LIVE: BREAKING BENJAMIN – JULY 5, 2015 (Knoxville, TN)

Venue: The International

City: Knoxville, TN

Date: July 5, 2015

Review and Photographs by: Jeffrey Everett

Breaking Benjamin performed an acoustic set for a sold out crowd at the International to wrap up the July 4th holiday weekend. After nearly a six-year hiatus, the band has reloaded with a new lineup around front man Ben Burnley.  Other members are Keith Wallen (guitar vocals), Aaron Bruch (bass, vocals), Jasen Rauch (guitar), and Shaun Foist on drums. Their latest release Dark Before Dawn debuted as the #1 album on the Billboard Top 200, selling over 141,000 the first week. It’s Breaking Benjamin’s first #1, a fitting reward for Burnley following the years of personal illness and legal battles with old band mates.  Doors opened at 8, and the band members took their place around 9:15. They opened with “So Cold” to an enthusiastic roar. Ben encouraged the audience to sing along and they certainly did with every song. The crowd was fully engaged and Ben responded to their various screams between songs. He was very appreciative of everyone coming out tonight and supporting the band over the years. Despite the new supporting cast, the band had great chemistry and seemed to be having a good time together. They played a drinking game where everyone had to chug a drink when they changed guitars.  Despite being acoustic, Ben maintained his usual vocals with his signatures growls on the harder rock songs. After a long and diverse set with several covers, Breaking Benjamin took a short break and returned for 3 encore songs.  They ended with The Diary of Jane.  They are about to conclude their acoustic shows and head out on the “plugged in” tour in mid July. Breaking Benjamin is back with a vengeance and certainly put on a great live show. Also check out their new release, Dark Before Dawn, it picks up right where they left off.

Setlist: So Cold – Follow – Break My Fall – Unknown Soldier – Who Wants To Live Forever – Blow Me Away – Failure – Breath – Phase – Would? – Away – Shallow Bay – Give Me a Sign – Ænema – Polyamorous – Evil Angel – Until the End – I Will Not Bow – Dance with the Devil – Lights Out – The Diary of Jane

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries