Album Review: Breaking Benjamin - Dear Agony
Breaking Benjamin was one of the few modern rock bands on the radio that, if you have heard any song in its catalog prior, could be immediately recognized. The band’s sound is indicative of early ’00s modern rock, while also now and then being more Filter-esque or technically proficient, primarily on guitar during 2002’s Saturate, and from then on with bass and drums. As something of a less lyrically skilled Earshot-type outfit, Breaking Benjamin is often labeled as being post-grunge, but this writer feels post-industrial was once more accurate, with such tight rhythms and a lot of emphasis on electronic hum — most notably on Saturate and We Are Not Alone. After Breaking Benjamin’s first #1 Billboard presence in 2006 with Phobia’s “Breath”, producer David Bendeth, who we will call modern emo rock’s own personal Timbaland for the sake of argument, assisted in glossing Breaking Benjamin over and creating another toss-up into Three Days Grace territory (luckily, Earshot did not receive such treatment).
Dear Agony is the unfortunate side effect of a trend in “producer” David Bendeth’s world, training wild chimpanzees to be more tasteful whilst handling silverware. “Producer” is accurate, with Bendeth being the epitome of those who create a product for future sale, starting with the rape of a potentially good rock ensemble. Lead vocalist Benjamin Burnley started out doing Nirvana covers before helping to form Breaking Benjamin and realizing that he could do spiked modern rock in the new millennium; working with Billy Corgan later on to co-write tracks like “Follow” and “Rain” for the We Are Not Alone sessions cemented his outfit’s place in modern rock. However, since We Are Not Alone, Breaking Benjamin have attempted to recreate that atmosphere, only to succumb to that fine glaze of Bendeth and gaining a #1 single in the process. Dear Agony represents a third turn at the wheel for Bendeth, and everything is becoming very Taproot-like, musically speaking, while lyrical depth suffers and we as listeners await the point of no return. Welcome to that point.
Breaking Benjamin played a show in Greenville, NC shortly after the release of We Are Not Alone. Alongside them stood the shoddy Nirvana-clone Puddle Of Mudd, riding the coattails of “Control” even then; Smile Empty Soul, who to this day feel like teens trapped in men’s bodies despite a rather impressive debut CD; and local NC modern rockers Parmalee. This is the company Breaking Benjamin kept back in 2004, and it is highly representative of what changed between Saturate and We Are Not Alone. On Phobia come 2006, the song remained the same, while the lyrics took a stab at realism and got “Diary Of Jane” before placing us with an album full of filler — Dear Agony feels as if Breaking Benjamin just has not even bothered trying.
The initial single “I Will Not Bow”, co-written by Red’s Jasen Rauch and given a push by Rock Band, comes off preachy and heavy-handed for a message Breaking Benjamin’s talked but not walked since its inception — a rise against submission. Scolding a band for making a living with its art form is a ludicrous ideology pinned to inevitable failure; Breaking Benjamin allowed itself to become sheer marketing, a true testament to “selling out”. “Sell out” is a term this writer uses scarcely due to its cliche nature as an excuse for not liking bands one claims to have been loyal to since before they “made it big”. Unfortunately, the redundancy and blandness of Dear Agony is the equivalent of a Xerox maching copying its copies, whereas eventually the original meaning is lost.
Nothing on Dear Agony is worth the purchase, nothing. “Anthem Of The Angels” and “Give Me A Sign” begin overblown and wind up to be the same old same, the album’s titular track is meandering and bleak, the album as a whole feels dated and charmless, and “I Will Not Bow” among other tracks glorifies an album not worthy of even an EP’s filler. If this had come out in 2004, it would have been considered a throwaway even still, allowing Breaking Benjamin to fade with many of its peers — hell, Smile Empty Soul is still going and believe it or not has matured more than this act seems to have attempted. As much as We Are Not Alone spawned several good songs like “Rain” and “Firefly”, there is still Phobia and Dear Agony reminding us that it started this band’s current running gag…
songs that could all just as easily been parodied by Psychostick. Ironically, Psychostick’s parody of modern rock singles is called “#1 $ingle”, and it sounds better than half of the formulaic garbage found here. Do yourself a favor and buy Psychostick’s album Sandwich instead — funny metal never sounded so good. I give Dear Agony a half-star for succeeding in teaching Breaking Benjamin’s peers who not to hire for production credit.
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Dear Agony
Wow lol. You guys are funny. I think that the review has some good points. But there are also some things that really upset me. Sure, this album could have been better. But as a diehard BB fan, it was great. It’s same old Breaking Benjaminesque, but it has a beautiful message and there are plenty of BB fans that live this album. The lyrics are fresh and honest. The guitar is edgy and the drummer, as always, rips the songs up. Wish bass was louder, but what can you do.. Overall, Dear Agony is a good album and BB fans like myself will appreciate it. Ben is amazing, his screams are raw and not forced.
Oh and btw…….. Phsychostick sucks ass
Wow, you’re terrible at reviewing music. If you didn’t find at least one good thing about this album, then why are you reviewing music at all? Breaking Benjamin is one of the few truly great bands out there today. Of course, this is strictly my opinion. Nothing personal. And no, I’m not being sarcastic when I say it’s nothing personal.
make treesome with your mom and dad fucking bastard this is awesom
One of the worst reviews i have read. Barely read anything about musicianship. Too opinionated.
I love Psychostick! lol
Szeliga is definitely not sloppy, as the drums and rhythm are typically kept nice and tight, and were one of the biggest selling points for me with Breaking Benjamin since the beginning.
In considering that logic you do have a valid point, and I could actually see boosting said rating to 1 star for noting his substantial dedication to his style since day one — not to mention their drummer and lead vocalist do put on one hell of a live show (even on a small outdoor stage with a crowd of about 200 +/-)
A respectful disagreement is something I rarely find here so you should know that it is appreciated and very much noticed.
While I do not agree with most of the statements in the review, I will respect your opinion.
I don’t think that Bendeth has done anything bad for the band. I like the production, but that is obviously my own opinion.
I also think that Ben’s writing has gotten better, as his melodies are much more listenable now. While I did enjoy the raw qualities that Saturate had, I do appreciate the polished writing in this album. Doesn’t hurt to have Jasen Rauch helping either, as I think he is an incredible writer as well.
You don’t say anything about the drumming on this album, but I think you should have. I think that Chad Szeliga is one of the most talented and well rounded drummers out there and his creativity really shows on this record. I but you would have giving it a quarter of a star if it wasn’t for Chad
Anyway, I do respect your opinion on the album as not everyone is going to enjoy the music, but I will be that guy that respectfully disagrees.
“Hey everyone, Zookeeper’s back with a clever retort!” = Exclamation + Statement of Fact
“Let’s give him a hand, shall we?” = Query + Sarcasm
“Glad to see your argument has boiled down to a bad joke, bravo.” = Statement of Fact + Sarcasm
Dissection? Note the lack of childishly insulting terminology here. It is truly not that difficult a concept to grasp.
Hey everyone, Zookeeper’s back with a clever retort! Let’s give him a hand, shall we?
Glad to see your argument has boiled down to a bad joke, bravo.
I disagreed with the reviewer waaahhhh
he was personally offended wahhhhh
people are crying foul waahhh
time to go to a pyschostick show.
ZOOKEEPER - It’s extremely unfortunate that you assume an individual’s music taste based on his distaste. Breaking Benjamin is an aweful band. They are like lukewarm coffee. This review perfectly exemplifies how poor this band is. Take a breath and find something else to get angry about as I’m sure you already have.
He / she is articulate not well articulated.
This page blows my mind because apparently there is someone out there that loves breaking benjamin so much that they would argue this review AND they are well articulated. who knew.
UPCOMING PSYCHOSTICK TOUR DATES:
Nov 21: House of Bricks in Des Moines, IA
Nov 22: The Phoenix Lounge in Harrisburg, SD
Nov 24: The Annex in Madison, WI
Nov 27: Hattrix in Kenosha, WI
Nov 28: Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago , IL
Nov 29: Billiards On Main in Galesburg, IL
Nov 30: Pop’s in East St Louis, IL
Dec 01: Peabody’s in Cleveland, OH
Dec 03: The Machine Shop in Flint, MI
Dec 04: Hayloft in Mt. Clemens, MI
Dec 05: Big Ed’s in Cincinnati, OH
Dec 07: Polaris in Philadelphia, PA
Dec 08: The Brickhouse in Dover, NH
Dec 09: The Middle East in Boston, MA
Dec 10: The Warehouse in Hartford, CT
Dec 11: Bourbon Street in Baltimore, MD
Dec 12: Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ
man this album sucks cajones
Over-produced, check. I Liked the first two albums, check.
Personal attack on the producer, highly unlikely — attack on his overbearing presence, most definitely. If you like the CD, just say you like the CD and quit assuming I’m a snob just because this album was made an example of.
Thanks for the well-wishes, they are very much appreciated (sarcastic or otherwise).
Sidenotes: Dissecting songs means nothing when there is nothing to dissect, and Psychostick’s lyrics are not meant to be taken seriously so writers who got offended by that have no sense of humor.
This is simple
I take it that you liked them years ago, you think its over-produced, and you are pointing fingers. I do see a personal attack on the producer. Why you fail to comprehend that, is beyond me.
If I could give you any constructive criticism, next time, talk about the music, the lyrics, and the songs.
A well balanced review always contains some kind of musical scrutiny, this speaks directly to credibility and does not reek of some kind of needless musical snobbery.
It is your website, good luck, you are going to need it.
Disagree as you see fit, this is your prerogative. I am merely pointing out that personal attacks only serve to demean your argument, regardless of the initial display of opinion (grounded or otherwise).
Let me clarify a few things so we’re on an even field:
- Subject Matter: Kicking an addiction is indeed the central theme (Burnley was extremely open about this), but a redeemable message that is weighed down by “for profit” engineering and production still comes out weaker than intended — this applies to Three Days Grace’s One-X as well.
- “Chimpanzee” reference: this is meant to illustrate how producers and labels jump in and try polishing something that did not need the attention. Breaking Benjamin was fine, no need to fix what isn’t broken — the “chimpanzees” statement is derogatory to hollow fame, not the band.
If you like this album, more power to you…jerking frantically to get attention is not conducive to a worthwhile debate.
Take from that what you will.
Dave, sorry to have hurt your feelings. If I would have known you were so fragile, I would have been kinder.
Having said that, you called the band “chimpanzees” Monkeys, what did you expect?
This record is all about someone kicking addiction, that is a dark subject Dave, not found on a lot of your “party” records. The lyrics are dark and the music is dark, some people like this.
Bands today do not have “lucky” #1 records at radio, ask Smile Empty soul.
I really do not see the difference between your personal attack on this record and the members of the band, to my “personal attack” on you. I wrote what I felt after reading your lame, misinformed and generic review.
Ok I am sorry this is your webpage, then do yourself a favor and remove the part where people get to disagree with you.
If you cannot take the heat, then its time to leave the kitchen.
I love people who assume they know everything about me and my musical taste based on a single album review. If you had read the comment I posted prior to your rant, you would note that I was a fan of Breaking Benjamin.
I cannot place all of the blame on David Bendeth alone, agreed — but admittedly he is at fault on a large level, and his work history with other bands is evidence of this.
Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Earshot…all cut from the same block of wood. All have positive characteristics as well as faults (one of Earshot’s being that its sophomore release was practically a bad clone of its debut and offered nothing new).
Is Bendeth responsible? Not wholly, no. Is this album any better were you to strip him from it? Not by a long shot.
I do not choose to live in a single era of music. In judging albums I keep the focus on that band’s catalog or respective genre because, with the exception of a superlative listing, comparing this act to something in rap or folk is apples and oranges. To insult my personality traits based on absolutely no intimate knowledge of me at all, that is immature and uncalled for.
Stick to the subject matter and quit mudslinging, this is not a media-wrought Presidential election…you don’t score points for acting like a prick, and you don’t win an argument on solely personal attacks.
Taproot, Earshot, Smile Empty Soul??
Oh for chrissakes Dave…..YAWN.
You are really on your game here Dave. Top shelf.
David Buchanon is just another example of some dated nu metal kid that has no possibility of understanding lyrics and music.
Typical today, of the extremely painful grasp for some “artform” found in Cd’s and shows he was never alive for in the first place.
This review is a pitiful attempt at blaming radio and sales success on the whim of a producer. Laughable at best.If Bendeth made three records with this band in a row, and the previous two sold platinum the real question here is..why didn’t the band change to Brad Wood?
Because they hate that shit Dave, get it?
Buchanon unfortunately lives in the last century, and his personal taste in indicative of some really lame records that nobody really liked, or bought, but him and a few of his Advanced English Lit friends.
Pyschostick are a dumb, heavy ,metalcore band Dave, They write songs called “I hate doing laundry” which basically would be an insult to any lyricist worth their weight. Having said that, some people like that crap, you being one of those Brosky trolls that revels in the sublime and dumbass college Beer drinking frat crap.
Buchanon was most likely on his football team, and was sidelined because he over-analyzed the plays to the coach.
Bendeth puts his pants on one leg at a time, It sure beats walking around drunk with an Earshot record in your hand, with your pants around your ankles on the floor.
This to me would be another typical review from a writer who was just never good enough to join a band, because he had no concept of musical taste, or better yet talent.
This review uses so many words from so many other mediocre reviews it really smells of stagnant, over-used and mundane cliche rock press. I do not think he could have found another word that he had not read someone before in that same context.
This review gets a solid * for lack of originality.
So Dave when you are dancing around your room naked, with a beer in your hand, remember you need to brush up on your Rolling Stone reviews from 1977 and stop listening to bands that no one really likes but you.
As I stated before, the first two albums were, in my humble opinion, particularly good. What sucks is that, instead of Breaking Benjamin going the raw-yet-tangible route, it decided to stick full-on with radio singles to sell garbage records.
To this day I still find myself returning to We Are Not Alone before remotely considering Phobia — this new release is just rehashing the crap Phobia made insanely popular.
w/ anonymous
agreed!
Man, this was wicked scathing. I never listened to these guys when they first came out, but I can attest to your review Dave that these guys seemed to progressively get worse.
You sir now bear the torch of Punk & Heavy Metal Guy at CoS. Congrats you earned it.
As for “Anonymous”, to quote editor Michael Roffman, “We aim to cover EVERYTHING.” Sure we can cover only good albums, but it’s those albums like this that “need the carry the shovel behind them” as per our own Luke Johnson.
Good review Dave, keep ‘em comin’!
i never understood why this website bothers to even consider reviewing this type of shitty music