Classical Composer Reacts to DISTURBED: DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS | The Daily Doug (Episode 758) 

Mad fucking respect for playing the uncensored version instead of the music video. Just adds that intensity the song really needs to really be felt.

Your "WHAT WAS THAT?" at the first was how we all reacted when this album first came out haha

I appreciate how Doug at 5:00 got closer to his screen to hear better on his headphones🤷😅

Doug: I want to hear the full version Those of us who have heard the full version: 😶

Doug reading the angry expletive rant in a calm, slow manner really got me

Metal Mondays is where it's at!

I literally suffered that kind of abuse all my childhood, so discovering Korn and Disturbed made me feel so... idk man, I don't even know how to describe how it felt to listen to this on my teenages. Love them till now.

David has mastered using the guttural growls without causing strain to his vocal cords. And he uses it to GREAT effect in Disturbed's songs.

Of course, the intro's primal shout is the most iconic part, but what I'm really curious about is Doug's reaction to the awkward bridge that everyone seems to forget!

its always so cool to me seeing doug do perfect air drums while listening to a song for the first rime

Thank you Doug. I’m 57 years old and have just found Disturbed. I love your response to this song. Luv from Australia ❤️🎼❤️🎼❤️

what a way to wake up

7:56 Doug is going down with the sickness 🤣🤣🤣

I love how this song just stops,no fade out no outro,that is the perfect way to end this song

Growing up with alot of gaslighting, extreame emotional abuse and around undiagnosed mental illlness I remember hearing this song at a party and just absolutely bawling my eyes out. I obviously knew it was a metafore BUT it still spoke to me on an emotional level and made me realize that what had been my life up to that point was not normal... That was when I started to plot my "escape" from my parents, I had already cut contact with one of them(the one I was not "loyal" to). It took me 2 tries but a few years later I was free, I owe alot to this song.

"Play the monkey song, Uncle" is what I heard from my nephew when we were in the car.

So glad you played the uncensored full version. Adds so much to the impact of the song that’s lost in the edited official video version!

The 3+3+2 meter in this song is called a "Tresillo." When done with 16th notes, it's the first half of a rhythmic phrase common to Cuban music called the "Son Clave," which is syncopated as 3+3+4+2+4. You also get the same pattern when you take the first half of a bossa-nova rhythm, which is fully phrased as 3+3+4+3+3. It's a bit harder to parse in this song because it's done in eighth notes instead of 16th notes, effectively making it a compound rhythm with two bars of 6/8 and one bar of 2/8, which as you mentioned simplifies to two bars of 4/4. I usually mentally count an eighth note tresillo as "1 and 2 and 3 and | 1 and 2 and 3 and | 1 and 2 and" compared to a 16th note tresillo which I count as "1 and a 2 and a 3 and | 1 and a 2 and a 3 and." Despite being based on a Cuban tempo, Tresillos and Son Claves can be found in lots of American rock music, and once you know what you're looking for, you'll find the rhythm everywhere.

fun fact about the "oh ah ah ah ah" at the beginning..david draiman (the singer) put that scream there after the whole recording..originally there was a full stop..but he tought it would be cool to add that because of the primalistic nature of the intro..iconic

David has so many colors to his voice. Couple that with his rhythmic annunciation and it elevates the music.

This song needs to be preserved in the Library of Congress. To me, it is their best song, middle section included. When I listen to it, I really do feel that desire to be yourself and not conform for the sake of conforming. The second verse ("I can see inside you, the sickness is rising...") is like Draiman reaching out and inviting the listener to break free of the chains put on you by "Mommy." The whole album in general is full of these metaphors about individuality being represented through images of sickness, sex (consensual and not), beatings, murder, etc... The band name itself is a part of this as well. "Disturbed" is a reference to someone expressing their individuality and going against the grain being labeled "disturbed" in some way by society, or the mother culture. They're taking those negative labels of being sick and disturbed and reclaiming them. They have a song called "A Welcome Burden" written for this album but not officially released until their B-sides compilation album "The Lost Children," which describes the "rape of the mother culture," and peeling away her disguise to find the sickening truth (to which Draiman says "I kind of like it ugly"). If you didn't know any better, a simple face-value reading of the lyrics from this whole album is, if you can pardon the pun, disturbing. But it's clear there is a pure and potent desire for individuality that permeates this whole album.

The video with the uncensored lyrics is really the best way to TOTALLY get this tune, IMHO.

This song will always be iconic and legendary

Love your interpretation of the mid section. I always heard about the "it's not about literal abuse but about mother culture" but you're the first person who was able to explain it in a way that makes sense with the absolute rage in it. For me it is such a release when I'm feeling frustrated to crank that part and just yell it out. It's like primal therapy and I always feel better afterwards. Thank you so much for reacting to the entire song. I get so frustrated when that bit is cut out as, for me, it's such an important piece of the story of the song.

Everybody cringes and makes fun of the mommy break. I just really appreciated Doug getting the meaning of it and the weirdness of the harmony in that part. I personally love that part. The unhinged artistic expression and risk of putting something like that on your big breakout single. Also the weird meter. It's fun.

Literally the first time I’ve heard that middle section. Wow. Reminds me of Suicidal Tendencies 🤘

I think you can figure out the section that was removed for radio............. and I heard it 100 times like that before I ever heard the full length version!! Surprise!!

This will be in my head all day now 😂

This helps me so much as a kid who played guitar and never understood why I played what I did. Now I understand the Phrygian and Locrian references. Where was YT and Doug when I could've used this info? lol.

I absolutely love Disturbed. Seen them live for the first time last year at Download Festival and my goodness they absolutely killed it! The energy and passion they put in to their set is fantastic. David has one of the best voices around and he really gets the crowd going to. Awesome band! Thanks for taking a look at this classic, Doug! 👍🏻

I rememberber listening to this on my local radio station. I was like holy crap they're playing the uncensored version. Needles to say I haven't heard it since. lol

I've been a fan of Disturbed since I was a kid, I used to really like The Sickness album. As I've grown up and thought about it I feel like the sound was lacking a bit of depth and they hadn't quite found their groove yet. If you try their albums Ten Thousand Fists and Indestructible I would say that's where they had really worked out their winning formula, I love those albums.

An undeniable classic

I first heard this when a guitarist in my band brought the cd to practice and it blew my away. It was still on an indie label in '99 six months b4 it was on radio. First 2 albums kill it.

I've seen them live 7 times. Always phenomenal. In the bridge they go to 7/4 time.

Thank you for making my night. Your reactions and remarks are right on. You made me laugh and chuckle. Disturbed is amazing and I'm in my mid 60's and just discovered them a few years ago.

Hopefully he does more disturbed, but I'm exited for some early Korn. The Bass on the early stuff is crazy, and the bagpipes hey throw in sometimes are really interesting. I don't know if he'll react to Daddy, but it's in my opinion there best song. it's heavy, dark and experimental it and fits the lyrics/backstory very well. the acapella intro, the creepy riffs, the crying/singing near the end, the weird conversation on the extended cut, etc. Everything about it is such a pure raw work of art, from a deep emotional pit. I think the best Music paints a picture and builds a world with it's sound, and this does that amazingly.

My first ever comment on a RU-vid video, love everything you do, and Down with the Sickness is so iconic. Really appreciate your take on this music and your insight.

Yesss! Haven't even listened past you saying you're using the uncut version yet. Props to you. A lot of reactors seem uncomfortable with the verse that's cut out and don't use it. I can't wait to watch the rest of the video.

Doug, you HAVE to react to Judas Priest - Diamonds and Rust live Epitaph, this is absolutely one of my favorite performances in a live concert EVER, I also recommend everyone who’s never seen it, truly amazing

The first time I heard this song (and it was this version), I was blown away by the power and emotion that this song carries. Amazing song. Nice choice man.

I think you hit that analogy on the head. Also the Wahaahahaha David improvised that because the beat was just so primal that it just happened and it was left in.

I "discovered" the band Disturbed when I saw the movie, Dawn of the Dead (the 2004 version). Zombie movie, great one, if you've never seen it (before shows like the Walking Dead came out). Disturbed plays this song in the closing/credits of the movie and since then I've been a huge fan of theirs. I do wonder, if not for the movie, when I would have discovered them?

Hey Doug, if you really want OG Disturbed, you should check out their song "Want". It is the very first song the band wrote with David when he tried out for the guys back in the day. The intro drum beat is a polyrhythm. If you look hard enough on YT, there's a video of Mike Wengren breaking it down.

I have heard this track so many times and played the intro on drums a few times, but I am still kind of "envious" of you to being able to hear it for the first time, because that first sensation of "what the Helvering did I just hear" is really great

Aw... To think we could've had Iron Maiden's Total Eclipse today for a Metal Monday eclipse special! Missed opportunity!

Unedited! Yes, Doug!!

I CANNOT WAIT for you to get into the 2nd album, Believe. The melodies are just *chef's kiss*

A little bit of background, the "ooh-wah-a-wah-ah" was an improvisation. The lead singer dropped it randomly in a late session and it ended up making the final cut. And now it's iconic.

Love Disturbed, and, loved your reaction! Not many reactors see the full version, so, yours was a treat. Please do more from Disturbed as they have a huge catalog of hits well worth getting to know. 😊

I don't know if you have checked out the band Primus. Primus is a very unique band and has a sound that is unmatched by any other band. You should listen to 'My Name is Mud' or 'Jerry was a racecar driver' by Primus.

Hello from Cody Wyoming 😊you're awesome keep it up

I grew up with this song and, as a person who grew up in abuse, I always felt a connection to it in that sense of my own person. Hearing you talk about the societal interpretations of it though has really opened my eyes to a whole other side of this music - so thank you very much for that! I love the new angle and I think I'll really enjoy keeping it in mind the next time I listen to this song.

This is why I am subscribed. Person with classical background understanding and breaking down metal. In my opinion, some classical (including opera) was just metal before amplifiers were invented.

The "Mother Culture" is a reoccurring theme in Disturbed's lyrics, the most prominent use I can think of is the song A Welcome Burden which I interpret as the building a new culture on the ashes of the previous (the mother culture).

I love Metal Mondays. This is an incredible song. Thanks for choosing it. 🤘

Although I was well aware of the metaphorical meaning of this track, I sent this version to my mother, as I suffered a great deal of mental and physical abuse from her as a child. It gave me a sense of closure.

Doug! Since you fooled us with Metalli-Huey Enter Sandman, you gotta do ‘Land Down One-der’

Absolutely should do stricken!!

Iremember buying this album when it came out. I wore the tape out listening to it.

Always knew of them but I never checked out their music until I heard Sound of Silence This is the first time hearing this version. I love David’s voice and really like a lot of their songs . 😊

Appreciate you, Doug - another solid review

That song is one of my favourite songs of there's. So powerful and David voice is truly great

Love this song!❤ I remember buying this CD when it came out

I actually first heard the full version of the song on the radio when it first came out, but it was late at night when the DJs can get away with more. The part about the mother/son shocked me to the point that I had to pull over the car and just process it for a while.... but at the same time, it was hugely cathartic to me even though I never went through abuse in the literal sense depicted in the song (for many of the same reasons you discuss in your video).

I really like the way your interpretation of the meaning of the song. Most reactions I've seen take it literally and get chocked.

Whenever I hear this song Im reminded of going to the theaters to see the DAWN OF THE DEAD remake and hearing the Richard (Dick) Cheese cover of this song, which is like lounge music. Doug should totally hear that band too.

I will never forget the first time hearing the full song and my first thought was, “Oh fuck I cannot play this around my sister.” She was uber christian and would *not* have been happy with me.

I first heard this in High School. I would jam stuff like this during off campus lunches and practice my oboe in the evenings.

72 YR OLD GRANDMA OF 2 HERE❤️⚘️ Doug this is a sad song Chester took his life. I loved Lincoln Park , it was sad and hard back in the day. 60s 70s and 80s were my stomping grounds. There is an Artist I really think you'd enjoy. I really enjoyed your reaction and wanted to share. If you would like to check out "Dan Vasc" , is Beyond Epic. He is another singer who admired Linkin Park as a young singer himself starting out. If your a voice coach you would so enjoy Dan's 250 covers of many genres. Dan has had professional training ! He's metal / rock his Amazing Grace is Epic. He just dropped a metal version of " My Heart Will Go On" . Incredible ! From Disneys movie classics , Tarzan , Mulan (metal) ! Opera / Phantom of , Bocelli, Nessum Dorma, 70's 80's 90's A Million Dreams , Beauty and the Beast , Elvis's "American Trilogy cover " he did 5 days after his Father passed. That was about 7 yrs ago and was a very Heart Felt dedication to his Dad. He and his father used to sing Opera together when he was a young boy. His father gave him a harmonica at 7-8 yrs old and he still plays it today. He's humble, shows his emotion , feelings theatrics and animation is incredibly unique ways. He could be on Broadway ! ! Sooo much more. He started his channel at 18-20 yrs old back 07 - 08 he's 34 and his goal was to hit 1 million Subs. He almost there with well over 900 thousand. He has a montage of photo's from when he first started to Michael Boltons song "Go The Distance". From day 1 He has all his music on his channel for all to see. He loves for his followers to see and hear his improvements. JUMP IN the rabbit hole Dan has created Is ONE YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS !!! And won't regret it ❤️⚘️ I've subcribed and I'm anxious to follow . Thankyou Doug ❤⚘️

For the guitar tuning they drop C. A very common base tuning for them early for the first 3 albums or so.

Rock on! This song still gets me hyped!

The bridge is in 7/4 or 4/4+3/4 and it really changes up the feel of the song.

I just discovered your channel by chance. I love your reactions. I am a big fan of Disturbed

Really interesting, as always

i was in college when this album came out and it seemed like someone was always listening to it or the first system of a down album. good times!

refreshing to see somebody who appreciates the technicality of disturbed. like you said, they came out at a time when they could not be appreciated. These guys, kids at the time, were musical geniuses. draiman may be one of the most underrated talents of our generation. I found you thru your take on the sound of silence video which is one of my all time favorites. So many bands during this era were creating huge batches of nothing, but some 20 years later people are hearing this content for the first time and saying like you did, wow. Love it, subscribed. Keep at it, and thank you.

Drowning Pool's Bodies is another classic from the early 2000s. Dave Williams was a good guy and talented singer, gone too soon

I used to listen to this song (and other Disturbed's stuff) in my teenage years. I love their early records - It was hard, rough, punchy and deep. I'm glad that you liked this song and thank you for the analysis.

That album cover is very Warhammer 😮

OOOOOOOooooo Ah ah ah ahhhhhhh!!!!

Your intro for this both made me feel old and may be one of the best things I’ve ever seen given the context of which song you’re doing. It’s like when you hear someone talking about bach 😂

I listened to it on cd growing up. I never gave the middle section a second thought as a kid 😅

check out The Wrist by Mushroomhead. they have a few good songs, Solitaire Unraveling etc. they have good combo of drums, piano combos with the usual metal guitars

After listening to this album so many times. I just expect to hear violence fetish play right after 😅....really happy to see you dive into their earlier music. They have so much good music.

Hey Doug, you have to do Dimmu Borgir - Dimmu Borgir next! Especially the live version from Wacken 2012 is truly excellent as the song is performed with a full classical orchestra + choir on stage with the band.

glad you got to the breakout hit, it was really formative for me to decide to not shy away from the full version, its really a great piece of musical theatre and so wildly uncomfortable and gripping but still musical but also well acted. I really like their song Remember, it gives david some great oppurtunities to shine on vocals and has such gnarly main riff i cant get enough of. Theres a live version on the band's youtube channel (Live in Quebec City) that is awesome too. I think youd totally enjoy it. love and peace

Hi, I see a lot metal group passing by, but one, yes one specifically group that is so good and they play it up so little! The name is "Yesterday and Today" shortened "Y&T" lissen to the LP "Earthshaker" from 1981, all the song are master pieces. Last song of the LP is the most beautiful metal balade 'I Believe In You" Greeting from Belgium

The story behind the "oh ah ah ah" is that during the recording of the song David Draiman was just feeling primal from the drums and just improvved that and they kept it

had to subscribe to you after this :) hugs from norway

I recommnd the band Death. Voice of the soul is an emotional amazing instrumental. Or crystal Mountain. Chuck is considered the godfather of death metal and just an amazing player.

Doug, this is one of the songs used in the cult classic 2002 film "Queen of the Damned" You can hear it playing during the concert scene in the desert before the band takes the stage. David is featured singing lead vocals in the song "Forsaken" as the Vampire LeStat during the opening credits of the film (they used several powerful metal singers of the time to sing as the LeStat, who had a rock band). Please react to Disturbed's song "Stupify" (and yes, it means what it means in Harry Potter) when you get a chance. Thanks! :)

Doug, please do a Daily Doug on the band Jellyfish and their song New Mistake.

PLEASE do more of Disturbed's classic songs like STUPIFY, PRAYER, STRICKEN, INSIDE THE FIRE or INDESTRUCTIBLE!!!

@Doug Helvering Maybe do a double shot of AB - one live (Albert Hall or Wembley) and one acoustic in studio (Billboard) of the same song. "Addicted to Pain" or "Rise Again." You won't regret it! Thx! Great show today...woooooh, wha ah ah ah ah!

I feel you can take a guess at what part is cut from the radio edit ;) Such an incredible banger.

Huh, I didn't even know there *was* an extended version

One correction to something you said-the reason this song is done at the end of concerts is because it takes David’s vocal folds that long to warm up enough so that the harsh vocal sounds at the beginning won’t cause damage. I “discovered” Disturbed just a few years ago but I have watched every video interview I can find in a effort to understand their message and music.

I love the way you reacted to this amazing song. As others have pointed out, the "sickness" in the song is referring more to the "diseas" of non-conformity. Looking back through American history especially you see in each major rebellious period the people not wanting to conform to the status quo being label sick, disturbed, or similar terms to make them outcasts and the song itself it encouraging people to embrace that as a badge of honor that you are working to build a culture that will accept individuality.

Great live band! If you get the chance to see them live, do so!