DISTURBED
The Lost Children
(Reprise)

In 1995, Megadeth released a compilation called Hidden Treasures, a strong B-side EP of fist-pumpers that were found on film soundtracks and tribute albums.

It looks as if multi-platinum-selling Chicago-based rockers Disturbed are following in Megadeth's footsteps.

The power-chord tracks on Disturbed's first-ever B-side collection, The Lost Children, released November 11 on Reprise Records, are culled from film soundtracks and tribute albums. The difference is that the 16 tunes on The Lost Children, including the new social-minded and sound-byte-infused cut “Mine,” is as long as a standard LP release.

In addition, the CD's sequencing is more coherent than a lot of thrown-together B-side, or “orphan-track” compilations. That's not so much the result of the production as it is due to Disturbed's signature sound. And while that may be a "pro," it is also a "con" because one Disturbed song has the tendency to sound like all the others.

Still, The Lost Children is a valiant effort and is kind of fun. The chugging guitars, backed by deep bass and drum grooves, are highlighted with synthesizer touch-ups and pulled together with lead singer David Draiman's schizophrenic range.

The release takes the listener into the pit with the opener, “Hell,” and travels through the masochistic lyrics to “A Welcome Burden,” a bonus track from the band's 2010 reissue of the 2000 breakthrough and iconic release The Sickness.

Adding to the list is “God of Mind,” originally appearing in the 2001 horror film “Valentine,” that was also included in The Sickness reissue. The songs “Monster,” “Two Worlds” and “Sickened,” along with the aforementioned “Hell,” were first heard as bonus tracks on the UK edition of Ten Thousand Fists.

Still, a couple of standout pieces highlight The Lost Children. First is the brooding “3” that was originally taken from the 2010 Asylum recording sessions. The song was reissued as a download on Disturbed's website in April as benefit for the Damien Echols Defense Fund, with proceeds donated to the West Memphis Three.

Second is the cover of Faith No More's “Midlife Crisis,” which was originally heard on the 2009 Warner Bros. Records tribute compilation, Covered, A Revolution In Sound. The band takes on a loyal remake of the tune, but adds its own twists and turns to the already grooving arrangement.

Last but not least is the closer — a driving rendition of Judas Priest's “Living After Midnight.” In 2000, Disturbed gave new life to Tears for Fears' 1985 chart topper “Shout,” and they do the same thing in 2011 with the Judas Priest classic. While hard-core Priest fans may want to dismiss the remake, a careful listen will reveal some similarities to Draiman's and JP singer Rob Halford's throaty deliveries.

Simply put, the song rocks. However, that's not so much due to Disturbed's take as the fact the song is just that good whoever does it. While it's true any Disturbed fan can, if they want to spend the time, find the songs collected on The Lost Children, it's still nice to have them in one, easy-to-play place.

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