Disturbed, Auckland NZ, 2024

Disturbed

15th March 2024
Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand

Review by Charlotte Lightbody, with photography by Doug Peters. 

Shepherds Reign stormed the room. The 5-piece South Auckland Polynesian metal band is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed in the music realm. A band united in their passion, writing and performing hard-hitting music that expresses their cultural roots and their life experiences. One could easily have been fooled by the way they owned the stage and their sound dominated the room, yet “This is by far our biggest audience yet”, confirmed Filiva’a James, the lead vocalist and keytar player. In particular, their track “Samoa’’ showcased the band’s forceful fusion of Samoan lyrics and metallic heat. Biggest was certainly true, but not just from the crowd, they brought fire dancers, and accompanying men performed a haka. They have quickly and self-assuredly earned their distinctive niche in the heavy metal world. “Until next time”, I’ll be glad for more when it comes.

When Disturbed last sonically assaulted our shores, playing to a sold-out house in 2016, Spark was still Vector. Currently on an extensive tour of the United States, Disturbed head down to Australia to perform four festival slots after their Auckland show. In a world where music transcends mere sound and instead becomes an immersive journey, Disturbed create a spectacle that left hearts pounding and souls resonating. The stage was set, the lights dimmed, and the crowd stomped with anticipation as we collectively gathered to witness a heavy metal performance from a band that has etched itself into musical history.

From the moment David Draiman’s unmistakable vocals pierced the air during the opening “Hey You”, commanding attention with that primal intensity, it was clear that this was no ordinary concert. Disturbed didn’t just perform; they orchestrated a symphony of raw emotion, drawing the audience into a realm where darkness and light collided. As pounding drums and thunderous riffs reverberated through the venue, each song became visceral, igniting a primal energy that coursed through the crowd like wildfire. Whether it was the haunting strains of Simon & Garfunkel’s track “The Sound of Silence” or the relentless fury of a whole stadium growling in unison: “Oh-wa-a-a-ah!” every note was accompanied by 10,000 fists in the air. One other aspect I enjoyed was the instrumental solos peppered throughout the show. If you know me, and my unfulfilled drum-playing dreams, then a big drum solo will always get me fired up, Mike Wengren delivered. I’m also just going to say it, but Dan Donegan is one of the best guitarists on the planet. Those iconic Disturbed riffs? Delicious. But the standout for me was the crowd engaged bass solo, a riding rhythm building to a fever pitch ignited the crowd in a way only that earthy thrumming can.

But what truly set this performance apart for me was the seamless fusion of music and visuals, creating a multi-sensory experience unlike any other. I’m always captivated by stage setups, and this one was no different. From striking visual projections that transported the audience to otherworldly realms featuring their mascot ‘The Guy’, to beams of bright light bouncing around the band and audience throughout the night, every aspect of the show was meticulously crafted.

Yet amidst the spectacle and grandeur, there was an undeniable intimacy that permeated the air. As Draiman’s impassioned vocals soared, it felt as though he was baring his soul for all to see, forging a profound connection with each member of the audience. At times, I felt like we were receiving a heavy metal-style sermon. In those moments, time seemed to stand still, and the outside world faded away, leaving only the music and the shared experience of being alive and conquering each day.

Towards the end of the night, we were treated to “The Light” with our very own mother of metal “Jennie Skulander” making a surprise appearance to sing alongside David on stage. As a big fan of Devilskin, this was such a perfect collaboration to witness. I’m a “Stricken” and “Unstoppable” girl through and through, so although I had to wait till the very end of the gig to belt out these two favourites, the wait was 100% worth it.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the evening was the sense of community that blossomed among the diverse audience. Strangers became friends, bound together by a mutual love for the music and the catharsis it provided. In a world plagued by division and discord, Disturbed united us all, if only for a couple of hours, in a celebration of the power of music.

As the last notes of “Inside the Fire” echoed into the night, there was a palpable sense of awe and reverence. For in that brief, transcendent moment, Disturbed had not just entertained us; they had touched our souls and reminded us of the beauty and wonder that lies within the darkness.

In the end, it wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience—a journey into the heart of the human condition, guided by the haunting melodies and impassioned performance of one of the most iconic bands of our time. As we emerged from the shadows, walking back to our cars in the dark, forever changed by what we had witnessed, one thing became abundantly clear: Disturbed had yet again, left an indelible mark on Auckland’s hearts and minds, a testament to the enduring power of music to move and inspire us all.

Disturbed:

Disturbed

Shepherds Reign:

Were you there at Spark Arena for this heavy rock showcase? Or have you seen Disturbed perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

_{Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.}

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