It is arguably the most riff-filled record in the band’s entire catalog
On this day in 2005, modern metal titans Disturbed released their third studio album, Ten Thousand Fists. It was recorded between January and June 2005 at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, with longtime producer Johnny K. One key lineup change was the addition of bassist John Moyer, who replaced Steve “Fuzz” Kmak. Although Moyer played on the record, he was considered more of a session or touring‐member during recording, becoming a full official band member more visibly when touring after its release.
Musically, the band sought to build upon what they had done on Believe, while also bringing back some of the heavier, more aggressive elements of The Sickness. Vocalist David Draiman has said Ten Thousand Fists “seems to fuse the brutality and darkness of The Sickness with the added melodic nature and complexity of Believe. It’s more aggressive than the last record, and at times, more aggressive than the first one.”
Another factor was tribute: the album was dedicated to Dimebag Darrell, who was murdered in December 2004. That loss influenced them, especially in guitar work—Dan Donegan felt inspired to include more guitar solos on this record than before, partly as homage. The band also leaned more into political and war‐themed lyrics than in previous albums, though Draiman has stated the record was not intended as overtly political from the start—but external events shaped much of the lyrical content.
In terms of song selection, the band reportedly recorded around twenty tracks, selecting fourteen for the final album. They also included a cover: “Land of Confusion,” originally by Genesis. The inclusion of that cover came about somewhat playfully—they had a couple of months free (while the producer had other commitments), so they toyed with cover songs, chose one that people wouldn’t expect, and it fit well both musically and thematically.
Hit Singles:
- “Stricken” was released July 25, 2005, as the lead big single. It became one of Disturbed’s most popular tracks. It also features one of the band’s first real guitar solos.
- “Just Stop” was another single, which got airplay especially on rock radio.
- “Land of Confusion”, the Genesis cover, was released as a single (in 2006) with a music video directed by Todd McFarlane, which drew attention.
- There was also “Guarded”, which was released to radio in advance of the album as a teaser.
- The title track “Ten Thousand Fists” became a single later as well.
“Stricken” in particular has become a signature Disturbed song, both in terms of radio success and in staying power.
Ten Thousand Fists was commercially very successful. It debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200, with around 239,000 copies shipped in its opening week. It was their second consecutive album to reach No. 1 in the U.S., following Believe. The album went on to be certified triple platinum (3× Platinum) by the RIAA in the United States. In Canada it was certified 2× Platinum. In New Zealand the album also debuted at No. 1 and achieved gold certification. As for singles performance, “Stricken” charted high on Mainstream Rock and Alternative Rock charts. It also showed some crossover into broader charts. Their Genisis cover of “Land of Confusion” also became a strong contender on rock radio.
Overall, it’s among Disturbed’s better‐selling albums, second behind their debut The Sickness in U.S. total sales (at least as of statements made a few years after release).
Among fans, Ten Thousand Fists is often seen as one of Disturbed’s classic albums. Many cite “Stricken,” the title track, “Overburdened,” and the cover “Land of Confusion” as standouts. The energy of the album’s heavy riffs combined with more melody and deeper lyrical themes (including political, social, and personal struggle) resonated well with listeners. Some fans, however, echo what some critics said: that certain tracks feel formulaic, or that the album is front‐loaded (stronger first half), with some weaker moments later. But the general consensus among fans is much more favorable than some of the harsher critical takes.
Ten Thousand Fists occupies an important position in Disturbed’s catalog. It solidified their status as a major act in the heavy/alternative metal scene, showing that they could evolve—add in solos, push vocals, address current events—while retaining the raw aggression that had drawn fans in. The album’s success reinforced their commercial momentum and paved the way for future experimentation (while also establishing expectations among fans for powerful, anthemic, riff‐driven songs).
While it may not be viewed universally among critics as their deepest or most innovative work, as an album of its time, it performs strongly: delivering in energy, hooks, and broad appeal without (in most fans’ view) losing the core identity of the band.
Disturbed – Ten Thousand Fists [Reprise, 2005]
1. Ten Thousand Fists
2. Just Stop
3. Guarded
4. Deify
5. Stricken
6. I’m Alive
7. Sons of Plunder
8. Overburdened
9. Decadence
10. Forgiven
11. Land of Confusion
12. Sacred Lie
13. Pain Redefined
14. Avarice