Search - Breaking Benjamin :: Phobia

Near Perfection.

Andrew Estes | Maine | 08/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, just two years after "We Are Not Alone" pushed Breaking Benjamin into the mainstream, the boys are back with a new album, "Phobia." The third album in a band's career always seems to be a special one, and with Breaking Benjamin, this is no exception. Each album from these guys has been exceptional, and fellow fans will be happy to notice that the cycle hasn't been broken. Those who love the familiar Breaking Benajmin sound will love this album instantly, and those looking for a stronger effort than ever before, will be pleased as well.



I have to say that, honestly, I loved this album from the first listen. Beginning with an intro and the first single, "Diary Of Jane," fans of "We Are Not Alone" will be sucked in by the dark nature of the songs. Most of the material here is amongst Breaking Benjamin's heaviest, save for the obligatory ballad, "Here We Are." Frontman Ben Burley's voice has changed up a bit from the sound we are used to. Instead of mumbling or yelling the majority of the vocal parts, he has comfortably settled into a great singing voice, which makes these songs sound even better than much of what the band has recorded in the past. Old school fans will appreciate the inclusion of "Topless" here, but the true standout would have to be the dramatic "Dance With The Devil."



"Phobia" is an easy listen, in that it showcases a great band at their best and that each song is just as strong as the one before it. Honestly, there is not one bad thing I can say about this album. All fans of Breaking Benjamin, past, present or future, will find plenty to dig here. If you've followed the band this far and you don't like this album, there is simply something wrong with you."

There's nothing to fear, there's nothing to fear, there's no

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 09/05/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yeah. Just keep telling yourself that. But Breaking Benjamin's latest is ALL about the fear. From the paranoia intro of sounding lost in an airport, to each and every song's desperation-as-relationships theme, and ending with a song where Burnley laments "Can't we live a life of peace and happiness? I don't think so," "Phobia" is relentlessly bleak. It is also BB's best album yet. Guitars crunch, melodies soar and Ben Burnley roars. This is also an album that shows personality, as dark as that may be.



But personality is a trait sorely lacking in a great deal of current metal. Too many bands opt for faceless angst without giving any genuine voice to the anger, content to merely play faster than light speed and sing like Cookie Monsters. "Phobia" is not that disc. You'll be singing along with the hooks on "Diary Of Jane" while the weirdly engaging death wish "Evil Angel" will lure you in, in its own perverse way. It's been a long time since I have held any kind of excitement for a rock band, but "Phobia" gives me hope."

Don't be afraid...

Killer K9 | U.S.A | 08/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great album. After two great albums in "Saturate" and "We Are Not Alone" BB come back with another great album. Phobia starts off strong, then goes into a little slump but once you make it past there the album ends strong. Here is what I mean:

"The Diary of Jane" 10/10- Great song, when I heard this song first I knew this album would be good.



"Breath" 10/10- This song reminds me of something I'd sing to somebody who has turned me down 100 times.



"You" 8/10- pretty good tune, nothing too special, but good nonetheless



"Evil Angel" 8/10- Same as "You"



"Until The End" 10/10- This is a good song with a nice little guitar solo. Defently a highlight.



"Dance With The Devil" 7/10- see "You"



"Topless" 3/10- I can't get into this song. Love the riff though...



"Here We Are" 9/10- Good song.



"Unknown Soldier" 12/10- This song absolutly blew me away when I heard it. I love this song. It's my favorite of the album.



"Had Enough" 10/10- Great song. I love the chorus.



"You Fight Me" 10/10- Great way to end an album (excluding the "Outro").



Do not be afraid to buy Phobia. It is just as good, if not better, than BB other albums."