Breaking Benjamin
There's an old saying that goes, "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." The meaning is clear. Don't think what you don't have is better than what you do have just because you don't have it. While logicians de-construct that last sentence, let's move on.
Sometimes the grass IS greener. Guitarist Aaron Fink and bassist Mark James (Klepaski) were members of Lifer, a fairly successful group - they had a recording contract with Universal Records. Fink had worked with singer-songwriter-rhythm guitarist Ben Burnley and had known him since high school. The experience must have made an impression. Fink convinced James to jump ship and join him in a group with Burnley. Drummer Jeremy Hummel rounded out the line-up.
Playing in their native Philly burbs, an area known as Wilkes-Barre, Breaking Benjamin built a notable reputation.
Back in the old, old days (50s - 60s) before radio consultants, mergers and consolidations drained the freedom and life (in that order) out of Rock radio, DJs were an integral part of the "Rock stardom" process. They took chances on records. If the "A" side stiffed they flipped the thing over and often found an unexpected hit. They helped write songs (yes, they regularly took more credit then they were due) and tirelessly promoted bands they believed in or owned a piece of.
Like a throwback from another age, Freddie Fabbi at Alt. Rock WBSX played Breaking Benjamin's "Polyamorous." He also financed the group's self-titled '01 EP. As a result Breaking Benjamin signed with Hollywood Records and recorded their full-length "Saturate" with producer/engineer Ulrich Wild (yeah, that's they guy who worked with Stabbing Westward, White Zombie and Slipknot). Two years later, that would be '04, Breaking Benjamin unfurled "We Are Not Alone" with contributions from none other that Billy Corgan. The album was soon platinum-certified (sales over one million).
Breaking Benjamin released their third album, "Phobia," in '06. In its first week the album sold 125,000 copies to reach #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. "The goal was to make a solid, mature and cohesive record, not just a few singles and filler," said James.
"There is always pressure to outdo what you've done before, but we focused on recording great songs," added Burnley.
Mega sales aside, "Phobia" is actually a good album though a tad sedate. Breaking Benjamin has a knack for melodic mid-tempo songs like the catchy "Diary Of Jane." They further display their talents on the positive "Until The End" ("why give up, why give in?"), "Here We Are" and "Unknown Soldier." All are well written, accessible Rock (see sales figures above) with ample hooks.
They show their teeth on a couple demonic themed songs, "Evil Angel" and "Dance With The Devil," but these metaphorical tracks are blown away by the vicious "Had Enough" ("you greedy bastard you") and the passionate "Breath Soft."
Though "Polyamorous" on the "Saturate" LP got a lot of attention, "Skin" is a far better song. This outing shows a band with keen ear for what works and the sense to keep songs moving. The '04 follow-up, "We Are Not Alone," takes a harder tact with the opening track "So Cold," "Simple Design" and the Nu Metal blast of "Believe." But the appealing "Saturate" sound is still evident on "Follow," "Break My Fall" and "Sooner Or Later." Aside from "Believe's" crunch, other interesting side trips include the Pumpkins influenced "Breakdown," the '80s synth-pop of "Forget It" and the acoustic ballad album closer, "Rain."