CINCINNATI, OH- Disturbed is currently on the road, this time celebrating the 25th anniversary of their monumental debut album, The Sickness. The album introduced the world to their signature sound—complete with one of the most memorable opening grunts in metal history at the start of “Down With the Sickness,” a moment so iconic that even casual listeners can recognize it. When the album dropped in 2000, it was the height of the Ozzfest era. Bands like Disturbed, Slipknot, and Godsmack were dominating rock radio, ushering in a darker, drum-driven sound and hard-hitting riffs that breathed new life into metal. This leg of the tour featured Daughtry and Nothing More as openers, setting the stage for an epic night of music.
Nothing More kicked things off, and the buzz from fellow concertgoers was overwhelmingly positive. I had never listened to the band prior to this show, but the glowing praise piqued my curiosity—and they did not disappoint. From the moment they hit the stage, it was a blur of kinetic energy, delivering a dynamic set blending progressive metal and alt-rock.
Frontman Jonny Hawkins—barefoot, shirtless, and painted with a black and gold “X” across his torso—captivated the audience with raw vocal power and commanding stage presence. Guitarist Mark Vollelunga, bassist Daniel Oliver, and drummer Ben Anderson held down the groove with razor-sharp precision, creating a tight, aggressive wall of sound.
Their six-song set was full of energy and made full use of the thrust stage. Two highlights for me—new to their music—stood out: First, David Draiman joined them onstage for “Angel Song,” their collaborative track from Nothing More’s latest album *Carnal*. Second, the set closed with “This Is The Time (Ballast)” from their 2014 self-titled album, featuring Hawkins on a trap kit and the other two frontmen pounding on high-mounted toms. As the song climaxed, they ventured deep into the crowd, with fans holding up floor toms for Hawkins to drum on during the explosive outro.
The band’s connection with the audience was undeniable—wild, fast-paced, and magnetic. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing them again. They’ll finish out this tour through May, hit Europe in June, and play select festivals in July.
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As for Chris Daughtry, I’ve always believed he possesses one of rock’s most enduring voices—timeless, emotional, and anchored by solid songwriting. This was actually my second time seeing him in three months, having caught his headlining stop at Kemba Live in Columbus last December. And he’s showing no signs of slowing down, with plans to join Creed on their upcoming reunion tour.
Daughtry kicked off their set with “The Reckoning” from their latest EP Shock to the System (Part One). Chris was joined by keyboardist Elvio Fernandez, guitarist Brian Craddock, bassist Marty O’Brien, and drummer Anthony Ghazel—each musician complementing Chris’ powerful, emotionally-charged vocal delivery. His ability to emote—whether conveying heartbreak, hope, or triumph—is palpable. Not that I’m a diehard fan or anything. Heh heh.
Even his cover of Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” felt like his own, with fans belting it out at full volume. While the focus of the set leaned toward newer material like “Heavy Is the Crown,” “Pieces,” and the tour debut of “The Day I Die,” Chris also treated fans to a stripped-down acoustic performance of “Home.” The moment turned into a sea of cell phone lights and heartfelt singalongs. Longtime fans were also thrilled to hear “It’s Not Over,” which remains a staple in their setlist. Daughtry is clearly riding high on rock’s current resurgence—catch them if you can.
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Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. A 25-year retrospective video played across a massive white curtain, chronicling Disturbed’s legacy. Anticipation reached its peak as the curtain dropped to reveal the band, launching straight into “Voices.” David Draiman was theatrically wheeled onstage Hannibal Lecter-style—complete with muzzle and straitjacket—setting a dark, dramatic tone.
They proceeded to play *The Sickness* in its entirety, including classics like “The Game,” “Stupify,” and, of course, the iconic “Down With the Sickness.” Draiman’s vocals were as powerful and ferocious as ever, with guitarist Dan Donegan and bassist John Moyer stalking the stage while drummer Mike Wengren held things down from the center. The lighting and pyro were top-notch, drenching the stage in vivid flashes. I’ve always believed every arena show should include a thrust stage—it brings the band closer to the fans, and Disturbed used it to its full advantage.
Disturbed has a long-standing reputation for well-chosen and well-executed covers, and they delivered three that night. The first was a fiery rendition of Tears for Fears’ “Shout.” As they neared the end of the album, Draiman appeared in full shock-rock regalia—this time dressed in an orange jumpsuit and strapped into an electric chair—to perform “Dropping Plates,” leading into the closing track “Meaning of Life.”
Following a 20-minute intermission, the band returned with a greatest hits encore. They opened with “Ten Thousand Fists” and the recent single “I Will Not Break.” The seven-song set included two more stellar covers: Genesis’ “Land of Confusion”—which always recalls the creepy *Spitting Image*-inspired music video—and their now-classic take on Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence,” performed atop a grand piano engulfed in fire. The night ended on a high note with “The Light” and “Inside the Fire,” punctuated by a final blast of pyro.
In short, this show was a spectacle—one that delivered something for every fan in the crowd. The inclusion of Daughtry and Nothing More was a smart move, resulting in a well-rounded, memorable night of rock. The tour runs through May 17, with dates still remaining. Don’t miss your chance to catch it.
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