I'm 74 years old. I get chills every time listening to this version.

Loved it when you said “it sounds like he’s holding so much back” because I knew what’s to come, great reaction

David Draiman is a classically trained singer. He was the son of a cantor in a synagogue in Brooklyn, NY. When Disturbed did the live version of this on the “Conan” show in March 2016, Paul Simon happened to catch this cover of his masterpiece (which it is!). He called Draiman to say it was the BEST version he’d ever heard, and it fulfilled his original vision-when Simon wrote it in early 1964. Draiman as (understandably) stunned to get a phone call like that from the songwriter himself!

Simon and Garfunkel's version was a warning , Disturbed version is the anger that we didn't listen.........

I grew up on the original. But this version puts the full meaning of the song into it. The video made it even more intense.

50 years after the Simon & Garfunkel's version. Who can believe it's 50 years?

Back in the day, I thought this song represented people being caught up in the flashiness of trivial pursuits while failing to break the silence about all of the larger injustices in the world. I still do. This cover, to me, brings out the anger that is felt when, some 50 years later, nothing has changed. Thanks for doing this powerful song. ✌❤🌻😷🎶

I've had this come up on my recommendations a few times and ignored it - being an old hippie and thinking any cover would ruin S & Gs song......but I'm absolutely blown away by what Disturbed did. The song and video are amazing. I loved it!

The Simon and Garfunkel version is a struggle against disfunction and isolation. The scenes in this version are an expression of dystopia. This is the Mad Max cover of the original. The Disturbed version is a war to reclaim a broken Earth.

Have to admit, Disturbed did a freaking great take on this song - love the S&G original, love this one. And his voice?! Agree - amazing, powerful and clear as a bell. From melancholy to anger and back again. Love it. Beautiful song interpreted beautifully.

Honestly I had never heard of this guy, but this version kicks ass

Isn't that incredible?? I'm old enough to have been a kid when this song came out and was a hit on the radio in the '60s. So, of course, Simon & Garfunkel's original has been, like, THE standard for all of my life ... until I heard this version by Disturbed. It's been very rare in my 60+ years that I can honestly say I felt a cover version of a song was better than the original. I believe I can say so about this. Chilling!

The wonderful thing is that you don't have to pick one version. Enjoy all versions for what they are. I love the passion in his voice on this version.

To me, the boat at the end is an ark whose passengers are bringing sounds to the silent and to rebuild the world.

I remember driving down a winding road the first time I heard this version, literally almost crashed, tears in my eyes. Absolutely mind blowing!

I grew upknowing the original Simon and Garfunkel version of Sound of Silence. When I saw Disturb's music video of it, I was blown away. Then, I watched/listened to Pentatonix' music video, and I really, really it. It is one of the few songs I know of that has three very different versions and I truly, LOVE all three! Each is hauntingly beautiful in its own way.

Speechless is the most common first reaction to this song because it brings out the emotion of any living person! Nicely done young man! Thanks for sharing.

"‪Simon and Garfunkel's version was a warning. Disturbed's version is rage because the warning was ignored."

i am now 75 y/o. I watched Simon and Garfunkel perform this song in 1969 and loved it so much..... but now I feel just like Dave Draimen feels. What was in 1969 a much-ignored warning has now become an almost too-late call to arms! Wake up, people. Talk to one another! Speak. Restore broken relationships!

Live version on Conan got nominated for a Grammy! I love that live performance. I've seen Disturbed in concert and I have to admit that their performance of this song on Conan's show beats everything I've seen if them....but they are amazing in concert too!!🤘🎸☺

He sang i listened, then i said thank you...

Bad Wolves did an excellent cover of the Cranberries song Zombie. Disturbed: Try Stricken first. Most will drive you to Down With the Sickness, but that one is heavy subject matter and may be better for a second song. At least look at the lyrics before. Just FYI, I am not saying this because your young either. I have seen other reactors react to that song and the shock value overrides getting to know the band because they get caught up in what he is saying. They also did a nice cover of Genesis's Land of Confusion.

Disturbed version was more disturbing. (Pun intended) You can do Hazy Shade of Winter by S&G and cover by The Bangles.

I am so happy you did this versus the Conan version this is so much better. I enjoy it a lot

This is a powerful interpretation of the song. I do love it, but S&G's version will always be my favourite, mostly because I grew up with it.

The Disturbed's version set my emotions on fire. Simon and Garfunkel's version left me feeling at peace. When I should not have felt such a way.

You are such perceptive young man. It's been a joy watching you work your way through the various types of music. You picked up on the imagery on the video so quickly. I'm 67 and always loved, and still love, Simon and Garfunkel, but this Disturbed version just touches seems to touch the core of the meaning of this song. It's amazing and just reaches in and grabs your heart. You know what he's saying is true and his anger opens your eyes and you also feel the sadness as you sense what he's saying is true. The video adds hope as the musicians are coming to the silent people with the sheet music. Just beautiful!

I'm with you, Daniel. I grew up with S&G's original, which I love. But this interpretation is so much more powerful. I do prefer it over the original. I also agree that this video is better than the live performance on Conan; it hits more powerfully with the images they chose to portray. But, I feel now you're ready to watch the live performance. It is also a fantastic performance. After seeing this, and learning that David Draiman was trained and ordained as Jewish Cantor/liturgical prayer leader, I did look up some of their other tracks. Metal just isn't for me. But, I do like their cover of Land of Confusion, and feel their video has aged much better than Genesis' video (which focuses on Ronald Reagan) has. I would love to see a comparison of both. I don't think I've reached your reaction to Land of Confusion in my viewing of your back log yet; I'll have to see if you reacted to an audible version, or the official video for it.

"Wow! The frick? Wow! Hmm. Hm. Wow." Exactly the correct reaction. :D The "cover that is even better than the original" thing makes me want to request a couple of MandoPop songs that do that. But, of course, you focus on lyrics, and don't speak Chinese, so I won't do that. And I won't fall back on Dramarama (this time). Instead, we'll go with Guns 'n' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine". If you don't know the original, then do that, and follow it with the cover by Taken By Trees. (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bMqhiaeCktKqZIU.html)

Love the way this builds. Probably the most powerful version I've heard. Very impressive. Great reaction thanks for sharing

David tells it like it is! We DO not communicate. Computers, smartphones, When we occasionally speak it is only on THE surface!!!! Noone really listen!!

I've said this before and I'll say it again... A 1965 song (1964 actually; a story for another time) written by Paul Simon re-imagined by Disturbed in 2015; datz 50 years!! For me, this is by far the best song and cover these past 5 years!! This song literally ambushes you... catches everyone by surprise! The powerhouse vocals, amazing imagery and arrangement, etc... just a great song re-imagined by a Heavy Metal band... done right.

It's like two different songs. Both are great.

It captures the darkness and foreboding of the original, and his anger that they are not heeding his warning. Paul Simon was so impressed that he put it on his website

Sound of Silence is one of my favorite songs all time (though there are times when I cannot bear to listen to it). I was worried when I first heard of this cover (not being a Disturbed fan), but I think they did a fantastic job, and I like it almost as much as the original. There is a live video around of them performing this live (on Conan O'Brian I think) and his is almost perfect live.

I enjoy both the versions... I grew up listening to Simon and Garfunkel... and Disturbed is one of my favorite bands. Disturbed's version gives me the chills. If you are going to delve into Disturbed... My personal favorites are Fear... and Inside the Fire... which from the stance of a mother kills me when I hear it.

He's holding a HELL of a lot back.....LOLOL...ya think??? Incredible voice!! ....from deep,warm and velvety to tenor to rasp ON A DIME and back!!! Unbelievable control !!

I can't pick one.They both give you emotions and that's what a good song does.Love both for different reasons.

I absolutely love watching people react to Disterbed’s version. That wow moment when they first realise that it’s not what they expected. His vocals and the instrumental arrangement, just an amazing work of art in every way.

Simon and Garfunkel told him that it was his song now. Even they knew....

the people on the other side of the river are holding sheet music! the band is sailing over with their instruments.

Disturbed, David delivered the message to me. S and G never couldn't. Their version was background noise all those years. David MADE me listen to the lyrics and it's beautiful and so so true. I cried my eyes out......the anger.......we don't listen...... We need to really communicate, speak and listen. No tv, no phones, laptops, tablets...... Face to face.........soeak....LISTEN.....

Everyone walking around with their heads in their phone,s and earplugs in and not listening or communicating...the sound of silence

"And the people bowed and prayed.." Everywhere I go the majority of people walk everywhere with their heads perpetually bowed down to their smartphone screens telling them where to go, how to think, filtering the entire world around them; a world at which they no longer look, to which they no longer listen.

Great reaction, Daniel! A friend of mine from Great Britain turned me on to this cover; she's a metal head (so to speak), and I was leery of hearing ANYONE covering this masterpiece. Well, color me stunned- took my breath away. Disturbed did an unreal job of expressing the emotions this song evokes, so highest kudos to them! Thanks, Daniel!

I loved the original; still do. Disturbed's version gave me chills, and brought tears to my eyes. They stayed true to the original while giving it their own spin. And, David Draiman has an incredible voice; you can hear the training...and, practice! As you said, I listen to both now.

I always wait for the wow when watching reactions to this cover. Never disappointed! Your analysis was insightful compared to most on this video. Grew up with Simon And Garfunkel's version, and absolutely love it! But this version is so much more moving. Each great in their own way.

Glad to be back to see/hear you Daniel:) That said, I love Love LOVE that you have chosen to share a music Video, and to be fair, this is one I am so thrilled you chose to experience; as sometimes a visual can bring a song, something else so extraordinary, that it becomes an entirely different experience altogether. When an already recognised, much loved, respected song is covered by a band sharing their interpretation, so often the resulting opinions are mixed, or worse, derided. For one to 'cover' a well revered song is exceptionally brave; to then create a video with it, one meant to challenge, and explore a significantly deeper message, watching as it evolves almost effortlessly is surreal. When one such as this, becomes so powerful, an all encompassing experience that reaches even further than we've already felt when hearing it, and beyond a depth of emotion that we didnt realise existed, or even imagined could be any deeper, is extraordinary. To feel this newly discovered, fathomless level of emotion, viscerally grabbing you, wringing even more, straight from your guts, heart, body and soul in its entirety, only then do we recognise how rare our music treasures are. As such when found, it is an moment in our world of music, worthy, deserving of recognition and to be cherished, shared, preserved. History smiles favourably on extraordinary artists/works, but it is the public NOW who choose, and demand which of those are deemed that honour. That said Daniel, Thank YOU for doing your part in exploring, sharing and preserving our music of this era, as whilst Bach, Beethoven and Brahms had their music installed in the annuals of history, with infinite amounts of pieces created since, only the best, loved, respected deserve a place alongside them...and you are an amazing 'music historian curator' for our times:) well done, and as always, the warmest of regards to you and yours, be safe and stay well. Cheers, Ladybudd

Powerful visual to the song ..One shore has the sheet music...the other shore has the instruments...and they were separated by the sound of silence....until they built a boat and crossed to meet.

The explicit version of 'down with the sickness' from Disturbed is one of their most iconic songs. Great reaction here!

I'm 62 years old and this is my first time hearing this version. Absolutely Awesome!

I'm so glad you had previously reacted to the original version. Most reactors do it backwards, and miss out on so much.

Exactly wow...so many emotions.great reaction.

Covers of hits often fall short. This one stands on its own.

Hi..I’m new..this is my favourite version of this song as well..it’s so powerful n his voice is amazing..love ur reaction.

A REASON TO FIGHT by DISTURBED !! i have no words

see that CONAN on your screen... hit that one and feel the voice on loan from God... good reaction thx

I think the Sound of Silence this is one of the great lyrics of the 60s. In some ways it's enigmatic, but it's poetic, introspective and the part about people failing to communicate resonates powerfully to this VERY DAY. I don't think America has been as polarized as it is today since the Civil War. What is it about human beings? Why can't we LISTEN to what other people are saying. Paul Simon captured that so beautifully in this lyric. I was excited when I saw your were going to listen to this song because I knew you would pick up on what a monumental piece of artistry it is. The blend of lyrics and music is perfect. I can't wait for you to listen to BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER by Simon and Garfunkel. It's their signature masterpiece, with Art Garfunkel singing the lyrics. At first almost at a whisper and ending with thundering vocal power. Simple lyrics conveying profound compassion.

99.9% of the reactions to this cover start with ... WOW

I've watched so many of these reactions to this version of the song but this chap really gets it. There is one note and most don't notice it. He did.

Amazing reaction, you were so sceptical to this I just loved seeing you going . Both versions are perfect in their own way, S&G really friggin saw the future. Since you liked this you should watch their live version from Conan I believe. Super hugs from Sweden

Simon & Garfunkel's version was the warning, Disturbed's version was the smack in the head because we didn't heed the warning! They're saying wake the F#$k up - S&G weren't kidding!! I was blown away when Disturbed's version came out. I only knew a few of their songs, but didn't know that David Draiman could pull this off (not knowing his vocal training history). Incredible interpretation that 'almost' beats the original - S & G will always hold the top spot for this piece. You need to do a back to back of Land of Confusion - original by Genesis, and cover by, you guessed it, Disturbed!

This is the finest cover I have ever heard. Of anything. Breathtaking. Paul Simon posted this cover on his social media after it appeared. He, too, loved it.

Like you said the original had that folky Greenwich village sound and the lyrics about narrow streets, subway walls and flashing neon all go along with the whole Greenwich village in the sixties vibe. That vibe wasn’t around for long. I’m going with the original for those two part harmonies. If someone had never heard this song before, I’d play the original, if they had heard it, I’d play them this cover

If you notice, the boat holds the instruments and musicians going to the "silent" people who are all holding the sheet music that their voices have "never shared".

In the seventies the main take was that Sound of Silence was a song of an individual alienation much like The Boxer. Now it seems more a cry against mass self isolation.

63 YO here, Boss. Original is good this, one is AWESOME!. The boat is coming over to make an orchestra with the singer and his boys. I'm with you. For all my life I think I agree that I like this version a bit better.

Yes. Definitely check out Disturbed version of Land of Confusion.

Like both versions too... Disturbed so powerful! BTW nice Yes Shirt :)

I know you from your Dimash's reaction and I subscribe because of this reaction.. keep continue young man...

in my opinion, this is in the top 3 covers of all time. (behind Hurt, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix's Watchtower)

I love that this version left you speechless and gave you a goose bump sweater!!! That is a person that truly loves music!!! Keep up the great job my friend!!

I 100% LOVE this version so so much more. I think it suits the words so much. I don’t hate the S & G one. Their harmonies are stunning. David Draiman is seriously amazing! The whole band of course came up with it but his voice....

A Disturbing song is Down With the Sickness. The song doesn’t really make sense unless you listen to the unedited explicit version. It’s deeply unnerving. It’s more what Disturbd generally sounds like. Curious to see your thoughts on the meaning of “Down With the Sickness”.

The Reaction from you is so similar like mine i heard this Version for the first Time.It can be seen you are so touched by this Song.....WOW!!

Paul Simon said this is how the song should be song. He called Dave and told him David the song belongs to you now!

Classic example of”Never say Never”!!! As a youngster, I Adored S&G,& thought Nobody could Ever make better versions of their songs-it actually never occurred to me, that anyone would try!!! The first time I heard this Cover🤯 and I really Love this better than S&G, even tho I still adore their older works together.

Great reaction...I would love to hear u react to Dimash...I think youd do it justice. This was an amazing song to react to & u did it justice. Thank u.

I'm old so I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the amazing classic Simon and Garfunkel version, but I have to admit Disturbed does a fantastic cover of their song. Both songs are great! Thank you for your reaction!!

I was 13 when this was originally released by Simon and Garfunkel. It spoke to the young me in a way I was too immature to understand. It was a particular time in social history. There was change in the atmosphere; potential. There was also great dissatisfaction afoot; unrest bubbling away just beneath the surface. Now here we are 50 years later and although there has been great advances in medicine, technology, women's and gay rights, etc; we are STILL rife with racism, hunger, hate and fear. Did you know that at any one time there are about forty - that's 40 - wars being fought as we speak? 40! This particular version makes the 64 year old me literally wipe tears from his eyes and sit in stunned silence. All I can say about it is.........

I so enjoy watching young adults appreciate music like the way you do!!!!!! It gives me faith for the future!! xoxoxo

The imagery is so haunting and beautiful

You really hit it all. Thank you for a thorough and enjoyable reaction. Appreciate your unique approach and can’t wait to see more

“ The Neon God “ was a reference to the interdiction of the Television set in our homes. The non communication & isolation in our households. 😳📺

- loved your genuine reaction. most reactors are listening without hearing and talking without speaking -Draiman covers roughly two-and-a-half octaves from bottom to top. His vocals are so distinctive. -Disturbed had been nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Rock Performance for their rendition of "The Sound of Silence" while appearing on Conan. -David Draiman: "The fact that I was sick as a dog (laughs). I remember I was definitely fighting something off, but it was a cool experience. It was cool performing with an actual orchestra. It was really vibing and the mood helped, I think, enhance the delivery. The stars just aligned that night and everything went right." - How Paul Simon Felt To Have Disturbed Transform Classic Song to Heavy Metal kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pNp-mdqgsKqUiHU.html -

I have always been a huge Simon and Garfunkle fan. I love everything of theirs I ever heard. This cover is the first time I have ever liked a version as well as the original. I can't compare them. I like them differently and equally in different ways. I enjoyed watching your reaction as he took it up a notch at the end. When you stopped the video to discuss right before they got to that part, I thought "NO KEEP GOING YOU ARE ABOUT TO GET BLOWN AWAY!"

Simon and Garfunkel have a song called "America". It's another great tune by them which was as popular as The Boxer, Bridge over Troubled Waters and the Sounds of Silence. YES did a cover of that song. You have too check out both versions! 'America"

I have never even heard of Disturbed,,so kid you taught me something ,,ty was very good

An Arch of musicians crossing a river to people who are holding sheets of music - they need each other to complete the sound. Music is the universal language of the world.

I first heard Disturbed’s Down With the Sickness years ago, when my son played it for me. He was startled when I burst into tears and asked why I was crying. How can you not cry at that brilliant, gut wrenching song? It walks you through the destruction of a child’s soul from years of abuse until he’s devoured whole. This cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s beautiful and important song has the same depth. David Draiman is incredible.

I've watched over a dozen of these response videos from other professionals(I just love watching the transition from mildly skeptic to outright hostile at the very thought that someone could attempt to cover such an iconic song, myself included.) and there is always the "WOW" moment sometimes at the very first notes, the third verse, and or the end. This is one off the most evocative songs I've ever heard. It goes straight to the heart and left me in absolute awe. Beautiful song Amazing cover

Oh and YES is incredible. One of my favorite bands of all time. All of their albums. I call bands like YES, pink floyd, i was able to see them in Hartford CT by myself. It was amazing! They played in the round(lol), and my favs there too! Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford, and rabin. I missed Chris Squire. Awesome concert!

Finally someone understands it.... You get it.. All the ones I've viewed on the first time watching , You understand it.. Love it!!

Love both versions because they both tug at my emotions. Really only time I feel that way about covers. Peace!

It is almost apocalyptic, with the anger building, raindrops? An ark at the end, saving the instruments of sound. Live this version, love the arrangement and the video production, so haunting, sad and powerful.

He has a very powerful voice with unbelievable range he was trained as young man to sing classical style opera and really knows how to use his voice

You're the best! I really like the way you get the full meaning of the music and the lyrics. My favorite part is when you look up the song facts. I usually learn something new from you even if I'm really familiar with the song and artist!

Love this song. Been around live and studio music for 50 years and have never come across a song as great as this one. I love how they use Silence in the opening scene and that in itself is powerful. I like how when the get to the scene with the music being written they even made sure the note being written is in the upward moving direction just as is his voice too so that was a nicely added touch. I doubt that was a random fluke , feel it was meant to add the visual equivalent of his voice going up. A Stellar song this is.

Your state of speechlessness was the perfect reaction to this cover! It hits me every single time I hear it. Both S&G and Disturbed's versions are so powerful, but in different ways. I grew up with the original, and love both versions, but I think the raw emotion and intense energy of the cover resonates a bit more for me.

Oh my good sir, please listen to this on repeat....this song both fuels my soul, and heals it at the same time.