Don't Break Ben!

Breaking Benjamin, a band out of Wilkes-Barre PA formed in 2000, has flown to the top of my radar recently.  Their alternative metalish, hard rock feel is really accentuated and not possible without guitarist- Aaron Fink and bassist- Mark James Klepaski, along with lead vocalist- Ben Burnley, and drummer- Jeremy Hummel. 

They look like the kinda guys you don't want to get into a bar fight with...

Both bassist and guitarist, came from the alternative metal band Lifer (formally known as Strangers With Candy), a very surprising and unexpected decision, especially because Lifer was signed to Universal and Breaking Benjamin, well wasn't.  In my opinion, Breaking Benjamin is much better band in general and far from a copy of Lifer, taking a "radio friendly" approach with aggressive yet melodic songs.  Although they are all very talented men, the lyrics of their songs can be depressing yet Burnley finds a way to keep the songs energetic and really interesting.  There's a rough and engaging quality about his voice that really defines what a rock band should sound like.

One of my favorite songs "Into the Nothing," is no exception to this rule.  Its heavy guitar fits right in with Ben's rugged but very somehow soothing lyrics.  This song is off of their last recorded album to this date "Dear Agony" from 2009, also featuring killer songs like "Dear Agony" (a really depressing song but with amazing playing) and "I Will Not Bow," another great rock song.

The video synced up to the song (Dear Agony) is a clip from Seven Pounds, starring Will Smith.  I feel like this clip works perfectly with what the song is about.  Watch and listen and you'll know exactly what I mean.

This video is of the band actually performing; To be honest, I never would've thought that that sound could come out of that mans body.  But it does, and it sounds really good.

Another great CD their 2006 album Phobia.  This album picks up were "We Are Not Alone," (2004) left off, mixing hard rock aspects and a "moody demeanor" creating an amazing flow and killer songs.  Not only does this album have intense songs like "You," it also has uplifting songs (to a sense) like "Until the End," showing his resilient and never give up attitude "You" video link/ "Until The End" video link

Overall Breaking Benjamin is exactly what I think of when I think hard rock band containing a great mix of guitar and rough rugged vocal with an almost hypnotizing melody.  (RIYL- Three Days Grace, Crossfade, Skillet) 

 

-Brooks Gonzales