On November 18, Disturbed dropped their eighth studio album, their first in four years, called Divisive. Frontman David Draiman and others have called it a return to form as the sound harkens back to their early albums. You can even hear some of Draiman's iconic wah-ka-ka vocal stylings on track "Part of Me." A few years ago Draiman said he was tired of being known for that kind of vocal, but it put them on the map and thankfully it is back. "Hey You" is probably the most iconic song on this album with "Bad Man" and "Divisive" also rocking hard. Draiman is quoted as saying that the Covid-19 pandemic and political instability made him "blisteringly angry" and he was anxious to write "new, original, angry, feriocious, brutal material." A different style is seen on "Don't Tell Me" which features Ann Wilson of Heart and is said to be inspired by founding guitarist Dan Donegan's divorce from his wife of 18 years. Ann wanted to work with Disturbed since hearing their popular cover of "Sound of Silence."
Saint Asonia also released a 6 song EP titled Extrovert, a follow-up to July's 7 song album Introvert. The latest release is certainly heavier, and therefore I prefer it a lot more than the slower and lighter precursor. The best track is probably the opener, "Devestate."
SiriusXM's Jose Mangin has long been my favorite DJ, but now I have another reason to praise the "metal ambassador." He has started a scholarship for metal-loving STEM students! According to the website, Headbang for Science is a nonprofit "providing an annual scholarship award to a graduating high school senior, majoring in science/medicine, has financial need, possesses a 3.5 GPA or above, and is far beyond passionate about Heavy Metal music." Applications will be accepted soon from metalheads entering a 4-year college. See https://www.headbangforscience.org for more information.
On November 25, at a special ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Hu were recognized as "The Artist for Peace" for the band's "contribution to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage and their support for the promotion of cultural diversity through music." The band's name comes from the Mongolian root word for human being. They utilize Mongolian throat singing and traditional instruments in their unique version of folk-metal. Lead throat singer and player of the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Gala, was quoted as saying, “Mongolians have upmost respect for our history, culture and the language that was left to us from thousands of years ago from our elders and ancestors. ... The HU’s goal and purpose is first and foremost to perform a unique genre of music that gives strength and power upon every listen. Secondly, it is to show the world Mongolia’s nomadic and environmentally aware livelihood that has been passed down from previous generations and to inspire others to live minimalistic lives and enjoy life to its fullest." I had the pleasure of seeing the Hu live opening for Megadeth and Five Finger Death Punch. They were as incredible on stage as they are in their videos, and I couldn't be happier for their international recognition.
HBO channels have been airing replays of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony which took place on November 5 and included Duran Duran, Carly Simon, the Eurythmics, Lionel Richie, Pat Benetar, Jimmy Iovine, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Eminem, Judas Priest, and Dolly Parton. I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly impressed with the live performance by the Eurythmics. I liked Judas Priest's performance, and the fact that Les Binks and K.K. Downing were a part of the performance and honorees. Steven Tyler joined Eminem for his song "Sing for the Moment" which heavily samples Aerosmith's "Dream On." John Mellencamp went hard as he said "fuck antisemitism" while inducting Jewish entertainment lawyer, Allen Grubman. He then joined Bruce Springsteen in a tribute to the late Jerry Lee Lewis. Dolly Parton debuted a rock song, called "Rockin'," written for the occasion, which honors her rock and roll influences and featured her playing electric guitar. She then had multiple guests and honorees, including Rob Halford, join her for a performance of "Jolene" which closed the show.
