Breaking Benjamin is an American rock band that was formed back in 1999 by lead singer and guitarist Benjamin Burnley and drummer Jeremy Hummel. Since then, the band has continued to build a catalog of music that is consistent in its melding of hard rock, alternative rock, and post-grunge with alternative metal. Burnley’s evolution as a songwriter and lyricist has been a fascinating journey, but one that has produced a consistent and heavy hitting catalog of rock. Breaking Benjamin’s sound is grounded by substantial guitar parts and melodic chorus, with Burnley providing vocals that range in emotions from contemplative moments to full-on growling anger. The band has always keep things on the heavy side and that is what the fans respond to the most. For their new album, Ember, the band pushes the boundaries to include even more heavier material and takes advantage of the three-guitar player dynamic that the band has to offer. Don’t worry, Breaking Benjamin’s consistent established sound is still throughout the project. Ember is a great collection of songs, some of Breaking Benjamin’s best, there is a new energy and meaning beneath the music that drives the collection of twelve songs. Hard rock is alive and kickin’ and that’s the short of it!
Positives:
Big thick crunchy guitars with excellent songwriting and singing. The heavier approach by the band works!
Bottom Line:
Breaking Benjamin’s sixth record, Ember, is full of the heavy aggressive energy we all love from the band, but without sacrificing any of the strong melodic structure and creative songwriting. The album has a nice mix of light / heavy dynamics, through the duration of the album and within each track. The music is very energetic as a whole though, so don’t worry about getting bored, that will not happen. Ember is Breaking Benjamin at their heaviest, taking advantage of a hard-charging sound instrumentally by the three guitarists and Burnley’s excellent front man’s persona and singing. This album is a straight-up winner with the combination of heavy-yet-melodic music that will keep the metal pumpin’.