With songs such as "Asylum", "Ten Thousand Fists" and "Stricken", US Heavy-Metal outfit Disturbed are no stranger to playing large shows. How did the Acer Arena react? Dave Roberts investigates.

Before we continue, let me say one thing. I wasn’t expecting much from this concert. From what I’d heard from friends, forums and the like who had seen Disturbed play, it was the usual. “Not as good as the album.” After reviewing their latest album, I admit, I was impressed. And when I was offered tickets by Management to go and check them out at the Acer Arena, I couldn’t refuse.

However, with the line-up preceding the main act, I knew I was in for a treat.

First up was Forgiven Rival – a Hardcore band from Melbourne who somehow managed to get onto the bill. To be bluntly honest, they sounded like most other hardcore bands from around, somewhat cheesy, nervous and irritatingly similar to a lot of the music I hear at my local music store. The lighting for these guys made the Acer feel like a pub gig – not an easy task, and the sound was frankly a little on the better side of ‘meh’. That being said, playing that cheesy verbatim music isn’t easy. Less-so in front of a nine-and-a-half-thousand strong crowd. So, for what it’s worth, they did their job as the opening act.

Next up was San Diego’s As I Lay Dying. The increase in professionalism from the previous band was both astounding and welcome, with the band smashing out tunes to make the floor bounce, circle pit and sing along with them. They even, I think, had their own lighting guy as the lighting difference was extraordinary. It’s true, the lighting can make or break a gig. Even their intro was damn awesome and perfectly rehearsed. The guys were animated and the crowd got into it.

Next up, one of my personal favourites, Trivium. I’ve seen these guys before, and tonight must have been an off night for them. Either that or they were punching way above their weight with the Acer Arena’s sound system. Sure, they were the most animated band by far at this point of the night, and they were tight for sure, but their sound was a little lost in the ether of the air of the room there. I think these guys are more well suited to the smaller venues, but I digress. They did really well. Their lighting was bang on, and they got the pit moving even more than As I Lay Dying.

It was a short intermission, with people still filing in (some were obviously there to see Disturbed and no-one else) when the abrupt start signalled the drop of the house lights, and the roar of the crowd. A dramatic smoke-filled stage played home to the intro, "Remnants", before smashing into the single "Asylum". Bringing the house down, and wasting no time, they pressed on into "The Game", "Prayer", "Liberate" and "The Animal". They even played my favourite song off the new album, "Another Way to Die", which was evidently well-rehearsed, and the lighting and stage helped a bit too.

Yes, it would seem they took a small page out of Tool’s book when it came to the stage design, with giant LED screens, split to beside the drum kit and the rear of the stage, showing massive images of artwork and film clips, including their mascot ‘The Guy’. The strobe effects were sensational and evidently well programmed as they synced with music 99% of the time. The sound was fantastic (at least from where I was), and watching the crowd doing their hand movements and other stuff was incredibly satisfying.

They ended with an encore of "Indestructable", which they dedicated to the Anzacs, a sweet drum solo which led into "Down with the Sickness". These songs brought the house down, with the signature ending from the band: “We all are Disturbed” ringing out across the arena.

Now one hilarious moment I must admit I had when watching the lead singer David Draeman walk onto the stage in a muscle shirt I immediately thought ‘Hey look, it’s Phil Collins.’ This actually worked when they later played their cover of a Genesis song, "Land of Confusion", which managed to get people singing along and fist pumping.

For a band that has seen such a huge increase in their presence thanks to the Guitar Hero Franchise, I’ll admit I didn’t have humungous expectations. When I heard there were 3 supports, I’ll admit they were even further diminished. However, I walked out of that concert amazed at the music I had just heard. It was every bit as good as the album, and added to by the lighting, sound, the view of the people going nuts and singing their heart out.

Overall, Disturbed played a killer show they showcased their new album, and reminisced with us of their last. The crowd was responsive, and the band was giving, and it only solidified my taste in the band.

I am Disturbed. And after what I witnessed last night, proudly so.

Review Score: 8/10