Disturbed – Believe (2002)
Album Overview
Released on September 17, 2002, Believe is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Disturbed. Following the massive success of their debut The Sickness (2000), the band expanded their sound and explored deeper emotional and spiritual themes.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling more than 284,000 copies in its first week. With a darker atmosphere, more melodic moments, and introspective lyrics, Believe demonstrated that Disturbed was more than just an aggressive nu-metal act.
Produced again by Johnny K, the album helped cement the band’s reputation as one of the most successful metal groups of the early 2000s.
Background and Recording
After the breakout success of their debut album, Disturbed returned to the studio determined to create something more dynamic and emotionally complex. While The Sickness focused heavily on aggression and rhythmic intensity, Believe introduced stronger melodies, atmospheric elements, and philosophical lyrics.
Frontman David Draiman described the album as exploring themes such as faith, loss, personal struggle, and the search for meaning. These ideas gave the record a more reflective tone compared to the raw anger of their debut.
The album was recorded in Chicago, the band’s hometown, which has long been a hub for heavy music in the United States.
Tracklist
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Prayer
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Liberate
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Awaken
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Believe
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Remember
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Intoxication
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Rise
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Mistress
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Breathe
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Bound
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Devour
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Darkness
Most Popular Songs
Prayer
The album’s lead single and one of the band’s most powerful songs. Its lyrics explore the idea of questioning faith and confronting tragedy.
Remember
A heavy and emotional track dealing with betrayal and anger.
Liberate
One of the album’s most energetic songs, known for its aggressive groove and memorable chorus.
Darkness
A haunting acoustic closing track that revealed a completely different side of the band.
Commercial Success
Believe became one of Disturbed’s most successful releases.
Key achievements include:
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Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200
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Platinum certification in the United States
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One of the best-selling metal albums of 2002
The album proved that Disturbed could evolve musically while maintaining their mainstream popularity.
Fun Facts
• The song “Prayer” had a controversial music video that was temporarily pulled from television due to its intense imagery.
• The album features more melodic vocals compared to the band’s debut.
• Many fans consider Believe the album where Disturbed found their signature balance between melody and aggression.
Trivia
• The album’s final track “Darkness” is almost entirely acoustic, a major stylistic shift from the band’s earlier material.
• Frontman David Draiman has cited personal struggles and philosophical questions as major inspirations for the lyrics.
• The album artwork features a symbol known as The Guy, the band’s recurring mascot.
Did You Know?
• Disturbed became one of the few metal bands to debut multiple albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
• Songs from Believe became staples of the band’s live performances for years.
• The album helped bridge the transition from nu metal toward a more traditional heavy metal sound.
