exploring darker and more introspective themes than in their previous work. Production was handled by Disturbed themselves, as with their previous albums.
Musical Style and Themes:
Asylum retains Disturbed's signature heavy metal sound, characterized by prominent guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Draiman's distinctive vocals. However, the album also incorporates elements of industrial metal and a more pronounced emphasis on melody compared to some of their earlier releases.
Lyrically, Asylum delves into themes of mental instability, internal struggles, relationship conflicts, and societal anxieties. Songs often explore the darker aspects of the human condition and the search for meaning amidst chaos. The title track, "Asylum," reflects these thematic concerns, portraying a metaphorical sanctuary for the disturbed and disenfranchised.
Singles:
The album spawned several singles, including:
- "Another Way to Die"
- "Asylum"
- "The Animal"
- "Warrior"
Reception:
Asylum received generally positive reviews from critics. While some reviewers criticized a perceived lack of innovation, others praised the album's intensity, musicianship, and thematic depth. The album's commercial success solidified Disturbed's position as one of the leading bands in the heavy metal genre.
Track Listing:
The standard edition of Asylum features the following tracks:
- Remnants
- Asylum
- The Infection
- Warrior
- Another Way to Die
- Never Again
- The Animal
- Crucified
- Serpentine
- My Child
- Sacrifice
- Innocence
Some editions of the album included bonus tracks.
Personnel:
- David Draiman – vocals
- Dan Donegan – guitar, electronics
- John Moyer – bass
- Mike Wengren – drums, percussion