Written by Alex Mrkonjic TRACK LISTING Lyra Feed The Wolf Red Cold River Tourniquet Psycho The Dark Of You Down Torn In Two Blood Save Yourself Close Your Eyes Vega Released: April 13, 2018 Label: Hollywood Records Website: www.breakingbenjamin.com www.facebook.com/BreakingBenjamin |
Benjamin Burnley - Lead vocals & rhythm guitars Jasen Rauch - Lead guitars Keith Wallen - Rhythm guitars & backing vocals
Aaron Bruch - Bass & backing vocals Shaun Foist - Drums
As previously stated, the album is very consistent in its heavy sound and never strays too far off the path throughout the 12 tracks. However when it does go soft, it manages to do it in a way that does not ruin the consistency or the momentum that carries the album. I don’t think I have ever heard lead vocalist Benjamin Burnley scream this much on an album, but man does it do the album justice. The lead single “Red Cold River” and the track “Blood” are both songs where Burnley is really pushing the boundaries of his vocal abilities and it makes you want to tear your apartment to shreds. The band also does a good job of taking advantage of background vocals. It used to be just Burnley doing it all, but you can tell that with the help of bassist Aaron Bruch and guitarist Keith Wallen, he is able to focus on lead vocals and it gives each and every song so much power and strength. You have to listen to it to understand what I mean.
It does manage to turn down the tempo slightly and I mean slightly. “The Dark Of You” features former Dancing With The Stars contestant Derek Hough. The former contestant and actor covered the band's song “Ashes Of Eden”. Upon hearing this, they decided to bring him on for backing vocals on the track. When I first heard this, I was skeptical. However the song blends nicely with the rest of the album while still managing to show the softer side of the band. One of my favourite songs on the album is “Close Your Eyes”. You can hear some hints of the song “Unknown Soldier” from their 2006 album Phobia in this song but it is also uplifting. You can hear it in the first line of the chorus: “Take away the dark inside, lead me to the light”. It is a great way to end an already awesome album.
If you are looking for and awesome hard rock record, you have to pick Ember up. Also, look for them coming to a city near you on their upcoming North American co-headline tour with Five Finger Death Punch and supporting acts Nothing More and Bad Wolves.
Final Rating: 10/10
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