Search - Breaking Benjamin :: Phobia

Don't be afriad...

Andrew Ellington | I'm kind of everywhere | 08/03/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Breaking Benjamin is one of those bands who I will eternally love, but they are also one of those bands that tends to fall into a similar trap as bands like Godsmack or Three Doors Down; there is very little variation from one album to the other. That said, unlike the two aforementioned bands, Breaking Benjamin still remains interesting and relevant years after their debut, and while they tend to maintain a similar sound they keep perfecting that sound to deliver music that is engaging and rewarding.



`Phobia', their third album, is a very solid effort despite a few pitfalls. While it isn't as stirring as their sophomore album, it certainly flourishes in certain areas.



The album opens and closest with (possibly) the bands finest song(s). `The Diary of Jane' as well as its stellar acoustic version are simply perfect. The song captures a similar eeriness that was so well executed on `So Cold'. It also beautifully embellishes their approach to heaviness, showcasing the melodic tones that they bring to their musical approach as well as their vocals (no one in this industry has a more melodically focused scream than frontman Ben Burnley). Personally, the acoustic version that closes the album is the better of the two, the piano laden construction serving as a perfect backdrop to the lyrical flow.



Following the clear best, there are a slew of tracks that make up the `second best' category. Songs like `You' brilliantly slow things down to add layers of ballad-like atmosphere. `Here We Are' is very similar in structure, but even better in execution. It reminds me of the stripped down approach they took with `Rain', allowing the vocals to become the primary instrument. `You' sounds like some of Staind's best work, something that is clearly STRONG ballad-rock; heartfelt, deep and stirring. As far as adrenaline is concerned, the chorus rant in `Had Enough' is golden perfection. I also want to call attention to the industrial flourishes brought to `You Fight Me', a song that has experimental qualities found in Deftone's offshoot Team Sleep.



`Evil Angel' has some great moments, but altogether I think it comes across a little unfocused. `Dance with the Devil' has much more focus, and despite aspects that seem a tad underdeveloped and generic, the simplicity in the bridge ("hold on") is simply flawless. `Unknown Soldier' is another one that almost gets it.



`Breath', `Until the End' and `Topless' just come off forgettable. `Breath' is structurally sound, but it is also too reminiscent of some of their better work. I just wish that it had that something extra to make it stand on its own. `Until the End' seems a tad out of place to me, almost too light (even though they can nail `light' when they want to). I just think the chorus comes off childish in tone. `Topless' just seems like a cheap attempt at vulgar `hard rock' and it shows.



In the end, this album is certainly worth the money. It doesn't hold up to their sophomore, but that album is near perfection. `Phobia' has a lot of great moments, and then some obvious filler. Still, even when they are clearly reaching to fill in dead air, they fill it very, very well."