Divisive (Blue Translucent Vinyl)

Released on 18 November 2022, Divisive marks the eighth studio album from the heavy metal stalwarts Disturbed, produced by Drew Fulk. With the first single, “Hey You,” dropping on 14 July 2022, the band rekindles the raw energy of their earlier work, reminiscent of the iconic The Sickness and Ten Thousand Fists. The promotional track “Unstoppable,” unveiled on 23 September 2022, whets the appetite for what’s to come.

In the lead-up to this album, frontman David Draiman had made it clear that he sought to channel the collective anger and frustration stemming from the tumultuous backdrop of the pandemic. His Instagram post from April 2022 teased the completion of the album, showcasing a whiteboard filled with song titles marked with an “X,” sparking speculation among fans about potential covers.

A notable highlight of Divisive is the collaboration with Ann Wilson of Heart on the track “Don’t Tell Me.” Draiman’s admiration for Wilson, stemming from her response to their rendition of “The Sound of Silence,” led to a genuine friendship that culminated in this stellar contribution. The band has expressed its humility at having such rock royalty join their ranks.

Musically, “Hey You” surged to the top of the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, while “Bad Man” emerged as a radio favourite, drawing inspiration from the recent geopolitical turmoil. Clocking in at a brisk 37 minutes and 55 seconds, Divisive is the band’s shortest offering yet, proving that brevity can still pack a punch.

Critical reception has been largely positive, with Blabbermouth.net awarding it an impressive 8.5/10. In a review on Wall of Sound, Ricky Aarons noted the album’s heaviness, suggesting, “Overall, Disturbed’s new album is a pretty good record. Is it great? That decision may be divisive.” Kris Peters from Heavy Magazine echoed this sentiment, declaring, “Yes, Disturbed will always continue to do what they want musically, but don’t ever think that means they are going soft.”

Joe Daly of Metal Hammer reinforced the album’s strength, rating it 4 out of 5 stars and stating, “Polarising or not, Disturbed have reasserted their claim to the modern metal throne.” In a time where fans crave authenticity and intensity, Divisive delivers, ensuring that Disturbed continues to resonate deeply with both old and new audiences alike.