Track Listing
01. Indestructible
02. Inside the Fire
03. Deceiver
04. The Night
05. Perfect Insanity
06. Haunted
07. Enough
08. The Curse
09. Torn
10. Criminal
11. Divide
12. Façade

My introduction to the latest release from Disturbed came months ago, when, while listening to 94.9 here in Salt Lake City, I heard the unmistakable vocal of David Draiman and the thudding bass of John Moyer. Disturbed was back, and they were back with a frighteningly evil vengeance. Through the pitiful speakers of my car radio, a conversation between a man and the devil came to life. I remember thinking then that if the rest of the album was as gripping as “Inside the Fire” then the three years since 10,000 Fists would well be worth the wait.

The real question of course is does the rest of the album live up to the superiority of the first radio single? To answer the question – in my opinion, Indestructible may well be the best metal album to date in 2008. From the title track, “Indestructible,” all the way through to the finale of “Façade,” each song builds on the next, creating a cyclonic energy with each of the twelve tracks. It's Dorothy’s tornado you’ve been dragged into and the world you visit is an alternative Oz where the wicked witch holds power and the wizard you must face is your own inner devil.

Building on the growth of their politically adept 10,000 Fists, Disturbed shows new rage in their range – keeping the sound clearly “disturbing” while exploring the pain of suicide, war, and loss of innocence that have always been the dark draw for the Heavy Metal crowd.

“Inside the Fire” is as catchy as Disturbed gets, but the radio-worthy effort does not compromise lyrics or theme. The video is so graphic that video channels and streaming websites have the freedom to edit as needed and it comes with a disclaimer from Draiman about the back story of the song – his own struggles with the loss of a loved one to suicide.

The album, of course, holds clear elements of the songwriting style of Disturbed – not the least of which is the demonic sound of Draiman’s voice. His dark tone adds power to the album’s conversation with our inner devils.

As with much of Disturbed’s work, the songs have a tendency to run together, which can act against the band. While the choices made do not bother me, and in fact, as I have stated, show clear growth in the band, it does have the risk of turning off potential listeners. I believe, however, that the choices and theme fit Disturbed well and the growth, especially in the lyrical quality of Indestructible, is clear.

Over and over, I hear lamentations about the state of music and how there is so much shit out there that to find the buried gems just isn’t worth it. This gem, born of fire and flame, is easily the best album this year. Indestructible pulls no punches and like every good metal album forces the listener deep into their own psyche. There is no forgiveness and your soul is your own to barter with the devil.

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