Disturbed, the iconic modern rock and roll band wrapped up their “Take Back Your Life” tour in Noblesville, Indiana at the Ruoff Music Center on September 2, 2023. Fans lined up before the gates opened at the amphitheater to ensure they got a good seat on the lawn or in the jam-packed pit, down at the front of the stage.

Jinjer opened the night up with their metalcore, progressive rock-hard hitting style. Lead by front vocalist Tetiana Shmayluk, the band performed flawlessly. Tetiana’s ability to go from intense screaming vocals to singing without missing a beat or dropping a note, was incredible.

Breaking Benjamin took the stage around 7:30 with the crowd already hyped and fueled up for an epic night of rock. Performing 13 of their biggest hits, including “Diary of Jane”, “Blow Me Away”, and my personal favorite: “I Will Not Bow”, Benjamin and company kept fans on their feet the entire set, just as expected. Considering this was a band I grew up listening to daily, finally seeing them live was an added check mark on my bucket list.

The sun had already set at this point (9pm), and from front to back, left to right, there wasn’t a gap to be found within the sea of fans. A white sheet covered the stage as the lights went dark, and a spotlight shined down on David Draiman, the lead vocalist of Disturbed. After a dramatic pause, the sheet finally dropped, and the otherworldly night of rock came to life. The time and effort putting together this spectacular show, from the opening moments to the encore, was appreciated by all fans. Elaborate stage pyro, lighting, and smoke all illuminated the stage and the musicians as they performed their greatest hits. Songs from their earlier days, like “Stupify” and “Ten Thousand Fist,” as well as their legendary cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence,” were played to perfection. I have been to quite a few rock shows, and this one had me in awe of such an immersive experience. It made me grateful to the band for their devotion to the fans and for putting on a production as large as they had. The moments when David would stop and take the time to talk to the fans, opening his heart and soul on the importance of life and family and not giving up, were the most meaningful moments to the fans (speaking for myself). The intimate moments created by David speaking on his life and mental health were widely received and gave fans a deeper appreciation for the man behind the mic.

This was my first Disturbed concert, but it definitely will not be the last. Overall, it was an amazing experience to enjoy as a fan of all of these bands. I gladly have nothing negative to take away from that night.

Jinjer

Disturbed