Album Review: Dark Before Dawn by Breaking Benjamin

From L-R: Keith Wallen, Shaun Foist, Benjamin Burnley, Aaron Bruch, Jasen Rouch

The taste of triumph is achieved only after a nerve wrecking phase of struggle after a failure.It is just like feeling the warmth of sunlight reaching the the earth after a night of a violent storm.Breaking Benjamin's Dark Before Dawn is a replication of the same.The album takes you through a journey of revival after a failure or hurt is well worth taking.

The alternate rock/ post grunge band is back to continue the journey started by Benjamin Burnley, band's front man and lead singer, in 1998 in Pennsylvania ,USA. It has been a wait of six long years for the fans after the band released their most successful album Dear Agony in 2009.This period found Ben battling with severe health and legal issues. The conflict between the former members which eventually lead to the break up of the band found Ben fighting for living which is the sole reason for the whole new line of the band.


Former member of the band Red, Jasen Rouch who had collaborated with Ben for Dear Agony joined the band full time as the lead guitarist. Keith Wallen and Aaron Bruch were brought in for rhythm guitarists and bass guitarists respectively. Chad Szeliga was replaced by Shaun Foist as the drummer of the band.

The album cover of Dark Before Dawn appeared to be a solar eclipse having an impression of a ultrasound. Later, with an interview with Ben, it was confirmed that it was the ultrasound result of Ben's son.
It has been a tradition of Breaking Benjamin albums to have a touch of their personal vibe. The last album Dear Agony showcased the X-Ray of  Ben's skull who once had reportedly been suffering from brain imperfections.

       

The album opens up  with the song Dark with subtle instrumental rhythm with faint audio reciting the quotes about fear and love from Control Your Emptiness by Edward Champion. It nicely sets up the necessary tone for what is to come next.

"Life will come our way,

It has only just begun.

The world will die alone

The frail will fall below" - Failure 

The title track of the album, Failure, was pre-released in February'15 which announced the comeback of the band. It was a huge success and went on to peak at number 1 in the rock charts. The song opens up with typical BB riffs and a lead guitar guiding to some heavy grunge and double bass on drums which clear reminds the fans what this band is all about.

"I try to face the fight within, but it's over

I'm ready for the riot to begin and surrender

I walked the path, it led me to the end, remember

I'm caught beneath with nothing left to give, forever" -Angels Fall

Angels Fall was the second pre-released song after Failure. The overlaying tones from the 3 guitars gives the song a big punch of typical alternative rock. The chorus, as it is the specialty of the band, is bang on which supports the Ben's passionate vocals very well. What follows next are one of the most heaviest tracks of the album. Breaking The Silence and Bury Me Alive showcases some heavy growling along with wicked aggressive lyrics which brings out the aggression of the theme of the album. These songs are much like the Saturate and Hopeless, two of the songs of similar kind. BB is one of the rare bands which can produce aggressive songs through their powerful vocals rather some over-fierce drumming and heavy guitar distortions as seen in some of its competitive bands.

" Cause I don’t want enough ,I want it all"- Hollow

Hollow and Close To Heaven are arguably the most enigmatic yet rhythmic and soulful songs of the album having melodic verses and chorus, a good solo and progressive pre-chorus growl much like Breath and I Will Not Bow from their previous records.When it comes to singing, Ben is at the top of his game in these songs showcasing his broad powerful voice which further opens up the album. Doesn't matter if it is playing on the loudspeaker or headphones, these two songs are sure to catch anyone's ear.

"And after this world is out of reach

Sober and silent, faded and violent"- Never Again

Just at the time when you are falling in love with the band, the album reaches an unfortunate low period of the album. Never Again and The Great Divide fail to bind hold the listener's attention and brings in a monotony and some unwanted weird variations. However, the songs do take up the theme ahead successfully.

At this point of time, the album is desperately screaming for a smooth slow track. That's when Ashes Of The Eden joins the party.It gives a smooth calming effect with its simple four evenly spaced guitar notes. Aaron's bass complements the the amazing singing proficiently. The song is much like the Forever  from their album Phobia which unknowingly adds a lot of weight in the album.Reaching the end of the song, the listener comes across one of the best chorus piece of the album. Shaun's marching drum rolls keeps the effect of the song till the very last second leaving the listener awe-struck.

"Will the darkness fall upon meWhen the air is growing thinWill the light begin to pull meTo its everlasting will"-Ashes Of Eden

                                                                                                  

Defeated, again one of the pre-released song, brings in some deadly riffs combined with excellent showcase of double bass of the drums.This track marks the end of the struggle (dark) and the beginning of the triumph (dawn) in theme of the album. Dawn is a concluding instrumental melody a little similar to the opening Dark containing some simple guitar notes. The rhythm has a kind of 'victory' like emotion just like the background music played during the screening of the credits roll after an action movie.

"As I drag the Devil down, I will stand alone

No longer defeated" - Defeated

The album carried out the band's legacy of soulful lyrics and deep vocals which has been the masterstroke for the success of the band.The most important quality of BB's songs is their capability to stay in their fans' mind in the long run. Dark Before Dawn is an album likely to be on the 'repeat' mode for all the alternative rock/ metal lovers, old or new, for a long long time.

Songs from many other bands fail to keep their place in fans' heart after a few period of time from their release. But BB's previous records Phobia and Dear Agony are still very much appreciated which keeps band's fan base ever growing. This is the reason why BB has managed to stay alive in their fans' playlist even after a long gap of six years and produced a successful come back with Dark Before Dawn.

For a detailed bio and discography visit : http://www.last.fm/music/Breaking+Benjamin

Track list:

1)Dark

2)Failure

3)Angels Fall

4)Breaking The Silence

5)Hollow

6)Close to heaven

7)Bury Me Alive

8)Never Again

9)The Great Divide

10)Ashes Of The Eden

11)Defeated

12)Dawn

My personal ratings: 8.5/10