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| "I Will Not Break" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Disturbed | ||||
| Released | February 21, 2025 | |||
| Genre | Nu metal | |||
| Length | 4:52 | |||
| Label | Mother Culture Records | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Producer | WZRD BLD | |||
| Disturbed singles chronology | ||||
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"I Will Not Break" is a song by American heavy metal band Disturbed, released on February 21, 2025, through the band's independent label, Mother Culture Records. The single marked Disturbed's first new music since their 2022 album Divisive and became the band's thirteenth number-one single on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
Disturbed began teasing their new single "I Will Not Break" via Instagram in February 2025, sharing short clips of studio footage and guitar riffs. [1] The track premiered online on February 20, 2025, and was officially released the following day. [2]
The single marked Disturbed's first release through their independent label, Mother Culture Records, and continued their collaboration with producer Drew Fulk (also known as WZRD BLD), who previously produced the band's 2022 album Divisive. [3]
In interviews surrounding the release, frontman David Draiman described his emotional state as a mix of nervousness and renewed confidence, characterizing the song as "a vengeance track," "a return track," and "a healing track." He explained that the lyrics reflected a more empowered and resilient mindset compared to the darker themes explored during the band's previous album cycle. [4]
Guitarist Dan Donegan stated that "I Will Not Break" emerged late in the recording process after the band had already completed a substantial body of new material. During a Los Angeles studio session in late 2024, Donegan set aside scheduled guitar tracking to develop a new riff, repeatedly refining it alongside drummer Mike Wengren and Fulk until the group agreed it captured the desired energy. [5] Donegan explained that the song's aggressive momentum was inspired by revisiting early Disturbed demo recordings from the 1990s, describing a desire to "get back in that headspace" and reconnect with the band's improvisational origins, even though the final riff was entirely new. [6] In a May 2025 interview, Donegan reflected that despite occasional disagreements, the band has grown closer over the years, describing "I Will Not Break" as "a necessary song, about becoming stronger than the forces that constantly try to tear you down," emphasizing its empowering lyrical content. [7]
"I Will Not Break" is built around downtuned guitar riffs, groove-driven rhythms, and a forceful vocal performance by David Draiman, elements that reviewers identified as hallmarks of the band's heavier, early-era sound. Revolver described the track as a modern nu metal anthem driven by its muscular riffing and confrontational delivery. [8]
Lyrically, the song centers on themes of resilience, defiance, and personal empowerment. Draiman cited a series of personal and societal challenges as influences on the track's message, describing it as an affirmation of strength in the face of sustained adversity. [9]
Although listeners and critics noted the song's "throwback" quality, Draiman stated that the stylistic resemblance to earlier Disturbed material was not a deliberate objective, instead emerging organically during the recording process. He described the final result as "very empowering" and "very healing," reflecting a more positive emotional outlook compared to the band's prior release. [10]
"I Will Not Break" reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in April 2025, becoming Disturbed's thirteenth number-one single on the chart. [11]
"I Will Not Break" was featured on the official soundtrack for EA Sports' NHL 26 , the 2025 edition of the annual hockey video game franchise. [12]
Wall of Sound described "I Will Not Break" as a return to Disturbed's early-era sound, highlighting its ominous introduction, dialed-down riffing, groove-driven rhythm section, and David Draiman's signature vocal expressions. [13]
MetalSucks noted that the track featured signature Disturbed elements such as chugging riffs, radio-friendly rhythms, and Draiman's iconic vocal delivery. [14]
Metal Hammer/LouderSound described the single as an "old school" track, noting the pulsing thumps, Draiman's vocalisations, and a confidence in delivery reflecting the band's 25-year career. [15]
Consequence highlighted the song's personal lyrics and described it as the beginning of a "new era" for the band. [16]
Loudwire reported generally positive fan reactions, noting comparisons to Disturbed's early albums The Sickness and Ten Thousand Fists , while some listeners described the song as formulaic. [17] The track was later included in Loudwire's year-end list of the best rock and metal songs of 2025. [18]
| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Rock ( Billboard ) [19] | 6 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles ( Recorded Music NZ ) [20] | 25 |
| UK Singles Sales ( OCC ) [21] | 51 |
| US Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [22] | 23 |
| US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs ( Billboard ) [23] | 24 |
| US Rock & Alternative Airplay ( Billboard ) [24] | 2 |
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