Ember

Ember is Breaking Benjamin’s eighth studio album released on 13th April 2018 and is the second album since the band’s hiatus and new line-up. The cover incorporates the band’s logo into fire (or an ember) within an eye and the booklet artwork follows the theme. Before Ben had formed the current band line-up with all new members beside for himself, he had already written all the songs for the comeback album Dark before dawn. The band only wrote one song together for that album (Never again) and that only just made it onto the album. After the success of writing together, Ben was inspired to write this next album as a band. Dark before dawn was produced and almost entirely written by Burnley but this album was produced and almost entirely written by the band as a collective. In fact, 9 out of 12 songs were written with at least one other member. The band has continued to develop their sound and Ben states that it is the most difficult album to play. Ben had apparently given in to fans’ demand for a heavier sound. I’m not sure who they were but it wasn’t me – I was more than happy with their last album! The music is undeniably heavier, features more screaming and generally cranks up the intensity. The album does vary in sound and displays quieter moments, sometimes throughout a song and sometimes mixed into the heaviness. The variety is what makes this album another intriguing listen and why Ben is one of the greatest songwriters. This album, like Dark before dawn and going back to Phobia; has an intro and outro (or prologue and epilogue if you will). Lyra and Vega (two constellations) are instrumentals that sandwich the main body of the album. Feed the wolf begins with heavy guitars and Ben immediately proclaiming, “I can feel the animal within”, kicking us off for a powerful and emotive journey. It sounds a bit different but it’s clearly Breaking Benjamin, with Ben’s hard-hitting lyrics and powerful vocals. The lead single Red cold river took a bit of getting used to for me. It mixes soft verses with a screaming, repetitive bridge, working into a decent chorus. Tourniquet is a definite highlight, with rhythmic guitar from the start, a building verse and awesome melodies we’ve come accustomed to, especially in the epic chorus. The lyrics are about the familiar struggle, anger and that little bit of implied hope. Psycho follows, equally powerful, but with less aggression and a more uplifting chorus. The dark of you changes sound; slowing things down with soft vocals amongst thought provoking lyrics and a big, extended chorus. Stylistically it’s different with an unusual arrangement. There’s only one verse and then a repeated chorus and outro. Down has rhythmical verses and a familiar chorus with the power to keep us going on. Torn in two was the second single, mixing heavy verses with a soft chorus, featuring higher register vocals. It’s clever. Blood is such an exciting track with so much rhythm and energy. You may notice Ben’s only use of a curse word on the album. On the last one there were none. The chorus is a proper headbanger with screaming but also a somewhat pop feel. It’s really catchy. The verses of Save yourself mixes sung vocals with screaming, followed by an interesting chorus. Close your eyes has energetic verses, which build up to a slower, trudging chorus that really pulls the listener in. Ben tells us how he will keep a dream alive and his emotion provides a rewarding experience. It’s a compelling ending. Ember is another amazing album for the Breaking Benjamin collection and a testament to Ben, not just as a songwriter but as a person. After being forced to completely change the band and releasing the comeback album, he decided to include everyone in the songwriting this time and it is clearly a success. I have the utmost respect for Ben as a songwriter because he continues to deliver a sound that has obviously progressed but continues to please the fans. So many bands have lost their way experimenting, but Ben has the ability to develop the sound and stay loyal to the band’s sound we love, and I admire that. Ben may still be writing about the same themes in a similar style but it’s why I love this band in the first place. Long may it continue!

Absolutely amazing! Been a fan for a good few years now and didn't even know there was another album in the works, until I found an ad in a magazine. Up until then, I was still listening to Dark Before Dawn on endless repeat and I'm happy to say that I've been doing the exact same thing with Ember! To me, this combines the classic Breaking Benjamin sound with a modern twist. It's heavy but melodic and feels familiar in the lyrical themes but still has catchy riffs and a good balance of soft and hard vocals. I adore every single song and will be listening to them again and again for years to come. I didn't think anything could top Dark Before Dawn, but clearly I was wrong. Looking forward to the next one!

Similar sounding vibe to their previous album and for me that's a good thing. Much like DBD and Phobia there's not a song on this album I don't enjoy.

Been a fan for years. This is heavier than some of their past albums, but still has some brilliant songs on it. Keep listening and you will get to love them all.

Ember offers the same Breaking Benjamin signature sound with some outstanding tracks, however hints of autotune, overly repetitive lyrics and lack of melody in some tracks make Dark Before Dawn the better album. I should point out that fans of their heavir sound will probably love this record. Here is a quick breakdown with a few thoughts: Lyra: Intro Feed the Wolf: 3/5 - Sounds a little like The Great Divide from the last album, just heavier. Red Cold River: 1/5 - Worst track on the album, dull lyrics with an equally dull chorus. Only good thing about the song was the video. Funnily enough in an interview Ben stated this was his favorite track which at the time didn't give me much hope for the album. I will mention this track broke records and stayed on the charts for a while, but it just wasn't for me. Tourniquet: 3/5 - Good track, great bridge, wish it was longer though. Psycho: 4/5 - Great melodic chorus, especially after the second verse. The Dark of You: 4/5 - Pretty much Ashes of Eden part two, very very powerful lyrics. Only fault here I found was that I kept expecting a build up which never came, also the piano seemed very dull. This track features Derek Hough who covered Ashes of Eden and that's how Ben discovered him. Down: 3/5 - Average, great bridge. Torn in Two: 4/5 - Great track with an equally great video which links to Red Cold River and Never Again. Was originally meant for Dark Before Dawn but never made the cut. Blood: 3/5 - Average, a little dull for me personally. Save Yourself: 4/5 - Some people hate it, some love it. I thought it was great, the heavy and clean vocals was a killer combo and catchy as hell. Close Your Eyes: 5/5 - One word, perfection. I could write a book on how good this. Vega : Outro

Absolutely amazing, they have done it again! Every album, always on point! Such a shame they do not tour in the UK much.

Classic BB. Never disappoint! Only problem is you can’t hear the guitars enough in my opinion but doesn’t ruin it.

Brilliant album - great work by the band

Prodotto arrivato rapidamente e senza problemi durante il trasporto. Conoscevo il disco in formato digitale e ho voluto comprare la versione vinile, la registrazione ha la stessa qualità della versione HQ in digitale. Ottima qualità di stampa in quanto non presenta fruscii o scricchiolii dati da una cattiva stampa. Molto piacevole la definizione del suono, i bassi vengono resi bene e per chi apprezza la i Breaking Benjamin questa è la perfetta aggiunta alla propria collezione.

Bestes Album für mich von BB! Hab bereits einige alten Klassiker wie mein Lieblingslied „Blow me Away!“ oder „Diary of Jane“ rauf und runter gehört, aber das Album gibt mir echt andere Vibes! Tolles Ding!

Muy recomendable. Ahora abusan de los coros en plan grave, pero más que antes. Me gustan prácticamente todas las canciones, pero las instrumentales del principio y final no aportan mucho.

One more to the collection

Breaking Benjamin has a formula, and it never disappoints. No real surprises with this album musically, but I'm not complaining. If you want guttural roars, they're here. If you want ballads, they're here. If you want great music, look no further. Ember could be the sequel to Dark Before Dawn, as they work so beautifully played back to back.