By Thom Copher

For the Gazette

Disturbed has forged and refined a sound that is unmistakably its own.

That sound had origins in quasi-industrial metal with 2000’s debut “The Sickness.” Steadily, the band has beefed up its presentation with subsequent offerings” 2002’s “Believe” and 2005’s “Ten Thousand Fists.” The band’s latest, “Indestructible,” is a logical — if not predictable — progression at this stage in its career.

The guys of Disturbed produced “Indestructible” themselves. Guitarist Don Donegan was the main producer with vocalist David Draiman and drummer Mike Wengren co-producing. 

Disturbed’s rhythm style should be trademarked. Their songs’ tempos have always been determined by a kick-drum/bass-guitar syncopation that, when properly cranked up, works the senses like a euphoria-inducing drug (or so I’m told ... ahem).

John Moyer’s bass work and Wengren’s tympanic exercises are definitely on the same page, and the evolution of Donegan’s six-string rhythm mastery has blended the band’s sonic foundation so that now, as a unit, they sound more like a symphony conducted by a jackhammer. Donegan also has made the transition from “solo-shy” to ripping out leads that are tasty without being shred-style and overblown.

Equally vital to the equation is the strength and precision of Draiman’s vocals. It’s common for his lyrics to fit within the groove of the music like a vocal rhythm guitar, especially during the bridges of songs where Disturbed are masterful at grabbing the listener. However, as Donegan has learned to layer his guitar sound, Draiman’s efforts now sound more like an ingredient rather than the main provider.

“Indestructible” begins with what are possibly its two strongest numbers. The fast-paced title track kicks things off and lyrically it conveys the sentiment of how Disturbed must be feeling about itself nowadays. 

Next is the single “Inside the Fire,” which has a personal hitch as Draiman recalls his experience of a girlfriend’s suicide years ago. The lyrics psychoanalyze what may have been the motivation as well as the human and divine reactions and responses. (I have to mention that this song’s video is a must-see; it’s graphic as to the subject matter but extremely thought provoking — even beyond the song itself.)

“Deceiver” is another scorcher, again with an irresistible melody, which may size up as a single on down the line.  From there, the band weaves between mid-tempo (“The Night,” “Haunted,” “Enough” and “Criminal”) to heavier rocking (“The Curse,” “Facade” and “Divide,” which features a solo that is unmistakably influenced by the band’s late friend, “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott) to flat-out getting down (“Torn,” which is arena-ready and includes what may be a career-best lead break by Donegan).

Also highlighted is “Perfect Insanity,” a holdover from the days before the band’s breakout hit “The Sickness.” Compare the 1998 original version with this retooled version, and it’s not difficult to piece together the orchestrated maturation that brings us to present-day Disturbed.

The boys from Chicago aren’t breaking any new ground in a major way this time around —just a couple of well-placed tweaks to keep the machine rolling. In a nutshell, “Indestructible” will satisfy fans who have grown up with the band and could even convert a few doubters who may have questioned the band’s heavy-metal conviction.

Disturbed will be co-headlining the Rockstar Mayhem Festival with Slipknot, which stops Aug. 2 at Pittsburgh’s Post-Gazette Pavilion.

Thom Copher is a local musician who also teaches adult education in Kanawha County.  He can be contacted at gazz-rock@yahoo.com.