Device: The Industrial Rock Powerhouse

Device was an American industrial rock project formed in 2012 by Disturbed frontman David Draiman. The band's self-titled debut album was a commercial success, landing at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawning the hit rock single "Vilify".

Early career

Device was conceived by David Draiman during a hiatus from his main band, Disturbed, which began in late 2011. Draiman, known for his powerful baritone vocals, sought to explore a more electronic and industrial sound. He quickly recruited Geno Lenardo, former guitarist of Filter, to collaborate on writing and producing the material.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough came in 2013 with the release of the debut album "Device" on Warner Bros. Records. The lead single "Vilify" became a major rock radio hit, topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and driving the album's strong chart debut. The album's success was bolstered by high-profile guest appearances from established rock and metal vocalists.

Key tracks

Vilify — This chart-topping single defined the band's aggressive, synth-driven sound and introduced Device to a wide rock audience.

You Think You Know — Featuring vocals from Serj Tankian of System of a Down, this track highlighted the project's collaborative nature and nu-metal connections.

Close My Eyes Forever — A cover of the Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne duet featuring Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, it showcased Draiman's versatility.

Haze — With guest vocals from M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold, this song exemplified the heavy, modern industrial metal approach.

Penance — A track featuring Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath on bass, it connected the new project to metal royalty.

Following the debut album's release, Device toured extensively in 2013 and 2014, including runs on the Uproar Festival. Despite the initial momentum, the project entered a long period of inactivity after Disturbed reunited and resumed recording and touring in 2015. No follow-up album from Device has materialized, leaving the one album as its sole output.

Fans of Draiman's work in Disturbed found a grittier, more mechanized side to his artistry through Device. The music blended programmed industrial elements with live guitar and drums, creating a distinct sound within the hard rock genre. The project served as a creative outlet that differed noticeably from Draiman's primary band.

Similar artists in the industrial and alternative metal scene from the United States include Nine Inch Nails, whose pioneering industrial rock sound is a clear influence on Device's aesthetic. Filter shares a similar blend of aggressive guitars and electronic textures, notably through member Geno Lenardo. Disturbed is the obvious connection, featuring David Draiman's iconic vocal style in a more traditional heavy metal context. Static-X also operated in a similar space, merging industrial music with aggressive groove metal.

Device's music maintains a steady presence on rock radio formats, particularly on stations specializing in modern hard rock and active rock rotations. The song "Vilify" remains a staple, ensuring the project's brief but impactful catalog continues to reach new listeners through classic rock FM stations and online rock radio streams that feature early 2010s rock hits.

Listeners can discover the industrial rock force of Device on radio stations featured on our website. You can hear tracks like "Vilify" and more by tuning into the hard rock and alternative stations available on onairium.com.