The Sickness Is Back: 7 Shocking Facts About Disturbed's 'Down With The Sickness' 25 Years Later

Few songs define an entire era of heavy music quite like "Down With The Sickness." Originally released in 2000, this track, often mistakenly searched for as "Down of the Sickness," exploded from the debut album The Sickness and became the undisputed anthem of the burgeoning nu-metal scene. As of late 2025, the song and its parent album are experiencing a massive resurgence in popularity, driven by a major milestone anniversary and a highly anticipated global tour.

The track's raw, visceral energy and instantly recognizable vocalizations have cemented its place in rock history. With Disturbed celebrating the 25th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut, now is the perfect time to delve into the deepest, most shocking, and most current facts surrounding the song that launched the career of one of metal's biggest bands, featuring the latest updates on their 2025 plans.

The Essential Biography of Disturbed: The Architects of The Sickness

Disturbed is an American heavy metal band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1994. They are one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the 21st century, known for their aggressive, rhythmic style and the distinctive, percussive vocals of frontman David Draiman.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• Formation: 1994 (originally called Brawl, reformed as Disturbed in 1996)
• Genre: Nu Metal, Alternative Metal, Hard Rock
• Current Members:
  • David Draiman: Lead Vocals (1996–present)
  • Dan Donegan: Guitar, Electronics (1996–present)
  • John Moyer: Bass, Backing Vocals (2004–present)
  • Mike Wengren: Drums, Percussion (1996–present)
• Original Bassist: Fuzz (Steve Kmak, 1996–2003)
• Debut Album: The Sickness (Released March 7, 2000)
• Studio Albums: 8 (including Believe, Ten Thousand Fists, and Indestructible)
• Total Sales: Over 17 million records sold worldwide.
• Grammy Nominations: Multiple, including a nomination for "Inside the Fire."

The True, Dark Meaning Behind the Lyrics

While many fans initially interpret "Down With The Sickness" as a general anthem of rebellion, the song's core meaning is deeply personal and complex, touching on themes of societal conformity and, more specifically, personal trauma.

1. The Song is a Cry Against the "Mother Culture of Society"

Vocalist David Draiman has repeatedly stated that the main theme of the entire The Sickness album is the struggle of the individual against the "mother culture of society." "Down With The Sickness" serves as the ultimate expression of this conflict. It is about the moment a person—the "servant" who kneels—finally breaks free from the oppressive cultural norms or expectations that have been forced upon them, choosing to embrace their own identity, even if society deems it a "sickness."

2. The Shocking Spoken-Word Skit is Based on Personal Abuse

Perhaps the most controversial and least-understood part of the song is the spoken-word interlude. In this section, Draiman portrays a dialogue between an abusive figure (often interpreted as his mother, as confirmed in some reports) and the child. The lyrics are a raw depiction of emotional and physical abuse, culminating in the child’s final, violent act of defiance: "No mommy, don't do it again!" followed by the climactic scream. This dark, autobiographical element was deemed too intense for the radio edit, which omits the entire skit, leading many casual listeners to miss the song's profound, dark narrative.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

3. The Iconic 'OOH-AH-AH-AH-AH' Noise Was a Complete Accident

The primal, almost simian "OOH-AH-AH-AH-AH" noise is arguably the most recognizable vocal hook in nu-metal history. Draiman revealed that this sound was entirely improvisational. During the initial writing session for the track, the band reached the section where the noise now sits. Draiman, unsure of what to do, spontaneously let out the now-famous utterance. The other members, including guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren, stopped playing and stared at him, but after a moment, they realized the noise was perfect for the song's raw, unhinged energy, and it was kept in the final recording.

The Sickness is Back: The 25th Anniversary Resurgence (2025 Update)

Despite being over two decades old, "Down With The Sickness" continues to be a commercial and cultural force. The year 2025 marks a massive milestone for the band and the song, ensuring its relevance for a new generation of metal fans.

4. Disturbed is Launching a Massive 25th Anniversary Tour

In a major announcement, Disturbed confirmed that they will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Sickness with a huge North American and European tour throughout 2025. This tour is an essential event for metalheads, as the band will be playing the groundbreaking album in its entirety. The tour features major supporting acts, including fellow rock giants Three Days Grace and the legendary thrash band Megadeth in various legs, underscoring the enduring influence of the original album.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

5. The Song Saw a Shocking Sales Spike Due to a Global Event

In a bizarre twist of fate that proves the song's cultural staying power, "Down With The Sickness" experienced a significant surge in sales and streaming figures in the early 2020s. This spike was directly attributed to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The term "sickness" in the title resonated with the public mood, causing the song to re-enter multiple Billboard charts, reaching new peaks even 20 years after its initial release. This unexpected chart success cemented the track's status as a modern classic.

6. The Album is Being Re-released as a 40-Track Deluxe Edition

To accompany the 25th Anniversary Tour, Disturbed is releasing a special The Sickness 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. This is a treasure trove for fans, featuring the original 12-track album (which includes other classics like "Stupify," "Voices," and "The Game"), B-sides, unreleased demos, and other rarities, totaling 40 tracks. This comprehensive collection, produced by Johnny K and featuring mixing by Andy Wallace, highlights the depth of the band’s early work and their evolution from their Chicago origins.

7. It Remains the Ultimate Concert Closer and Encore

"Down With The Sickness" is not just a song; it's a concert staple and a rite of passage for any Disturbed fan. It is almost always played as the final song or the main encore closer, serving as the explosive climax to their live performances. The sheer energy of the crowd chanting the "OOH-AH-AH-AH-AH" refrain is an unmatched experience in modern rock. As the band heads into its massive 25th-anniversary celebration, the track will undoubtedly remain the emotional and sonic centerpiece of every show, solidifying its legacy as the defining track of the nu-metal generation alongside hits from genre peers like KoRn, Slipknot, and Godsmack.