Legion of Monsters

"Legion of Monsters" is a direct and scathing critique of modern media's handling of tragic events, particularly acts of terrorism and mass violence. Vocalist David Draiman has explicitly stated that the song is about society's, and specifically the media's, tendency to create new monsters by glamorizing existing ones. The core message is that by giving extensive coverage, front-page photos, and constant name repetition to perpetrators, the media provides the exact infamy and martyrdom these individuals seek. This, in turn, inspires a new generation of disaffected and mentally unstable people to commit similar acts to achieve the same level of notoriety. Draiman used the example of the Boston Marathon bomber being featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine as a prime inspiration for the song's theme. He argues that instead of focusing on the victims, the media delves into the killer's life, effectively making them a dark celebrity. This practice is what the song condemns as 'breeding a new legion of monsters'.

The narrative begins in the immediate aftermath of a horrific event, a day shattered by a monstrous act in a place meant for innocence and play. While the narrator is in a state of mourning, the media headlines are already shouting the perpetrator's name, wasting no time in plastering the madman's image across the screen for all to see. This act is met with disgust, especially as the focus remains on the attacker while victims, some barely alive and many deceased, are overlooked. The song questions the media's awareness, suggesting they are planting seeds for future demons who aspire to achieve the same top-of-the-screen notoriety. A direct accusation follows: morality has been discarded with profound depravity. The media has successfully ensured the world will remember the killer's name. The core question is then posed: did the thought ever occur that this very act of glorification would give a new legion of monsters a reason to commit similar atrocities?

The imagery becomes more personal and visceral as the narrator describes being driven insane by the pictures, unable to get them out of their brain. The media is condemned for making certain these images were at the top of the page, disrespecting the dead by prioritizing the name of the murderer. The song imagines other madmen watching these events unfold with glee, seeing innocent people flee on the screen and realizing that they too could become famous through acts of terror. The cycle of manufactured infamy is laid bare. The central accusation is repeated with greater intensity, accusing the media not just of irresponsibility but of actively profiting from madness, calling them pimps who 'whore the insane.' The damage is declared irreparable, as new legions of monsters have been inspired and are now determined to take more lives. The song shifts to a call to action, urging the listener to observe the palpable fear that has enveloped society, a direct result of these glorified atrocities. It's a plea to recognize the pattern and defy the 'vultures' who continue to glorify these killers, questioning how this practice is allowed to continue and uniting the audience against it.

"Legion of Monsters" was written and recorded for Disturbed's sixth studio album, Immortalized, which was released on August 21, 2015. The album marked the end of a five-year hiatus for the band, their longest gap between studio albums. The song was not included on the standard version of the album but was featured as a bonus track on the deluxe edition, alongside "Tyrant" and "The Brave And The Bold". The primary inspiration for the song's lyrics came from vocalist David Draiman's frustration and anger with the media's coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing. He was particularly incensed by Rolling Stone magazine's decision to feature a glamorized photo of the bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, on its cover, an act which he felt made him 'larger than life'. This event crystallized the song's theme: a protest against the media's role in inadvertently encouraging violence by providing a platform and a sense of glory for those who commit heinous acts.

The song's lyrical structure largely utilizes simple, direct rhyme schemes to deliver its message with force and clarity. The verses often follow an AABB or ABAB pattern of perfect rhymes (e.g., "insane/brain," "page/page"; "glee/flee," "one/one"). This straightforward rhyme scheme makes the lyrics impactful and easy to follow, functioning almost like a furious proclamation. The chorus uses a more complex but still structured rhyme to emphasize its central question. The overall rhythmic structure of the song is aggressive and driving, set in a 4/4 time signature common in hard rock and metal. The instrumental rhythm is heavily syncopated, with the guitar riffs and drum patterns often locking into a tight, percussive groove. David Draiman's vocal delivery is rhythmically precise, with his staccato phrasing in the verses mirroring the instrumental attack. This interplay between the lyrical and musical rhythm creates a relentless, pounding feel that propels the song forward and underscores its angry, confrontational tone.

Musically, "Legion of Monsters" employs many of Disturbed's signature stylistic techniques. It is driven by Dan Donegan's aggressive, down-tuned, and heavily distorted guitar riffs, which are often rhythmic and syncopated, creating a sense of tension and anger. The rhythm section of Mike Wengren (drums) and John Moyer (bass) provides a powerful, driving foundation that enhances the song's intensity. David Draiman's vocal performance is a key element, shifting from his signature percussive, staccato delivery in the verses to soaring, melodic, yet enraged vocals in the chorus. His delivery is filled with palpable anger and disgust, perfectly matching the lyrical content.

Lyrically, the song uses a direct, accusatory narrative voice. A prominent literary technique is the use of rhetorical questions to confront the listener and the media directly, such as, "But didn't the thought even enter your mind? You'd give a new legion of monsters a reason to take your life." This technique forces the audience to consider their own complicity and the media's lack of foresight. The lyrics are also rich with vivid, violent imagery ("The monster shattered the day," "madman's image," "herd of innocents flee") to convey the horror of the events being described and the narrator's visceral disgust.

As a bonus track from the deluxe edition of Immortalized, "Legion of Monsters" did not receive a single release and has not had a significant commercial or chart impact. Its cultural influence is therefore primarily felt within the band's fanbase and the wider metal community. Among fans, it is often cited as a powerful and underrated track, with many praising its direct, potent social commentary and aggressive energy. According to setlist data as of 2023, the song has never been performed live by the band, making it a deep cut in their discography. Its legacy lies in its role as one of Disturbed's most explicit socio-political songs, a direct continuation of their history of tackling challenging subjects. While not a commercial hit, it stands as a clear and furious statement on the responsibilities of the media in the age of mass communication, a theme that remains highly relevant.

The song is built around several powerful metaphors that illustrate its central theme:

• The Legion of Monsters: This is the song's central metaphor. It does not refer to literal monsters, but to a succession of violent individuals—mass shooters, terrorists, and killers—who are inspired by the media's glorification of their predecessors. The 'legion' suggests an army that is constantly being replenished by this cycle of media coverage and violence.
• The Screen: The recurring image of the 'screen' and the 'top of the page' symbolizes all forms of media—television, internet news, and print magazines. It is portrayed as a corrupting mirror that reflects not the tragedy of the victims, but the glorified image of the perpetrator, turning them into a spectacle and providing the very fame they desire.
• Pimps and Vultures: In the bridge, the narrator directly attacks the media, calling them 'pimps' who 'whore the insane' and 'vultures'. These metaphors cast the media in a predatory light. The 'pimp' analogy suggests they are exploiting mentally unstable individuals for profit (ratings and clicks), while the 'vulture' imagery portrays them as scavengers who feed on tragedy and death without moral consideration.

The most significant recurring lyrical motif is the phrase, "You made sure the world will remember the name." This line is repeated multiple times, acting as the central accusation against the media. Its repetition drills home the idea that the media's primary, and most damaging, action is the immortalization of the killer. The titular phrase, "legion of monsters," serves as the song's core concept, appearing in the chorus and bridge to define the consequence of the media's actions. Another recurring image is the 'screen' or 'top of the page', which constantly brings the focus back to the physical medium through which this glorification occurs, reinforcing that this is a tangible problem created by specific editorial choices. Musically, the song is built around a recurring, heavy guitar riff that serves as its sonic signature, anchoring the track and providing a consistent feeling of aggression and menace.