British guitarist analyses Disturbed performing 'The Sound of Silence' in 2016! 

I have listened to a lot of reaction videos for this song, from professionals to "regular" people. I just came across this video and watched it. His dissection of this song was spot on. Also, he brings to light so many different aspects of this version that no one else even touched on.

I've never been a Disturbed fan, but, they so perfectly nailed this. The arrangement, his voice, it's a perfect interpretation. They make it theirs, while preserving the essence of the song.

I remember watching this performance when it first came out and just sitting there with tears running down my face by the end.. .. And before this I definitely wouldn't have called myself a Disturbed fan.. But you can not watch this and not notice how much talent David has...

Sometimes the best part of your analysis is watching your face as you are listening and enjoying. This version is so profound, deeply moving, emotional. Thanks Fil.

Fil is the most knowledgeable guy on RU-vid when it comes to music. His analysis of vocals is as good as his analysis of guitar and it is actually better that all the “ vocal “ teachers I’ve seen react to this song. Really well done in an articulate manner!

So many metal front men have astonishing voices.

David Draiman needs no autotune. He's well trained, and has a voice that other people can only wish for. He makes this song feel so deep.

every time I see this man, I smile. ..is it me or is his smile contagious?

Fil is a tireless (most literally) front-line soldier in the battle against auto-tune! Keep up the good fight!

This comment includes a cyber hug for including the detailed discussion of autotune, David's voice, the post production issue and even that he had a cold. I'm not generally a metal fan, but have come to recognize how many metal singers have tremendous pipes. He's also trained in classical singing, including Cantor singing. That must also contribute to his quality and longevity. I would suggest anyone who liked this should also watch, in addition to the other live performance, the official video for the full dramatic effect. Thank you, Fil, for the back-to-back work on this transcendent song.

I’ve seen no less than 30 analyses of the live version of this performance by vocalists, voice teachers, instrumentalists, etc. and you definitely had the deepest insight. Thank you for the hard work on this analysis.

David Draiman .....BEST vocalist there is!! Controlled and just awesome talent! The smoothness if wanted....the rasp WITH vibrato if wanted....pure if wanted and unbelievable range!

What a beautiful voice he has.

David is a hell of a vocalist. I enjoy Disturbed's music. His band is very tight also. No weak links there. But David is absolutely the shining star here. His monster vocal presence is a huge part of the bands success. The emotion he puts into his vocals comes blazing through like a fiery comet in each song. Can't help but be a fan.

I saw this S & G cover by Disturbed earlier this year sent to me by my son. This cover almost blew me outta my chair. I have to admit the cover by this man, IS incredible as I watched the original video. His dark tones empower this song. I read where Simon was gobsmacked by this cover. Thanks for reviewing this incredible cover of The Sounds of Silence! I have this cover on my playlist!

I have not heard this version before and I am literally gobsmacked! Thanks so much for this!

-Draiman covers roughly two-and-a-half octaves from bottom to top. His vocals are so distinctive. -Disturbed had been nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Rock Performance for their rendition of "The Sound of Silence" while appearing on Conan. -David Draiman: "The fact that I was sick as a dog (laughs). I remember I was definitely fighting something off, but it was a cool experience. It was cool performing with an actual orchestra. It was really vibing and the mood helped, I think, enhance the delivery. The stars just aligned that night and everything went right." - How Paul Simon Felt To Have Disturbed Transform Classic Song to Heavy Metal ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ntNfwoKD0XA.html -

Every time I hear this song I get chills hearing that growl

Paul Simon wrote this in February 1964 in the aftermath of the November 1963 assassination of President John. F. Kennedy, my first Commander in Chief while I was in the Navy. RIP Sir. Salute!!

David Draiman said in an interview that autotune was used but not asked for by the group. They didn't want it used but Conan wanted it. Draiman is descended from a Jewish Cantor who sang in the 2nd largest church? in Jerusalem. He learned a particular kind of Jewish singing. Fil, the video that goes with the song makes it more powerful.

I’m very appreciative that you brought up his illness during this particular performance! Aside from Disturbed’s/David’s obviously amazing rendition of this song, I found it phenomenal that on the day of this performance he had a horrible cold, and also in general suffers from serious acid reflux issues and has had to learn vocal techniques to compensate. When listening to this closely, it’s fairly easy to see where he has a little trouble hitting notes perfectly, but minutely adjusts his technique to compensate for how his illness at the time is affecting his vocal ability. I’m in awe of his voice, in general, I have enormous respect for ANY artist who, instead of potentially damaging their vocal folds by pushing through using their usual vocal technique, respect where their voice is at any particular moment and have the ability (through experience, an intimate connection to their voice, and excellent learned technique) to adjust accordingly in a way that is safe and, for the most part, effective in their performance. Much love & respect to you, Fil. 🤘🏻🎶💚

I never thought I would ever see the day I would enjoy the Sounds Of Silence by anyone other than Simon and Garfunkle. I was wrong!! This was FANTASTIC!! I have not heard this before and it is now on the top of my list. I was totally mesmerized by this! Thank you, Fil, for another great choice and analysis. I could care less about the auto tune here. It's still a great performance!

He had a severe sore throat for this performance and he still totally rocked this

I just adore your smile. Such pleasure from beautiful music makes us all smile. Thank you for continuing educating the world 💕

Thank you, Fil - I appreciate you taking the time to do requests. 😊 I love that they took this song, gave it a completely new interpretation with a different emotional impact and yet still managed to protect the integrity of Simon’s composition. I, personally, like this emotional tone better than the original. That’s nothing against the original at all - I don’t know how anyone can listen to Simon & Garfunkel and not be melted by the harmony of their voices combined with the emotion inherent in their song compositions. Right now, though, the darker tone of this cover fits better with where I am at in my life. I saw a comment about this song comparing the tone of Simon & Garfunkel to Disturbed: Simon & Garfunkel = a whispered warning Disturbed = a battle cry because the warning wasn’t heeded

This is the kind of interpretation inducing shivers down my spine and tears in my eyes. It's way above the original Simon & Garfunkel interpretation and I love S & G. Once again, you gave a brilliant and insightful review. Every time I come to your channel, I can say that I've learned something. Thanks, Fil, for the valuable time spent on your channel.

Great analysis of Draiman's vocal on this absolutely gorgeous rendition of a classic S&G song. ❤️

Fil doesn't believe in time off. Best analysis of all the reactions out there to this performance.

The "Disturbed" rendition is fantastic, he controlled his voice beautifully, I had no idea who this singer was till my favourite Anonymous brother shared this rendition on his FB profile 2 or 3 yrs ago, I normally hate headbanging (migraine inducing) music but when I chose to listen to this I was completely taken to my knees figuratively, I can never be on my knees in reality due to severe arthritis lol.

Never heard of Draiman or Disturbed, but he can really sing.

Dearest Fil, you melt my face with your knowledge! Brilliant!

Just a heads up, #1 David was VERY ill during this performance, that is why he is sitting down, he did not think would be able to stand for the entire performance. #2 David was pissed when he realized Conan producers were using auto tune on him, you can see him wince when it happens. #3 David believes that you should not record anything that you can not sing live. I have seen him sing this live in concert, he hits every single note, true as a bell.

Another great pick Fil. This is why we love you!

Fil, you are so spot on that David doesn’t need auto tune. His talent is so immense, it’s criminal to add auto tune to his performance. His voice gives me chills .Thanks Fil

You paused in a perfect place. I noticed the young man on the chello. I could be wrong, but he is playing by ear. Everyone else is reading their music, he has his ear to his instrument. Just fantasist me. I think he's a natural. And of course David. My God, I have never heard such a powerful voice. All of it together makes this so dang good. Can't get enough.

Thank you for explaining the singing techniques in layman's terms. I now have a deeper understanding how my favorite performers craft their musical talents. Knowing what the terms mean gives me a better apprection when I listen to the music.

One of the best reaction AND educational reaction videos I've seen to this masterpiece! Well done sir!

What I've heard said in interviews: David Draiman had the flu with fever that day, and the show wanted the auto tune because they felt that a sick David wouldn't be able to reach the high notes. David was furious but he couldn't overrule the contract. If I have misremembered any of this, my apologies. It's been a while. It doesn't matter to me, though. IMO, this performance wasn't injured in any way by production shenanigans or David's illness. Major props all around that stage. ❤🎉😊

I never thought anybody would ever be able to touch this song, let alone own it. Is it better than the original? No, but their interpretation is unequivocally its equal.

Thank you for the detailed, technical, and deep analysis and for the vocal demonstrations, all of which help us understand the artistry and technique contained within performances. This was a fantastic critique of an interesting and unique performance. I also very much appreciate the back-to-back discussions of two renditions of the same song. Thank you!

Right on !!!...Most appropriate...!!!......Great job....!!!....No auto tune...and no strangling record- label contracts....!!!

Nice going FIL you hit 100k!!CONGRATULATIONS!! (You earned it with your determination to grow your channel).

I was blown away the very first time I heard this version of Sound of Silence! I ran accross this version over a year ago immediately fell in love with David's voice!! The emotions I feel through this song comes perfectly to life through Disturbed's version. 💕👍

I love watching you watch someone preform. Great smile ❤️✌️🇺🇸

OMG - his voice is absolutely earth shattering...and your analysis is absolutely brilliant! Thank you, Fil,!!

I LOVE how you talk about David with such admiration and respect 💕💕 I appreciate that

I cannot understand who the hell would give ONE thumb down in this analysis. I’d give this 1000 thumbs up if I could. GREAT ANALYSIS FIL! As always. ❤️🤘🏼

First off, thanks for the redirect to David D without autotune with Myles Kennedy in Houston. I actually found both performances stunningly good and I'm an old Simon n Garfunkel grad. That certainly is a powerful and steady voice. As a fan of many singer-songwriter balladeers I will say that heavy metal artists who DO ballads are often favorite songs to me.

HIS VOICE IS AMAZING 😍😍😍

Glad to have tuned into this - you find warm, talented souls - wow! His voice is as much his own as it is the echoes of Saxons and drums, moors and love.

Thanks Fil. It does hurt to know they added auto tune to this after David sang it, but the crowd heard the original performance, and their reaction says it all! More John Denver live, please 😊 X from Australia.

He has such a rich technique background in schooling to be a Canter. He still works on his voice with a coach...hes amazing! I've seen this concert live.. he hushed an entire arena!

This is easily my favorite cover of the song. When I first saw the video, I was blown away and that is a rare experience at my age.

I am not a fan of Heavy Metal but I do love David’s cover of this song. For a natural Baritone he has amazing range and control. Something one does not hear often. I am 58 yrs old and have always felt that Simon & Garfunkel’s version was missing something. David’s version has that something. Not 100% sure what it is lol but he definitely nails it in my humble opinion. This is one of the best reaction to this cover I have watched. Thank-you

Ok Fil, I have listened 5 times. All five times gave me goose bumps. You know that has to be something very powerful. I still can't get over it!! This, IMO, is the best cover song EVER!!

What a great rendition of one of the best songs ever written! Powerful, haunting, and beautiful. Thanks Fil!

I’ve been a Disturbed fan since their beginning. To be able to cover such a beautiful song is amazing. I believe he had the flu and wasn’t aware they were going to use auto tune. He didn’t need it. His voice has an amazing range. 💕

To take on one of the most iconic songs ever written is truly brave. Kudos!!!

I really enjoy your vocal analysis! And great definitions of vibrato and tremolo!

Very ironic that they (Conan producers) thought that a nearly perfect performance of a song about how technology can disintegrate artistic expression and communication needed auto tune. 😕 Great analysis! And I love your accent! ❤️

Wish I could like it more than once! This one will do it, Fil!!!!

just a word of Thanks! for the amount of insight/knowledge/feedback/wisdom/inspiration you gave/give on your vid reactions....being a drummer that can't sing, watching/listening to Dave (singer for Disturbed) pour out his heart & soul on this classic song makes me appreciate his gift all the more. Legendary goosebumps!

Fil, thank you for the rant against auto tune and thank you for your analysis. Nothing gives me the chills down my spine like Simon and Garfunkel's version of Sound of Silence.

You Sir have an enormous amount of musical knowledge, and share it effortlessly. Well done.

I was at the Houston show at the Cynthia Woods Pavilion. Absolute perfection.

WOW! Great job Fil, I loved it. Great video and analysis. When the other voice kicked, in while the video was focused on the musicians, I seriously thought that it was a different person singing, it was THAT different!

I only stumbled onto this cover a few weeks ago, and I think I was 5 when Simon & Garfunkel released it, but probably never heard it until 1969 or '70. I have loved their music so much. I'd never heard of "Disturbed' or David Draiman, but was so stunned when I first listened to him. I always love watching the expressions on your face as you are watching/listening to a performance. Such a cute smile!!

What a fantastic voice. Power, control, perfect controlled tone... Really really good. Much love for Disturbed!

Just...stunning. My mouth fell open when I saw this on Conan. Thank you so much for analyzing this! Who would think he would/could do this classical performance? STUNNING. Love when he goes into the distortions with his voice - and that orchestra! And those - what are they? Kettle drums? WOW.

One of the best (if not THE best) breakdowns of this beautiful performance. And holy cow, the explanation of tremolo vs vibrato was very educational. Thanks SOOO much

I saw them live in San Diego, great show !

Out of all the reviews and reactions I’ve seen on this song, yours was the most interesting. You gave so much insight and knowledge on the situation but didn’t come off as pretentious. I really really enjoyed this. Thank you!

What a powerful song this one is. Thanks for sharing Fil and a great analysis. Congratulations Fil on 100,000+ subs!!!

I M H O reminds me of the way that Johnny Cash made Hurt his own . I love both versions because I heard the original version as a kid and thought it was a very deep song then now on David's version deep and dark. And very much relative, now more so than the original. Cheers Fil ! Your fan Dennis

Oooooh!!! YES! Thank you Fil!

The best explaintion of this song. The 2 singers I did not think of. Really like your videos

Hats off to you once again for hitting the nail on the head with every point you brought up in this analysis, Fil. I found myself saying, "yes!" out loud a lot during this! Please, keep ranting away about auto tune. Hopefully someone will hear you...

Brilliant analysis Fil. On your advise I went and listened to the live performance of Disturbed with Myles Kennedy recorded in Houston. How powerful that performance is... and no AUTO-TUNE... Loved it! Thank you for suggesting it... Cheers!

This is one of the most comprehensive videos I've seen on this topic. You have explained a lot more about the techniques than any other channel. Thank you very much, talented vocal artist need recognition.

I love to see how much you are enjoying this performance 💕

I hate auto tune! I saw them live, and yes, he doesn't need it! He often talks fondly of his early classical training and credits his voice teacher. Can you imagine singers like Dylan, Lennon or Joe Cocker on auto-tune? Horrifying.

I totally LOVED Draiman's version! Gave me chills! Just awesome! Love the way you explain everything, Fil 💙 Btw..I love the rasp in his voice, too!

What a great voice and performance, I enjoyed this anaylis and found it so interesting..Thanks Fil❤

It’s wonderful to watch you enjoying this rendition

I know these lyrics so well. This artist has such great ability and this song really allows him to show us that ability. I was not on guard in regards to auto tune so I was a bit disappointed at first. I then realized and agreeded that the use of auto tune was a mistake but as Fil says 'the song version was already out". Thanks Fil.

Ah… this video is how I found your channel. I’m a huge Disturbed and David Draiman fan. And now a huge fan of you! Great as always. Definitely worth a re-watch.

This cover was so stunning when I first heard it and now I know why. I love how the 60's version fit the times then, and Disturbed's powerful version fits the times we live in now. Rant away, by the way...this didn't sound QUITE so awesome to me as the initial recorded, non-TV one. Auto-tune must be the culprit!

100k subscribers. Congratulations. Nice to watch someone build something. I remember the excitement there was when you got 10k. Keep up the good work. Let’s do Funkadelic’s Maggot Brain. Houston. 1978. Rock.

"Disturbed". What an uplifting name for a band.

It didn't stop them from receiving a Grammy Nomination for best LIVE rock performance since the Grammy panel wasn't sitting in the Conan audience hearing it LIVE....

I learn so much from you. The insight you provide about how the music is produced really makes the end product more enjoyable. Thanks for providing a little education along with fantastic music. Always glad to hear your voice during these crazy times

HUGE CONGRATS, FIL ON HITTING 100K! Nobody on this thing called RU-vid deserves it more! You've worked your ass off and I really wish we could be there in person to celebrate with you! Can't wait to see you Tuesday!

This was a video I was surprised by...being such a huge Simon & Garfunkel fan, this was a unique and fitting arrangement. And what a voice to bring such a deep, dark sound! Great analysis by you!

What an astonishing performance of a timeless classic. Perfect commentary of how talented Disturbed's vocalist is. Great job Fil!

If I was a betting man, I would NEVER have bet any of my money on Disturbed ever performing a song of any kind like this!!! WELL DONE! Thanks as always FIL!

I was a teen in the 1960s. I only knew the S&G version. I had never heard this cover. It is powerful. I learned about treble and tremolo from his analysis. I have no voice/singing background. Only school band music for 3 years. You have provided me such a deeper appreciation of the raw talent of those you analysis. And broaden my vocabulary.

I have seen Disturbed 3 times in concert, the man is incomparable and yes he can sing w/incredible ability!

You are a very special young man and thank you for showing the respect that you have for David's voice. You have great knowledge and understanding. I am a 77 yr old music lover and this is my number one performance. also you are the only Bell I have turned on.

CONGRATS ON 100K SUBSCRIBERS!!! WOOHOO!!🥂👏🏼💖

Absolutely love your reaction. I've watched many reactions because I find this song so touching; but you brought new understanding by discussing the use of autotune, in this instance. David has the voice of an angel and never needs "help" or "props".