Disturbed is set to commemorate the 25th anniversary of “The Sickness,“ the groundbreaking debut album that propelled the band into the global spotlight. Originally released on March 7, 2000, the album has left an indelible mark on heavy metal and remains a defining work of the genre. To mark the milestone, Disturbed will reissue the album in several special formats, offering fans a chance to rediscover its iconic tracks along with rare and unreleased material.
The 25th-anniversary edition will include a limited edition 1-LP silver vinyl and a comprehensive 3-CD box set. The latter boasts not only the original album but also B-sides, unreleased demos, and a 14-track live recording from The Palladium in Los Angeles in April 2001. Fans can also enjoy live performances from Chicago’s Metro (March 2000) and the London Astoria (February 2001).
This collector’s set is further enhanced with exclusive memorabilia, including a poster, cloth patch, backstage pass, guitar picks, and a lithograph signed by the band. A book featuring rare photos and a detailed essay with insights from Disturbed and producer Johnny K rounds out this impressive package.
For those seeking a more streamlined option, the 2-CD deluxe edition includes the original album alongside a disc of B-sides, demos, and rarities, packaged with a booklet featuring fresh interviews. Vinyl enthusiasts can choose from a variety of limited-edition color variants, including green, orange (exclusive to Central Europe), and milky clear (available through Spotify Fans First). The digital version encompasses all 40 tracks from the limited-edition box set, ensuring accessibility for fans worldwide.
Pre-orders are now open, with the deluxe box set available on the band’s website and digitally starting March 7. North American retailers will stock it beginning March 21.
Adding to the excitement, Disturbed has unveiled a newly mixed version of their track “Glass Shatters,” now available on digital streaming platforms for the first time. This release includes an intro by none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin.
The impact of “The Sickness,“ is undeniable. With over 17 million units sold and 14 billion streams to their name, Disturbed has cemented its legacy as a powerhouse in metal music. The album itself achieved significant accolades, including tracks like “Down With The Sickness” (certified eight times platinum), “Stupify” (two times platinum), “Voices” (gold), and “The Game” (gold). It spent an impressive 106 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at No. 29, and has been streamed 2.5 billion times globally.
Critical acclaim further underscores the album’s significance. Loudwire ranked it No. 24 on their “Top 25 Debut Hard Rock Albums” list, while Metal Hammer and Revolver magazine celebrated it among the “20 Best Albums of 2000” and “20 Essential Nu Metal Albums,” respectively. Reflecting on its influence, Billboard praised the title track, calling it “the quintessential Disturbed song,” lauding its rhythmic intensity and rebellious energy.