Out of the Cellar vs. The Sickness

Attribute	Out of the Cellar	The Sickness
Band	Ratt	Disturbed
Release Year	1984	2000
Genre	Heavy Metal	Alternative Metal
Lead Single	"Round and Round"	"Down with the Sickness"
Commercial Success	Platinum	5x Platinum

Introduction

Out of the Cellar and The Sickness are two albums that have made a significant impact in the world of rock music. Both albums were released in the late 1980s and early 2000s respectively, and have garnered a large following over the years. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two albums, looking at their musical styles, lyrical content, and overall impact on the rock music scene.

Musical Style

Out of the Cellar, released in 1984 by the band Ratt, is a classic example of the glam metal genre that was popular in the 1980s. The album features catchy guitar riffs, melodic hooks, and anthemic choruses that are characteristic of the glam metal sound. In contrast, The Sickness, released in 2000 by the band Disturbed, is a more modern take on the nu metal genre. The album incorporates elements of heavy metal, alternative rock, and industrial music, creating a darker and more aggressive sound compared to Out of the Cellar.

Lyrical Content

The lyrical content of Out of the Cellar primarily focuses on themes of love, partying, and living life to the fullest. Songs like "Round and Round" and "Wanted Man" are classic examples of the glam metal lyrical style, with catchy hooks and memorable choruses. On the other hand, The Sickness delves into darker and more introspective themes, such as depression, addiction, and personal struggles. Tracks like "Down with the Sickness" and "Stupify" explore these themes with raw emotion and intensity, reflecting the band's nu metal influences.

Production Quality

Out of the Cellar was produced by Beau Hill, a renowned producer in the glam metal scene, known for his work with bands like Warrant and Winger. The album features a polished and slick production style, with a focus on big hooks and catchy melodies. In contrast, The Sickness was produced by Johnny K, who has worked with bands like Staind and 3 Doors Down. The album has a more raw and aggressive production quality, with a focus on heavy guitar riffs and intense vocals that reflect the band's nu metal sound.

Commercial Success

Out of the Cellar was a commercial success, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawning several hit singles that received heavy rotation on MTV. The album solidified Ratt's status as one of the leading bands in the glam metal genre, and helped pave the way for other bands in the genre to achieve mainstream success. On the other hand, The Sickness was an even bigger commercial success, reaching number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually being certified quadruple platinum. The album's lead single, "Down with the Sickness," became a massive hit and helped propel Disturbed to stardom in the nu metal scene.

Legacy

Out of the Cellar is considered a classic album in the glam metal genre, and is often cited as one of the best albums of the 1980s. The album's influence can be heard in the music of bands like Poison, Motley Crue, and Bon Jovi, who all drew inspiration from Ratt's catchy hooks and melodic style. In contrast, The Sickness is seen as a landmark album in the nu metal genre, and is credited with helping to popularize the genre in the early 2000s. The album's success paved the way for other nu metal bands like Linkin Park, Korn, and Slipknot to achieve mainstream success.