Breaking Benjamin currently consists of Benjamin Burnley on guitar and lead vocals, Shaun Foist as the drummer, Keith Wallen on guitar and backing vocals, Jasen Rauch as the lead guitarist, and Aaron Bruch on bass and backing vocals. Although the line up of the band has altered considerably over the years, the refreshing alterations of band members appears to have, if anything, strengthened the sound and dynamics of the band. After the band entered their hiatus in 2010, Mark Klepaski and Aaron Fink were dismissed from the band, parting under sour circumstances.
With their earlier albums such as "We Are Not Alone" ranking so high on the charts and producing the single "So Cold" which reached number 2, apprehensions surrounded the idea of rekindling the band, in fear that their talent and drive may have dwindled. Since they reformed however, their career is looking fresh and exciting. With four previous studio albums under their belt, the alternative metal band have an exciting back catalogue to play from, that every single member knows inside out, regardless of their length of time in the band. Anticipation for new material is high, and the talented musicians are sure to create some exciting new material.
They may not personally tour here due to singer Benjamin Burley’s profound fear of flying, but the U.K might be the best place to see the kind of bands that Breaking Benjamin inspired and were inspired by. Their brand of Nu-Metal inflected post grunge has a very real and devoted following over hear, enough to make those kind of bands make the trip over the Atlantic pretty frequently and make them love doing so every single time. However, while they have an extensive following it’s nowhere near the size of their following in the states, meaning that the venues they play are significantly smaller than the arenas and amphitheatres they’re used to on their home turf. It would make for the perfect atmosphere for a Breaking Benjamin concert, as out of all of those bands; there might be no finer live act than the Pennsylvania natives. A show of theirs may look like any other polished, arena rock spectacular on the surface but as with anything, scratch the surface and you get something much more interesting. Recent shows have seen not just raucous airings of classics like Evil Angel, The Diary of Jane and Dance with the Devil but also a powerful cover of Aerosmith’s Dream On whilst a video of dearly departed Rock stars plays behind them. It’s surprisingly emotional stuff but surprising is the key word here, Breaking Benjamin have a lot more to offer than the average early 2000’s rock band, even as they surged past their 15th year as a band last year, and the best way of realizing just how much they’ve got to give? Grab a ticket to see them live as soon as possible.