The Sickness

The Sickness is the debut album by Disturbed, from Chicago, Illinois, giving nu metal a distinctive center of gravity. Under the production of Johnny K, Dan Donegan's bouncing guitar riffs, Mike Wengren's tight drums and the bass of Steve "Fuzz" Kmak build a firm groove. What stands out most is David Draiman's commanding, expressive vocal. His voice, skillfully alternating scream and song, gives the band a one-of-a-kind identity. The signature "Down with the Sickness" became one of the band's biggest anthems with its vocal — featuring a distinctive vocalization — and weighty riff. "Stupify," "Voices" and "The Game" carry sharp hooks too, and "Shout 2000," a cover of Tears for Fears' "Shout," is included. At the height of the nu-metal era, Draiman's melodic singing and firm groove set them apart. Earning multi-platinum status, it is a powerful starting point that pushed the band to the center of the scene.