Breaking Benjamin, the rock band hailing from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., cemented their resurgence with the Nocturnal Underground tour, effortlessly performing Dark Before Dawn and nailing songs off the older universally acclaimed Phobia and Dear Agony.
Around this time two years ago, founder Benjamin Burnley broke from the original band members due to a legal dispute and handpicked four new bandmates to form the present day quintet. Together, the refurbished Breaking Benjamin toured profusely and regained their footing, selling out shows across the globe while co-headlining alongside modern rock staple Disturbed.
Though Breaking Benjamin’s lineup has drastically changed in recent years, their power chord-driven sound and angst remains unchanged. The quintet powered through “So Cold,” the certified platinum single, to open the show before rolling through “Angels Fall.”
Photos by Benjamin Robson
Bright white spotlights revealed each member, except for Burnley who didn’t want to steal attention from his bandmates, especially during “Sooner Or Later” which Keith Wallen fronted. Burnley has always praised his bandmates’ vocals and the audience quickly understood why. Rhythm guitarist Aaron Burch showcased his vocals on the fifth song, We Are Not Alone‘s “Simple Design,” effectively emulating the style from the album version.
Burnley and his new bandmates appeared comfortable on stage and evoked overwhelming cheers from a nearly sold-out crowd at the PNC Music Pavilion. Despite recording Dark Before Dawn together, Breaking Benjamin only played four songs from the album which intertwined with 10 other original hits and a medley of the band’s greatest influences: Tool’s “Schism,” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Pantera’s “Walk.” (The medley also included “The Imperial March” from Star Wars, because, well, who doesn’t enjoy Star Wars?)
“Polyamorous,” the only selection from the band’s 2002 debut Saturate elicited a roaring applause and jumpstarted the band’s potent finale. “Until The End,” “I Will Not Bow and former rock radio staple “The Diary of Jane” all prompted venue-wide sing-alongs and brought the satisfying, powerful 15-song set to close. Though Breaking Benjamin has performed on some of the largest stages over the past six months, the renowned rock band’s Nocturnal Underground tour cements their return to prominence.
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