Breaking Benjamin: Dear Agony Review

Breaking Benjamin is a band that I find hard to describe because the word "consistent" doesn't really do them justice. These guys aim for perfection and top their last effort every time they make an album, and they get pretty damn close every single time. Their sound stays the same but they expand on it and make it better with each outing. "Phobia" marked the band's crowning achievement, despite some fans believing their debut "Saturate" was their best work. "Phobia" may not have been the hard rocker that "Saturate" was, nor was it the sort of great middle ground "We Are Not Alone" was, but it had such an incredible mood and maturity to it that really defined this group as truly great. So now 2009 sees the arrival of "Dear Agony", and if you love Breaking Benjamin like me, you might be anxiously hopeful that this album does "Phobia" justice and that it delivers in true Breaking Benjamin fashion. It is important to note that while this new installment does not reach the mark of perfection that their last effort achieved, all you Benheads out there should not be disappointed with this new album, not because it does not live up to expectations, but because "Phobia" was one of the greatest albums ever made. I need to clarify why I say this and why it is important when reviewing "Dear Agony": I do not say this because I like Breaking Benjamin, but because there were incredible concepts that were invoked into the music perfectly by incredible guitar along with heavy throwdowns of drums and bass that are just incomparable to any other band. Lead singer, songwriter, composer, and guitarist Benjamin Burnley is one of the greatest musical geniuses of our time (Sorry, Kanye), the work this group achieved with "Phobia" is truly incredible to behold because each dark and brooding track on the album personifies the album and it is an album that is alive with character and a beating heart. Benjamin Burnley has struggled with drinking for awhile now, and while in the past he has used this drinking problem to inspire him to write the great music we have seen the past few years, this is the first album that he has written completely sober While "Phobia" was the type of music that delves into people's inner emotions and thoughts and reflects the hope in all of our hearts that is accompanied by the depressing and negative aspects of our lives as well, "Dear Agony" comes close to this mark, but doesn't quite get there. "Dear Agony" is a great album, and I am not disappointed with the effort put forth here because I cannot expect absolute perfection to be repeated from any human being. So while coming up short of "Phobia", Breaking Benjamin, once again, does not fail to deliver.
1. Fade Away- One hell of a start. The opening lines of the song set the mood for the song, even though not necessarily for the whole album. This song could have fit in very well with any Breaking Benjamin album, and it reminds anyone who calls this album too soft that these guys still know how to do what they do best. A great example of what happens when you combine chilling lyrics about fading out of existence that are perfectly vocalized (alternating between Benjamin's soft cooing and his harder screams, which are utilized to create a dark mood) and dramatic guitars from Aaron Fink and Benjamin Burnley, with a great bass line from Mark James and the heavy drumming of Chad Szeliga. The perfect lead-off track and a great song to rock out to. 10/10
2. I Will Not Bow- The first single of the album, which can be seen in Surrogates, epitomizes the notion that these guys write music that evokes both hope and desperation at the same time. This is a dark song that rallies courage in people's hearts in the face of darkness. This song qualifies as one of the top five Breaking Benjamin songs, and that is saying something extraordinary. This is lyrically as strong as it will ever get from any songwriter, and the heavy rocking out in the background only adds to the drama. Starting off with a scream quickly establishes the premise that some wickedly serious shit is about to go down, and the song does not disappoint. Extremely catchy, superb singing and screaming, awesome guitar schemes in the background, heavy drums, a sick guitar solo and musical breakdown make for a perfectly executed song, the best song on the album, and the best song I have had the privilege of reviewing thus far. Even if you do not particularly care for Breaking Benjamin, check this song out at the very least. 10/10
3. Crawl- A heavy beginning give way to softer verses that show intentions of picking up in order to draw the audience's attention in, which works perfectly and certainly satisfies once the screaming and the chorus begin. Great guitar fretwork here and drumming that (in the words of the immortal Ron Burgundy) keeps it splashy on the cymbals. Here is an example of a song that not only shows off the group's incredible heavy rock talent, but also the way that Ben's voice simply adds drama and feel to any song. They work together to enhance the song and make something memorable. A heavy rocker that testifies to their talent as heavy rockers. The creepy lyrics also add to the style of the song. 9.5/10
4. Give Me A Sign- The first slow song, akin to "Here We Are", really reveals the talent that Breaking Benjamin has never fully shown in this genre of rock. Ben's vocals are appropriately soft and melodic, and the guitars add the touch of beauty necessary for any rock ballad. This song is about looking for a sign from God or perhaps someone you care deeply about. This heartfelt entry in the Breaking Benjamin does not dwell in the realm of the familiar, but it is most certainly welcome and worth paying a visit. The build-up to the crescendo is simply awesome and really classifies this song as a great accomplishment. 9.5/10
5. Hopeless- As the song title suggests, there is no hopeful underlying message to be had here. This is a typical BB song that starts off medium-paced and builds up into a screaming, heavy guitar and drums rock-fest that "Saturate" fans will certainly appreciate. I think this song really displays Chad's talent on the drums. This is a very good song for harder rockers, especially when the breakdown hits, which is just plain cool. Nothing extremely out of the ordinary here, but certainly a great addition. 9/10
6. What Lies Beneath- A slow and ominous beginning gives way to the second slow song on the album, although calling these songs "slow" doesn't really do them justice because of how intense and emotionally-charged they are. Lyrically this is a compelling song about finding out that the person you're with is not so pleasant. At first I thought the aggressive lyrics didn't really correspond with the slow ballad, but then I realized the desperation lies in the fact that the person will be in that position forever. And it can also be seen when Ben's soft voice suddenly switches to a pure scream. Until that point I didn't really understand but once you get that down you can sit back and enjoy a solid song. 9/10
7. Anthem Of The Angels- The third slow song on the album, which is actually a slow song this time. This song is about letting go and is presented in a melancholy, almost chilling way that is sure to capture attention. This song is simply an epic installment of Breaking Benjamin that is heartfelt and powerful. I don't have much to say about this song, everything is spot-on; from the guitars and bass to the drums to the vocals; this is as good as rock ballads get. 10/10
8. Lights Out- A return to more aggressive music accompanied by some quality screaming and strumming is timed well in terms of the album as a whole. Haunting lyrics really give this song style, because after you look at them, you are just inspired to go out and lay somebody out. Great pump-up song that harder Benheads will be grateful for. 9/10
9. Dear Agony- The title track of the album certainly lives up to standard of what a title track should be. Another rock ballad that is one of the most emotionally powerful songs I've heard in a long time. This is a song begging for mercy from the idea of agony, voicing all of our everyday struggles with our own inner demons, and it is executed perfectly, injecting both despair and remorse with hope. This song is probably second only to "I Will Not Bow", and maybe "Fade Away" depending on your mood. But this great reflective and contemplative song really is the band's crowning achievement as far as slower songs are concerned. Well done. 10/10
10. Into The Nothing- This is probably my least favorite track on the album, and even this song does not fail to impress. Lyrically, this song is focused on making it out alive. Breaking Benjamin once again displays their knack for bringing the music they are playing together with the words and molding them together in order to characterize feelings and emotions of life itself. A solid track, even if there are better ones to be heard here. 8.5/10
11. Without You- The final song on the track is a rock ballad that is more fast-paced than its predecessors, but I think this song closes the album very effectively. Ben's vocals are right on the money here, and the chorus is just great to listen to. Lyrically it's all about not being able to face darkness without either God or without someone crucial to survival. The crescendo and the closing minute and a half are just epic, and an appropriate way to close, especially concerning the closing lyrics and violins that kick in. Great finish. 9.5/10
Overall: 104/110
This is not the best Breaking Benjamin album ever made. But it's pretty damn close. And that's good enough for me. And if it's good enough for me, someone who has very high standards and expectations from a band that never fails to deliver, a band that continually shows increasing maturity with every outing, a band that it should epitomizes how expressive and influential music can be for people, then it should be good enough for all Breaking Benjamin fans, and my words should draw in anyone else who likes good rock music. This band will be remembered long after their time is done, and effort and emotion like this is the reason why. I normally don't focus as much on the underlying ideas of a new album's music, but you really can't help being drawn in when you listen to this: it draws you in with the fact that it's great music, and then you become aware of the great lyrics, brains, and emotions behind it all, and you can't help but be amazed. Despite not being as long as I would have liked, listening to this album over and over is something you will find yourself doing. Don't fight it. Just give in and appreciate this superb album. It's no surprise to see why they are number one selling album on Itunes, and I believe this to be one of the best of 2009. Later on this week will be Paramore. Thanks for tuning in. Rock on.