DISTURBED guitarist DAN DONEGAN has delivered a massive update on the band’s long-awaited ninth studio album, confirming that the recording sessions are effectively complete and the musicians are now discussing when to unleash the new material! In a brand-new interview with Australia’s THE ROCKPIT, Donegan revealed that the follow-up to 2022’s Divisive is already recorded, with a potential 2027 release being planned. And with DAVID DRAIMAN, MIKE WENGREN and the rest of the band preparing for a final review of the recordings, fans could hear another new single before DISTURBED return to Australia, New Zealand and Asia in April and May 2027!
THE DISTURBED MACHINE IS GETTING READY TO ROAR BACK INTO LIFE – AND THERE’S AN ENTIRE ALBUM WAITING TO BE UNLEASHED! 🎸💀🔥
For more than 25 years, DISTURBED have been one of the most recognisable names in modern heavy metal.
From the explosive opening of Down With The Sickness to the enormous choruses of Stricken, Indestructible and Inside The Fire, the Chicago heavyweights have built an extraordinary catalogue of powerful, aggressive and emotionally charged music.
But with their last full studio album, Divisive, arriving in November 2022, fans have been wondering when another collection of material might appear.
Now, founding guitarist Dan Donegan has revealed that the wait could finally be approaching its conclusion.
Speaking to Mark Diggins for The Rockpit on 27 October 2026, Donegan confirmed that DISTURBED have already recorded enough material for their next album.
And rather than spending months writing new songs, the musicians are now concentrating on the final creative decisions and planning the release schedule.
The music is recorded. The band are excited. And 2027 is firmly in their sights!
🎸 DAN DONEGAN – “WE HAVE AN ALBUM SITTING THERE!”
During the new interview, Donegan explained that the band have accumulated a considerable amount of unreleased music.
The guitarist confirmed that an album is ready for its final review, but DISTURBED have not yet settled on a release date.
“We have an album sitting there.”
For fans who have been waiting for another full-length record, those words are particularly encouraging.
Donegan explained that the band want to coordinate the release with their touring plans.
And with DISTURBED now preparing to return to Australia, New Zealand and Asia in spring 2027, those discussions have become increasingly important.
The guitarist confirmed that 2027 is the current target for the album.
However, there is no specific release date.
He also expressed hope that fans might hear another single before the band begin their international tour in April.
That means the next few months could bring significant developments.
A new song.
An album announcement.
Potential artwork.
And perhaps the first confirmed details about DISTURBED’s next musical chapter.
For now, the important distinction is that the album has been recorded, but its release has not been formally scheduled. THE ROCKPIT – The Rockpit +1
🔥 DISTURBED Plan One Final Studio Review Before Making The Announcement!
Although the recording sessions are largely complete, Donegan revealed that the musicians still want to examine the material one final time.
The guitarist is preparing to travel to Los Angeles to meet vocalist David Draiman and drummer Mike Wengren.
During the meeting, the musicians intend to listen through the recordings and decide whether anything needs adjusting.
That could involve small changes to arrangements, performances or production details.
However, Donegan suggested that the process might simply confirm that the songs are already where they need to be.
It’s a situation many musicians will recognise.
When artists spend months working on recordings, it becomes increasingly easy to overanalyse every detail.
A guitar tone that sounded perfect during the initial recording might suddenly seem questionable.
A vocal arrangement might prompt another idea.
And a musician might begin wondering whether a song needs additional changes.
But sometimes, the best decision is to leave the original performance alone.
Donegan acknowledged that possibility during the interview.
For DISTURBED, the upcoming review appears to represent the final creative checkpoint before discussions about releasing the album become more concrete.
That’s a very different situation from a band that has only just started writing new music.
DISTURBED are significantly further along.
💿 DISTURBED – Upcoming Ninth Studio Album Details
Album information
Latest confirmed details
Artist
Disturbed
Album
Ninth studio album – title TBA
Previous album
Divisive (2022)
Recording status
Material tracked; final review pending
Target release
2027
Exact release date
Not announced
First released track from sessions
I Will Not Break (2025)
Musical direction
Aggressive riffs, rhythmic grooves and melodic vocals
Potential collaborations
Being considered; none confirmed
Final tracklist
Not announced
Album artwork
Not revealed
Label for the full album
Not yet confirmed
While fans may be eager for a definite announcement, Donegan has emphasised that the band still need to coordinate their plans with management.
The aim is to ensure the music receives the attention it deserves rather than releasing it without an appropriate promotional strategy.
💀 EXPECT OLD-SCHOOL DISTURBED – WITH A MODERN TWIST!
One of the most exciting aspects of Donegan’s interview concerns the musical direction of the new material.
And there’s particularly encouraging news for fans who love DISTURBED’s earlier recordings.
The guitarist revealed that the upcoming songs incorporate several of the elements that made the band famous.
Expect aggressive guitar arrangements.
Punchy, syncopated rhythms.
Powerful grooves.
Melodic choruses.
And David Draiman’s unmistakable vocal delivery.
Donegan also suggested that the singer has been experimenting with some of the aggressive vocal techniques associated with the band’s early albums.
For longtime fans, that is an intriguing development.
DISTURBED’s original sound combined groove metal, alternative metal and hard rock influences with Draiman’s distinctive rhythmic vocals.
Songs such as Stupify, Voices and Down With The Sickness featured an intense relationship between the guitar riffs and vocal patterns.
Those arrangements became central to the band’s identity.
And although DISTURBED have explored increasingly melodic songwriting throughout their career, Donegan clearly remains interested in revisiting some of their heavier musical roots.
However, he also emphasised that the forthcoming album won’t be aggressive from beginning to end.
The band are aiming for a balance.
Crushing heaviness when the songs demand it – and powerful melodic moments when the music needs room to breathe.
📼 DAN DONEGAN Has Been Revisiting Guitar Riffs From The 1990s!
Perhaps the most fascinating revelation concerns the origins of some of the new material.
Donegan has been digging through old recordings from the band’s early years.
And we’re not talking about polished professional demos.
We’re talking about cassette recordings made during informal rehearsal sessions in the late 1990s!
Before DISTURBED became internationally successful, the musicians would often experiment with musical ideas in rehearsal rooms.
Sometimes, they simply placed a cassette recorder at the back of the room and allowed the tape to capture whatever happened.
Those recordings preserved improvised guitar riffs and musical fragments that never developed into finished songs.
Decades later, Donegan has begun listening to them again.
His reasoning is fascinating.
If a riff still sounds exciting after 25 or 30 years, perhaps it deserves another opportunity.
The guitarist revealed that one particularly promising idea could appear on the next album.
That means fans might eventually hear a brand-new DISTURBED song built around a guitar riff originally conceived before the release of their debut album.
It’s an extraordinary connection between the band’s earliest rehearsals and their current creative direction.
And for longtime followers, there’s something particularly appealing about that idea.
A riff from the late 1990s, rediscovered in 2026 and potentially transformed into a new DISTURBED anthem in 2027!
🎸 METALLICA, CREED, LIMP BIZKIT And MEGADETH Continue Inspiring DAN DONEGAN!
Donegan also discussed how he maintains his enthusiasm for writing music.
Despite decades of international success, the guitarist remains a passionate concertgoer.
And he doesn’t simply attend shows to spend time backstage.
He enjoys standing among the audience and experiencing live music as a fan.
During the interview, Donegan recalled attending numerous concerts throughout the summer.
Among the artists he mentioned were:
- METALLICA
- CREED
- LIMP BIZKIT
- BREAKING BENJAMIN
- CHEVELLE
- MEGADETH
- TRAIN
His musical tastes clearly extend beyond one particular style.
And that enthusiasm helps explain why DISTURBED continue developing new material.
Rather than remaining isolated within their own musical world, Donegan actively seeks inspiration from other performers.
He watches how audiences respond.
He listens to different guitar sounds.
And he pays attention to the energy generated by live concerts.
For a musician whose career stretches back more than a quarter of a century, maintaining that excitement is important.
And his approach suggests that DISTURBED’s forthcoming album will benefit from a broad range of influences.
🤘 COULD THE NEW DISTURBED ALBUM FEATURE SPECIAL GUESTS?
Another interesting development is the possibility of additional collaborations.
Donegan revealed that the musicians have discussed working with other artists.
The band have previously concentrated primarily on their established lineup when recording original music.
However, that changed with their 2022 album Divisive.
The track Don’t Tell Me featured a memorable collaboration with HEART vocalist Ann Wilson.
Her distinctive voice provided a powerful contrast to David Draiman’s performance.
The song demonstrated how effectively two established rock singers could work together within the DISTURBED sound.
Now, Donegan has suggested that the band might explore further collaborations.
However, there’s an important qualification.
No additional guest performers have been officially confirmed for the next album.
Donegan explained that possible collaborations remain ideas rather than completed recordings.
That means fans shouldn’t assume that a particular singer or guitarist will appear until the band makes an official announcement.
Nevertheless, the possibility is exciting.
DISTURBED have developed professional relationships with numerous major rock and metal musicians over the years.
And collaborations could introduce another dimension to their music.
🎤 DAVID DRAIMAN Promises ‘DIVERSE, FRESH AND POWERFUL’ New Music!
Dan Donegan isn’t the only member who has been enthusiastic about the new recordings.
Earlier this year, vocalist David Draiman offered his own assessment.
In a social media message published on 30 May 2026, the singer revealed that he had spent time revisiting the band’s latest compositions.
After stepping away from the material and returning with fresh ears, he found himself appreciating the songs even more.
Draiman described the recordings as:
“Diverse, fresh, and powerful.”
The singer also suggested that fans would be pleasantly surprised when the music finally arrived.
His comments complement Donegan’s latest update.
Both musicians appear confident in the material.
Both have highlighted its musical variety.
And both have emphasised that the songs combine familiar DISTURBED characteristics with fresh creative ideas.
For fans who enjoy the band’s heavier music but also appreciate its melodic side, that sounds like an encouraging combination. Rock 101
🔥 ‘I WILL NOT BREAK’ – THE FIRST TASTE OF DISTURBED’s NEXT CHAPTER!
Although the forthcoming album doesn’t yet have a release date, fans have already heard one song from the recording sessions.
I Will Not Break arrived on 21 February 2025.
The single marked an important milestone.
Not only was it DISTURBED’s first new music since Divisive, but it also became their first release through the band’s own label, Mother Culture Records.
The track featured the aggressive guitar arrangements and powerful rhythmic patterns that helped establish DISTURBED’s reputation.
Donegan explained that he wanted to capture something associated with the band’s earlier sound.
Rather than simply recreating a particular song, he focused on the energy and musical attitude of those recordings.
The result was a powerful track driven by a crushing guitar riff and David Draiman’s intense vocal delivery.
And according to Donegan, that song provides a useful indication of the aggression fans can expect from the forthcoming album.
However, he emphasised that the unreleased music also features melodic arrangements and different textures.
So while I Will Not Break might represent the heavier side of the project, it doesn’t necessarily reveal everything about the finished record.
🎚️ HOW ‘I WILL NOT BREAK’ CAME TO LIFE
The recording has an interesting story behind it.
During studio sessions in Los Angeles in 2024, Donegan began experimenting with guitar riffs alongside drummer Mike Wengren and producer Drew Fulk, also known as WZRD BLD.
At the time, the musicians already had enough material for an album.
But Donegan wanted to continue writing.
He had been revisiting old musical ideas and felt inspired to create something with a more aggressive groove.
The guitarist began improvising.
He repeatedly adjusted the riff until the musicians found an arrangement that excited them.
According to Donegan’s earlier recollections, the working title was Cakebread, inspired by a bottle of wine shared during the recording session.
Eventually, the song developed into I Will Not Break.
And what began as an informal studio experiment became the band’s first independent single.
It’s a reminder that even established musicians can discover some of their strongest ideas through spontaneous creativity.
🖤 DISTURBED Enter A New Era With MOTHER CULTURE RECORDS!
The release of I Will Not Break also marked a significant change behind the scenes.
For most of their recording career, DISTURBED worked with Warner-associated record labels.
That partnership helped the band achieve enormous international success.
Their albums sold millions of copies.
Their singles dominated rock radio.
And the musicians established a global following.
However, after decades within that system, DISTURBED decided to release new material independently.
Mother Culture Records represents that change.
Donegan has previously spoken positively about the band’s relationship with Warner, explaining that the company generally allowed them considerable creative freedom.
Nevertheless, the musicians reached a point where they wanted to explore a different arrangement.
Working with their established management team gives them access to professional marketing and promotional support while allowing greater independence.
Whether the forthcoming full-length album will also be issued through Mother Culture Records has not yet been formally confirmed.
But the success of I Will Not Break suggests that DISTURBED are confident about continuing to develop their careers on their own terms.
💿 ‘DIVISIVE’ – THE ALBUM THAT STARTED DISTURBED’s LATEST CHAPTER
The band’s next record will follow Divisive, released on 18 November 2022.
It was DISTURBED’s eighth studio album.
The record combined aggressive metal arrangements with melodic songwriting and lyrical themes examining division and conflict within society.
It included several memorable songs.
🎶 DISTURBED – ‘DIVISIVE’ TRACKLIST
Track
Song
1
Hey You
2
Bad Man
3
Divisive
4
Unstoppable
5
Love To Hate
6
Feeding The Fire
7
Don’t Tell Me (feat. Ann Wilson)
8
Take Back Your Life
9
Part Of Me
10
Won’t Back Down
The album featured production from Drew Fulk and continued the band’s combination of groove-driven metal and powerful vocal melodies.
Songs such as Hey You, Bad Man and Unstoppable became important additions to their modern catalogue.
Meanwhile, Don’t Tell Me demonstrated a more emotional and melodic side.
That mixture provides an interesting foundation for the forthcoming record.
If Donegan’s latest comments are any indication, the next album could develop that contrast even further.
🎸 DISTURBED – OVER 25 YEARS OF HEAVY METAL HISTORY!
Originally formed in Chicago during the 1990s, DISTURBED became one of the defining bands of the American alternative metal movement.
Their breakthrough arrived in 2000 with the release of The Sickness.
The album introduced the world to David Draiman’s distinctive vocals and the band’s aggressive, groove-driven musical style.
Songs such as Down With The Sickness, Stupify, Voices and The Game helped establish DISTURBED as a major force within modern metal.
The group continued building their reputation with a series of successful albums.
💿 DISTURBED – STUDIO ALBUM DISCOGRAPHY
Album
Release year
The Sickness
2000
Believe
2002
Ten Thousand Fists
2005
Indestructible
2008
Asylum
2010
Immortalized
2015
Evolution
2018
Divisive
2022
Untitled ninth album
Targeted for 2027
The band’s ability to combine aggressive arrangements with accessible songwriting helped establish a dedicated international following.
And while the musical landscape has changed considerably since 2000, DISTURBED have maintained a recognisable identity.
Their music continues to connect with audiences who enjoy powerful guitar riffs, energetic performances and emotionally direct songwriting.
🎤 ‘THE SOUND OF SILENCE’ Introduced DISTURBED To A Whole New Audience!
One of the most significant moments in DISTURBED’s later career came with their interpretation of SIMON & GARFUNKEL’s The Sound Of Silence.
Released on the band’s 2015 album Immortalized, the recording demonstrated a completely different side of David Draiman’s vocal abilities.
Instead of concentrating on aggressive rhythmic vocals, the singer delivered a dramatic and emotionally charged performance.
The song became an enormous international success.
It also introduced DISTURBED to listeners who might not ordinarily follow heavy metal.
For some longtime fans, the recording represented a surprising musical direction.
But it demonstrated that the band were capable of expanding their sound without abandoning their identity.
That willingness to experiment remains relevant to their forthcoming album.
Donegan has made it clear that heavy music continues to define DISTURBED.
However, the musicians also recognise the importance of dynamics and melody.
And their new material appears designed to reflect both sides of their musical personality.
🌏 DISTURBED Announce Massive 2027 Australia, New Zealand And Asia Tour!
The new album update arrives just one day after DISTURBED announced their return to Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
On 26 October 2026, the band confirmed an extensive run of arena concerts for April and May next year.
The performances will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their debut album, The Sickness, alongside songs from the rest of their career.
The band have confirmed that the album will be performed in full.
That means fans can expect to hear all twelve tracks from the landmark debut, alongside a selection of other favourites.
📅 DISTURBED – 2027 TOUR DATES
Date
City
Venue
22 April 2027
Auckland, New Zealand
Spark Arena
24 April 2027
Christchurch, New Zealand
Wolfbrook Arena
28 April 2027
Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
1 May 2027
Sydney, Australia
Afterpay Arena
3 May 2027
Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
5 May 2027
Melbourne, Australia
Rod Laver Arena
9 May 2027
Perth, Australia
RAC Arena
13 May 2027
Hong Kong
AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 10
16 May 2027
Bangkok, Thailand
UOB Live, Emsphere
19 May 2027
Tokyo, Japan
PIA Arena MM
22 May 2027
Taipei, Taiwan
Nangang International Exhibition Center
25 May 2027
Manila, Philippines
SM Mall Of Asia Arena
The tour represents a major return to the region.
And with the new album being prepared, it could become an important part of DISTURBED’s next chapter.
🎟️ DISTURBED – OFFICIAL 2027 TOUR DATES AND TICKETS
🔥 COULD WE HEAR A NEW DISTURBED SINGLE BEFORE APRIL 2027?
This is perhaps the most exciting question surrounding Donegan’s latest interview.
The guitarist has expressed hope that a new song could be released before the band arrive in New Zealand in April.
That would allow fans to hear another example of the forthcoming album’s musical direction.
It could also provide the perfect opportunity to announce the album title, artwork and release date.
However, no such announcement has been confirmed.
The band still need to review the recordings and coordinate their promotional plans.
For now, a pre-tour single is an ambition rather than a scheduled release.
Nevertheless, it provides fans with something to look forward to during the coming months.
And after the positive response to I Will Not Break, another new song would certainly be welcome.
🐉 WHAT ABOUT A UK DISTURBED TOUR IN 2027?
For British and Welsh fans, the obvious question is whether DISTURBED will return to the United Kingdom.
The band completed an extensive European touring programme in 2025, celebrating the anniversary of The Sickness.
Those performances included major UK arena dates.
However, the newly announced 2027 itinerary currently focuses on Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
No additional UK dates connected to the forthcoming album have been confirmed.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the band won’t return.
It simply means there is no official announcement at present.
For fans across Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and the rest of Wales, the release of a new album could eventually create opportunities for further international touring.
But any suggestions about specific cities, venues or dates would be speculation.
We’ll be watching for further announcements as DISTURBED reveal their plans.
🤘 THE RIFF REPORT VERDICT – DISTURBED HAVE AN ENTIRE ALBUM READY TO UNLEASH!
Dan Donegan’s latest comments are some of the most encouraging news DISTURBED fans have received about the band’s next album.
For several years, the musicians have been discussing new recordings.
They’ve released I Will Not Break.
They’ve spoken about revisiting old musical ideas.
And they’ve continued exploring ways to develop their distinctive sound.
But now, the situation has become considerably clearer.
The album has been recorded.
The musicians are preparing one final review.
And they’re working towards a possible 2027 release.
Perhaps most excitingly, Donegan has revealed that the music combines old-school DISTURBED aggression with the melodic songwriting that has become an important part of their later career.
The idea of rediscovering riffs from the late 1990s is particularly fascinating.
Imagine a song created in 2026 that features a guitar idea originally developed before The Sickness was even released.
That’s a connection between the band’s past and present that longtime fans will appreciate.
And with the possibility of additional collaborations being discussed, there’s room for a few surprises.
Of course, there are still unanswered questions.
What’s the album called?
When will it be released?
Which songs will make the final tracklist?
And will fans hear another single before the band return to the stage in April?
Those details remain to be announced.
But one thing is certain.
DISTURBED aren’t short of material – they’re deciding when the world gets to hear it!
With a major international tour already confirmed and the musicians preparing to finalise their next record, 2027 could become a particularly exciting year for the Chicago metal veterans.
And if the album delivers the combination of crushing riffs, aggressive vocals and enormous melodic choruses that Donegan has described, fans could have plenty to celebrate.
🎟️ DISTURBED – OFFICIAL WEBSITE, NEWS AND TOUR DATES
ONE ALBUM ALREADY RECORDED. OLD-SCHOOL RIFFS FROM THE 1990s. A MASSIVE 2027 TOUR. AND NEW MUSIC WAITING TO BE RELEASED!
DISTURBED – THE SICKNESS NEVER LEFT, AND THE NEXT CHAPTER IS GETTING CLOSER! 🎸💀🔥🤘
THE RIFF REPORT BLOG – MUSIC JOURNALISM WITH BOOTS AT THE BARRICADE!
