DISTURBED Frontman Says DEVICE's Sound 'Still Very Much Guitar-Driven'

DISTURBED frontman David Draiman recently spoke to AOL's Noisecreep about the commercial potential of DEVICE, his new industrial project with FILTER guitarist Geno Lenardo.

"I love hooks, but getting radio airplay has never been a concern to me while I'm writing," he said. "That would be a very stifling and imprisoning way of writing music. Forget about any preconceived notions or anything formulaic. I know when something doesn't feel right for me. It has to draw me in and if it doesn't, I'm not satisfied."

Regarding his collaboration with Lenardo, Draiman said: "Working with Geno was so easy. We both love that era and style of music and this record definitely has that influence. But this record is still very much guitar-driven and I would never completely divorce myself from that approach. In DEVICE, we utilize the electronica as an accent to the songs. Geno did an amazing job of the sound design, crafting the different sonics, but the core of this band, and the sound of DEVICE, is guitar, drums, bass and vocals."

"Vilify", the first single from DEVICE, will go for radio adds on February 19. The band's full-length debut will follow on April 9 via Warner Bros.. Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "You Think You Know", "Recover", "Hunted" and "War Of Lies".

DEVICE filmed a video on Friday (January 11) for "Vilify" with renowned director P.R. Brown, who has previously collaborated with such artists as MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Prince, AUDIOSLAVE, MÖTLEY CRÜE and SIXX: A.M.

Special guest musicians on the DEVICE album:

* Terry "Geezer" Butler (BLACK SABBATH)
* Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION)
* M. Shadows (AVENGED SEVENFOLD)
* Serj Tankian (SYSTEM OF A DOWN)
* Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE)
* Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM)

Despite the metal pedigree of those involved with DEVICE, Draiman insists, "It's not metal. It's influenced by early industrial rock (NINE INCH NAILS, MINISTRY) and has a dark electronic vibe. At the same time, these are big, anthemic, and intensely melodic songs. It's futuristic rock."

In addition to Draiman and Lenardo, DEVICE's touring lineup will include EVANESCENCE drummer Will Hunt and DOPE lead guitarist Virus.

Draiman revealed the existence of the project last March, saying it would be in the vein of industrial acts like NINE INCH NAILS and MINISTRY. He later announced that Lenardo was joining the group, although further members' identities have yet to be unveiled.

DISTURBED went on an open-ended hiatus in 2011, with Draiman saying at the time that all four members wanted some time to pursue other endeavors. "We've got other things that each of the band members wanted to pursue individually, outside of DISTURBED," he said. "There's other businesses we have, there's other interests. We've got futures hopefully to help cultivate for our families and our children, and they can't all revolve specifically around DISTURBED."

DISTURBED has not indicated when it plans to return, although all four members say they're likely to come back.

Aside from Draiman, DISTURBED bassist John Moyer has branched out recently by joining ADRENALINE MOB, a new group also featuring ex-DREAM THEATER and AVENGED SEVENFOLD drummer Mike Portnoy.