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Writer's pictureIan Bennett

Unlikely Comeback: Disturbed's 'Sound of Silence' Cover Surges on UK Charts




Introduction:


Disturbed, the renowned nu metal band known for their hard-hitting sound, has recently found themselves making waves in an unexpected arena—the dance charts. Their cover of "The Sound of Silence," originally by Simon and Garfunkel, has experienced a resurgence, thanks to an unconventional dance remix that has both delighted and dismayed fans.

The Remix: Produced by Cyril, the dance remix of "The Sound of Silence" has been described as atrocious by some and surprisingly catchy by others. Released on February 13, the remix has garnered over 7.5 million views on YouTube, despite its controversial reception. The remix takes David Draiman's haunting vocals and juxtaposes them against a loud, bouncy club beat, creating a tonally dissonant experience that strays far from the original intent of Simon and Garfunkel's work.


Chart Success:


Despite its divisive nature, Cyril's remix has propelled Disturbed to new heights on the US Billboard dance chart, reaching number 34—a first for the band in this genre. David Draiman himself expressed astonishment at the news, simply responding with "Holy shit" on social media. The remix's unexpected success marks yet another milestone in Disturbed's storied career.





Impact and Legacy:


While the remix may have its detractors, it's hard to deny the impact of Disturbed's cover of "The Sound of Silence." The song has become the band's most listened-to track on Spotify, boasting an impressive 745 million streams. Its accompanying music video is also the most-watched on Disturbed's YouTube channel, with nearly 1 billion views.

Additionally, Disturbed's performance of "The Sound of Silence" on Conan O'Brien's late-night talk show in 2016 holds the record for the most-viewed video on the host's YouTube channel. O'Brien himself humorously remarked on the unexpected legacy of hosting heavy metal band covers of Simon and Garfunkel songs.


Conclusion:


Disturbed's resurgence on the UK charts with their cover of "The Sound of Silence" is a testament to the band's enduring appeal and willingness to experiment with different genres. While the dance remix may have raised eyebrows, it has undeniably reignited interest in the band and their iconic interpretation of this classic track. As Disturbed continues to tour and evolve their sound, one thing remains clear: their ability to captivate audiences spans across genres and generations.

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