Disturbed

Music as a Weapon II is a keepsake of Disturbed's 2003 tour of the same name, which also featured Taproot, Chevelle, and Ünloco. But it's ultimately about Disturbed. The Chicago combo isn't entirely free of genre homogeny, but its vigilant dedication to melody and a decent standard of bone-crushing metallurgy have helped carve a unique sonic niche. Both traits are evident on Weapon. A brooding introduction sidles up to the spiky, thick boot-heel strut of "Bound," and the previously unreleased "Dehumanized" -- "Let me see those fists!" David Draiman implores the gathered throng midsong -- should satiate those lying in wait for the band's next full-length. Disturbed know how to bring the house down, which they absolutely do with an incredible closing version of "Stupify." Too bad Beavis isn't around anymore. He would've loved Draiman's guttural yawps. "Don't denyeee meeee!" [Reprise issued a CD/DVD edition in 2004.] ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide