Editing Breaking Benjamin (section)

==History==
===Formation and ''Saturate'' (1998–2003)===
{{Main|Saturate (Breaking Benjamin album){{!}}''Saturate'' (Breaking Benjamin album)}}
Benjamin Burnley was originally in a band named Breaking Benjamin in 1998, that played "softer music", such as [[Weezer]] and [[the Beatles]] covers, and was "nothing like" subsequent lineups.{{sfn|Book|2015}} The name originates from an incident in which Burnley broke a borrowed microphone, prompting its owner to retort, "Thanks to Benjamin for breaking my fucking mic".{{sfn|Craft|2015}} This band included guitarist Aaron Fink, bassist Nick Hoover, and drummer Chris Lightcap, but soon broke up when Burnley moved to California.{{sfn|Sisak|2011}} After returning to Pennsylvania with drummer Jeremy Hummel, Burnley formed Plan 9, which also included bassist Jason Davoli. Plan 9, a reference to ''[[Plan 9 from Outer Space]]'', was continually misnamed as "Planet 9". Therefore, the group reclaimed the name Breaking Benjamin from the previous band, as Burnley still had promotional stickers with that name.{{sfn|Book|2015}}

{{Listen
|pos=left
|filename=Breaking Benjamin - Polyamorous (EP) (preview).ogg
|title="Polyamorous" (EP version)
|description=Sample of the EP version of "Polyamorous", as first heard on Fabbri's radio station in 2001.
|format=[[Ogg]]
}}The three-piece first gained attention when Freddie Fabbri, a DJ for [[active rock]] radio station [[WBSX]], put the group's track "[[Polyamorous (song)|Polyamorous]]" in [[rotation (music)|rotation]].{{sfn|Duff|2002}} After it became the number one requested track on the station,{{sfn|Duff|2002}} Fabbri financed the recording of the group's [[Breaking Benjamin (EP)|eponymous EP]], which sold all 2,000 copies that were printed in 2001.{{sfn|Henderson|n.d}} Jonathan "Bug" Price was credited on bass, replacing Davoli.{{sfn|Breaking Benjamin|2001}} After growing dissatisfied with their previous band, former bandmate Aaron Fink and bassist Mark James Klepaski joined Breaking Benjamin.{{sfn|St. James|2003}} In early 2002, over a dozen record companies visited a two-night showcase where Breaking Benjamin was playing, and the group subsequently signed with Hollywood Records.{{sfn|Duff|2002}} Shortly afterward, Breaking Benjamin began recording their first full-length major-label record, ''[[Saturate (Breaking Benjamin album)|Saturate]]'', which was released on August 7, 2002, and produced by [[Ulrich Wild]].{{sfn|Henderson|n.d}} It peaked at No. 136 on the ''Billboard'' 200,{{sfn|Billboard 200}} and was later certified gold on September 25, 2015.{{sfn|RIAA}} In early 2003, Breaking Benjamin participated in the [[Jägermeister Music Tour]],{{sfn|Zeiler|2003}} then toured as a supporting act for [[Godsmack]].{{sfn|MTV News|2003}}

Out of the little media coverage received, ''Saturate'' garnered positive reception, with Jason Taylor from [[AllMusic]] stating that the album "has serious potential to become one of 2002's most successful debuts", feeling that "although it is repetitive and generic, it is undeniably addictive", ultimately scoring the album 2.5 out of 5.{{sfn|Taylor|2002}} The disc received a favorable review from Schwegweb's Vin Cherubino, who noted, "The music has just as much quality as any popular artist in the same genre. Influences from bands such as [[Tool (band)|Tool]] can be heard, making the music seem all so familiar and palatable."{{sfn|Cherubino|2002}}

===''We Are Not Alone'' (2003–2005)===
{{Main|We Are Not Alone (Breaking Benjamin album){{!}}''We Are Not Alone'' (Breaking Benjamin album)}}
Breaking Benjamin returned to the studio in October 2003 with producer [[David Bendeth]] for their second album ''[[We Are Not Alone (Breaking Benjamin album)|We Are Not Alone]]''.{{sfn|Loftus|2004a}} Burnley also worked with [[The Smashing Pumpkins]] front man [[Billy Corgan]] over the course of six days in December 2003 to write the songs "Rain", "Forget It", and "Follow".{{sfn|Wiederhorn|2004}} Despite initially being nervous, Burnley felt it was one of the highlights of his career.{{sfn|Wiederhorn|2004}}

[[File:Breaking Benjamin 8-25-2005.jpg|thumb|Breaking Benjamin performing at the [[Minnesota State Fair]] on August 25, 2005]]
The album was released on June 29, 2004,{{sfn|Loftus|2004a}} and sold 48,000 copies in its first week,{{sfn|Billboard|2004|p=49}} peaking at No. 20 on the ''Billboard'' 200.{{sfn|Billboard 200}} It was later certified gold on October 21, 2004, then platinum on June 13, 2005.{{sfn|RIAA}} It was also certified gold in [[New Zealand]] on August 29, 2005.{{sfn|RIANZ}} The record features singles such as "[[So Cold (Breaking Benjamin song)|So Cold]]" and "[[Sooner or Later (Breaking Benjamin song)|Sooner or Later]]", both of which peaked at No. 2 on the [[Mainstream Rock (chart)|Mainstream Rock Songs]] chart.{{sfn|Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs|pp=1–2}} "So Cold" became a platinum single on September 25, 2015.{{sfn|RIAA}} [[MTV]] writer Jon Wiederhorn writes that the initial commercial success of the album can be attributed to a tour two weeks prior to the album's debut which "generated prerelease buzz".{{sfn|Wiederhorn|2004}} They later co-headlined a tour with [[Evanescence]], [[Seether]], and [[Three Days Grace]].{{sfn|Moss|2004}}

''We Are Not Alone'' garnered mixed reviews. It was met with high acclaim from ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Colin Moriarty, who felt "extremely satisfied", saying "safely and confidently" that it "might be [his] personal favorite album of the year". He gave it a score of 9.3 out of 10.{{sfn|Moriarty|2004}} Conversely, ''[[Exclaim!]]'' writer Amber Authier said, "On first listen its simply generic sound did nothing for me." Though she later admitted, "I listened to Breaking Benjamin several times over a week and several elements of the disc started to grow on me, even appeal to me." The writer concluded, "Breaking Benjamin created a standard of quality for themselves that they simply couldn't meet on the entire disc."{{sfn|Authier|2004}}

On November 3, 2004, a non-album single named "[[Blow Me Away]]" was released, to commercial success, ultimately going gold on November 24, 2015.{{sfn|RIAA}} On November 23, 2004, Breaking Benjamin released the [[So Cold (Breaking Benjamin song)|''So Cold'' EP]], which features live versions of the songs "Away" and "Breakdown", a live acoustic version of "So Cold", and studio acoustic recordings of "Blow Me Away" and "Lady Bug".{{sfn|Loftus|2004b}}

In late 2005, drummer Hummel filed a federal lawsuit against Breaking Benjamin. According to the lawsuit, Hummel requested earlier that year to take a [[Parental leave|paternity leave]] to be with his wife during the birth of their first child, to which all members of the band agreed and hired Kevin Soffera as a temporary substitute on drums. However, Burnley later called Hummel and terminated him, citing chemistry issues. In the lawsuit, Hummel contended wrongful termination and lack of compensation for profits accrued by ''We Are Not Alone'' and other non-album tracks that appeared in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[National Treasure: Book of Secrets]]''. The band's manager, Larry Mazer (who was also named in the lawsuit), asserted that the lawsuit was "totally frivolous" and his termination had "nothing to do with the paternity leave."{{fact|date=October 2024}}

Mazer said the band received no payment for the ''Halo 2'' appearance, adding that the song was included for promotional reasons and Burnley was happy to have it in the video game. The band received minimal payment for the ''National Treasure 2'' appearance, and Mazer stated that otherwise, "[Hummel] is 100 per cent current."{{sfn|Amerman|2005|p=1a}} Ben "B.C." Vaught served as a sit-in drummer for the band,{{sfn|Sisak|2011}} and they later toured with [[3 Doors Down]] and [[Staind]] in November 2005.{{sfn|Business Wire|2005}} The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount in April 2006.{{sfn|Sisak|2011}}

===''Phobia'' (2005–2007)===
{{Main|Phobia (Breaking Benjamin album){{!}}''Phobia'' (Breaking Benjamin album)}}
After the departure of Jeremy Hummel, Breaking Benjamin auditioned fifteen drummers, of whom [[Chad Szeliga]] stood out for his ability as a stage performer and the fact that he had "serious problem-solving skills", according to Burnley.{{sfn|Modern Drummer|2010}} The group's next album, ''[[Phobia (Breaking Benjamin album)|Phobia]]'', was again produced by Bendeth and was the first to be recorded with Szeliga.{{sfn|Apar|2006}} The concept of the album is dedicated to Burnley's various [[phobia]]s. The cover of the album depicts a winged man suspended over a runway, which represents the singer's [[fear of flying]]. Burnley also suffers from [[death anxiety]], a [[fear of the dark]], [[driving phobia|driving anxiety]],{{sfn|Miranda|Holmquest|2004}} and [[hypochondriasis|hypochondria]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benjamin Burnley biography, married, wife, illness, tattoos, interview, cancer, net worth • biography|url=https://bijog.com/biography/benjamin-burnley/page-1|access-date=February 3, 2021|website=bijog.com}}</ref> Burnley cites his fear of flying as for why he did not perform overseas, saying, "I'll go as far as a boat will take me", though at the time the band's record label had not facilitated travel by boat.{{sfn|Miranda|Holmquest|2004}} ''Phobia''{{'}}s "Intro" and "Outro" tracks feature sound effects of an airport intercom, airplane turbulence, car doors, and crowd panic.{{sfn|Lello|2015}}

''Phobia'' was released on August 8, 2006, to commercial success. The album sold more than 131,000 copies in its first week of sales{{sfn|Bishop|2014}} and peaked at No. 2 on the ''Billboard'' 200.{{sfn|Billboard 200}} It went gold on November 8, 2006, then platinum on May 21, 2009.{{sfn|RIAA}} Its lead single, "[[The Diary of Jane]]", peaked at No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart{{sfn|Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs}} and was the fastest single added to radio playlists in the history of Hollywood Records,{{sfn|Sisak|2011}} later receiving a double platinum certification on November 24, 2015.{{sfn|RIAA}} "[[Breath (Breaking Benjamin song)|Breath]]", the record's second single, spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart,{{sfn|Sisak|2011}} and went platinum on November 24, 2015.{{sfn|RIAA}} The third single, "[[Until the End (Breaking Benjamin song)|Until the End]]", peaked at No. 6 on the same chart,{{sfn|Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs}} and became a gold single on February 11, 2014.{{sfn|RIAA}}

In February 2007 in support of ''Phobia'', [[AXS TV]] (then known as HDNet) aired a one-hour Breaking Benjamin concert from [[Stabler Arena]] in [[Bethlehem, Pennsylvania]]. The broadcast recording was included on the re-released ''Phobia'' DVD in April, billed as "The Homecoming".{{sfn|AXS TV|2011}}{{sfn|Kelly|2007}} A music video was created for "Breath", which was made from footage of the song's performance at the show.{{sfn|Kelly|2007}} Breaking Benjamin followed with spring and fall tours alongside Three Days Grace, accompanied by [[Puddle of Mudd]] during the spring tour,{{sfn|Blair|2007}} and Seether, [[Skillet (band)|Skillet]], and [[Red (band)|Red]] during the fall tour.{{sfn|IGN Music|2007}}

''Phobia'' received mixed critical reception. It received praise for general composition and musicianship but received criticism for a lack of originality. AllMusic's Corey Apar found the album "nothing if not consistent" and, while generally regarding the album with positive sentiments, noted a lack of distinction from the "rest of the post-grunge/alt-metal pack" aside from "a certain charm".{{sfn|Apar|2006}} IGN's Spence D. gave the disc a negative review, citing tedium and lack of vocal distinction, feeling that the group's "intersection of hard rock and emo-oriented introspection" is "not a bad thing, but also not a terribly memorable or earth-shattering one, either."{{sfn|D.|2006}} However, the writer praised the musicianship of Fink, Klepaski, and Szeliga, ultimately giving the album a score of 5.7 out of 10.{{sfn|D.|2006}} [[Entertainment Weekly]] graded the album C+ and noted its angst-ridden themes, saying, "as pathological angst goes, it's expertly done, with expansive choruses and epic riffs – not that that matters, when, like, we're all going to die cold and alone anyway."{{sfn|Greenblatt|2006}}

===''Dear Agony'' (2009–2010)===
{{Main|Dear Agony{{!}}''Dear Agony''}}
[[File:Breaking Benjamin 2010-01-30 Fort Wayne.JPG|thumb|Breaking Benjamin performing in Fort Wayne, Indiana in January 2010]]
Breaking Benjamin began working on a fourth album, titled ''[[Dear Agony]]'', in 2009. It was the first album Burnley wrote while completely sober.{{sfn|Lipshutz|2009}} In 2007, Burnley experienced fatigue and [[phosphene]]s following three consecutive days of no sleep and heavy drinking, after which he decided to remain [[Sobriety|sober]].{{sfn|Wiederhorn|2015}} Burnley acknowledged an improved clarity and coherence within ''Dear Agony'' due to his sobriety.{{sfn|Florino|2010}} The album cover features Burnley's [[Magnetic resonance imaging|brain scan]], representing the recurrent themes on ''Dear Agony'' related to the singer's chronic illnesses caused by alcohol consumption.{{sfn|Lipshutz|2009}}

Burnley collaborated with then-Red guitarist [[Jasen Rauch]] on various tracks for ''Dear Agony'': The two equally wrote together the songs "Without You" and "Hopeless", and Rauch wrote the outro for "I Will Not Bow", also helping write "Lights Out".{{sfn|Lello|2009}} Burnley said of the collaboration, "I love writing with him because he does stuff exactly like I would've done," adding, "writing-wise, we're like the same person."{{sfn|Lello|2009}}

''Dear Agony'' was released on September 9, 2009, and peaked at No. 4 on the ''Billboard'' 200.{{sfn|Billboard 200}} The disc initially outsold its predecessor in its first week, moving more than 134,000 copies.{{sfn|Bishop|2014}} It ultimately achieved gold certification on February 16, 2010.{{sfn|RIAA}} The album's lead single "[[I Will Not Bow]]" reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart,{{sfn|Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs}} and went platinum on November 24, 2015.{{sfn|RIAA}} The other two singles, "[[Lights Out (Breaking Benjamin song)|Lights Out]]" and "[[Give Me a Sign]]", peaked at No. 9{{sfn|Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs 100904}} and No. 6{{sfn|Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs 100417}} on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart, respectively (the latter of which also receiving a gold certification on November 24, 2015).{{sfn|RIAA}}

Breaking Benjamin toured in support of the album in January and February 2010 with Three Days Grace and [[Flyleaf (band)|Flyleaf]],{{sfn|Ultimate Guitar|2010}} then with Red, [[Chevelle (band)|Chevelle]], and [[Thousand Foot Krutch]] in March 2010.{{sfn|Tunelab|2010}} In April, Breaking Benjamin began touring with [[Nickelback]], [[Shinedown]], and [[Sick Puppies]] on their [[Dark Horse Tour]].{{sfn|Morentin|2010}} Prior to the last show of the Dark Horse Tour, Burnley stated he was ill and therefore no longer able to tour in support of the album, placing the band on hiatus.{{sfn|Sisak|2011}} After internet rumors began to circulate that the band had broken up, Burnley released a statement "officially letting everyone know that Breaking Benjamin has not broken up".{{sfn|Sisak|2011}}

''Dear Agony'' received mixed critical reception. AllMusic's James Monger gave the album a positive review, stating it "feels a lot like their first three", noting a consistency that "feels like a well-oiled machine".{{sfn|Monger|2009}} The disc received a negative review from [[Consequence of Sound]]'s Alex Young, who complained of over-production and the disc's sell-out nature at the hands of three-time Breaking Benjamin producer David Bendeth: "Dear Agony is the unfortunate side effect of a trend in 'producer' David Bendeth's world, training wild chimpanzees to be more tasteful whilst handling silverware", ultimately giving the record a half-star "for teaching Breaking Benjamin's peers who not to hire for production credit".{{sfn|Young|2009}} [[About.com|About Entertainment]] gave the record a mixed review, feeling that "though it lacks the breakthrough singles of ''Phobia'', ''Dear Agony'' does have its moments", adding, "frustratingly, ''Dear Agony'' never reaches greatness, settling for an admirable competency that's still the envy of many of their contemporaries".{{sfn|Grierson|2009}}

===Hiatus and ''Shallow Bay'' (2010–2013)===
{{Main|Shallow Bay: The Best of Breaking Benjamin{{!}}''Shallow Bay: The Best of Breaking Benjamin''}}
In March 2010, Hollywood Records requested that the band produce two new master recordings and a greatest hits album, and sought permission to release a new version of the hit song "Blow Me Away" featuring Sydnee Duran of Valora.{{sfn|Sisak|2011}} In May 2011, Fink and Klepaski granted the record company's requests after they were offered a $100,000 payment.{{sfn|Sisak|Gaydos|2011}} Burnley, alleging that Fink and Klepaski acted unilaterally on both the song remix and the compilation album, not informing him or the band's management, fired the two via email, demanding at least $250,000 in punitive fees and compensatory damages, as well as the exclusive right to the name Breaking Benjamin.{{sfn|Sisak|Gaydos|2011}} 

Fink and Klepaski's attorneys stated the two "dispute and strictly deny" Burnley's allegations, instead asserting that a January 2009 agreement (allowing Burnley to dismiss them for "just cause") was no longer valid because of the singer's status of indefinite hiatus.{{sfn|Sisak|Gaydos|2011}} The case was ordered by a judge to arbitration.{{sfn|Sisak|Gaydos|2011}} Burnley's attorney, Brian Caplan, told the [[Associated Press]], "The relationship between Mr. Burnley and the two other members of the band has ended. ... Mr. Burnley intends on moving forward using the name Breaking Benjamin and the band will continue. It just won't continue in its prior configuration. He's not retiring."{{sfn|Rubinkam|2011}}

In August 2011, Hollywood Records scheduled the release of the ''[[Shallow Bay: The Best of Breaking Benjamin]]'' compilation album, featuring every single from the band's catalog, including the remix of "Blow Me Away".{{sfn|KPNT|2011}} A two-disc deluxe edition was released alongside it, with the second disc containing altered versions of b-sides and rarities.{{sfn|KPNT|2011}} Burnley publicly opposed the album's release, saying content had been altered without his consent and did not meet his standards.{{sfn|KPNT|2011}} Burnley later elaborated, saying that the rarities were taken off of his laptop without his consent, and were intended for in-studio reference and not public release, but that he was otherwise content with previously released tracks on ''Shallow Bay''.{{sfn|Rosen|2015b}} 

The album was released on August 16, 2011, and peaked at No. 22 on the ''Billboard'' 200, also topping the Hard Rock Albums chart in 2011, 2012, and 2013.{{sfn|Heaney|2011}} The disc received positive critical reception. ''The Daily Trojan''{{'}}s Krishna Jetti praised it for balance and a progressive retrospective history.{{sfn|Jetti|2011}} AllMusic's Gregory Heaney felt similarly, saying, "''Shallow Bay'' is a great jumping-on point for new fans, capturing the band at their height delivering some of their best moments in one convenient package. For older fans, this collection may just serve as a reminder of a crucial turning point in Breaking Benjamin's career."{{sfn|Heaney|2011}}

In April 2013, Burnley announced that the dispute involving Fink and Klepaski was resolved and that he would retain the right to continue the band under the name Breaking Benjamin.{{sfn|Childers|2013}} Three days later, Szeliga announced his departure, citing creative differences.{{sfn|Frederick|2015}}

===Return and ''Dark Before Dawn'' (2014–2016)===
{{Main|Dark Before Dawn{{!}}''Dark Before Dawn''}}
In August 2014, Breaking Benjamin announced via [[Facebook]] that the band reformed as a quintet with, except for Burnley, all new members, including: ''Dear Agony'' co-writer Jasen Rauch (guitar, originally from [[Red (band)|Red]]); Keith Wallen (guitar and backing vocals, originally from [[Adelitas Way]]); Aaron Bruch (bass and backing vocals); and Shaun Foist (drums, originally from [[Picture Me Broken]]).{{sfn|Hargis|2014}} Burnley said of the lineup, "Everybody that's in the band now is deliberately handpicked." And he noted that "Keith [Wallen] and Aaron [Bruch] are really, really amazing singers. That's kind of what the band always needed."{{sfn|Hargis|2014}} On March 18, 2015, a new single entitled "[[Failure (Breaking Benjamin song)|Failure]]" as well as a new album, ''[[Dark Before Dawn]]'', were announced for release on March 23 and June 23, respectively.{{sfn|KSHE|2015}}

[[File:Breaking Benjamin - Rock am Ring 2016 -2016155170151 2016-06-03 Rock am Ring - Sven - 5DS R - 0039 - 5DSR5800 mod.jpg|thumb|Breaking Benjamin performing at [[Rock am Ring]] in Germany 2016]]
The new lineup debuted with acoustic shows in late 2014,{{sfn|Schoof|2014}} then went on a four-venue winter tour in the north-eastern United States.{{sfn|Zadrozny|2015}} The band afterward announced 2015 spring,{{sfn|Zadrozny|2015}} summer,{{sfn|Hoyle|2015}} and fall{{sfn|MPJ|2015}} tour dates, supported by bands such as [[Young Guns (band)|Young Guns]]{{sfn|Zadrozny|2015}}{{sfn|Hoyle|2015}} and [[Starset]].{{sfn|MPJ|2015}} In July 2015, the band announced their first overseas performance, in which they headlined a four-day cruise venue in February 2016 along with [[Yngwie Malmsteen]], [[Zakk Wylde]], Flyleaf, et al.{{sfn|Titus|2015}} The band also performed on a joint U.S. tour with Shinedown in October and November along with [[Sevendust]],{{sfn|Childers|2015}} and proceeded to play further outside of the United States in June 2016 at venues such as the [[Download Festival]] in the United Kingdom,{{sfn|James|2015}} [[Rock am Ring]] in Germany,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rock-am-ring.com/bands/breaking-benjamin|title=Breaking Benjamin - Rock am Ring 2016|access-date=December 22, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107212649/http://www.rock-am-ring.com/bands/breaking-benjamin|archive-date=January 7, 2016}}</ref> and [[Nova Rock]] in Austria.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.novarock.at/jart/prj3/novarock/main.jart?content-id=1262873609302&rel=de&reserve-mode=active|title=NOVAROCK - HOME|website=Novarock.at|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616121419/http://www.novarock.at/jart/prj3/novarock/main.jart?content-id=1262873609302&rel=de&reserve-mode=active|archive-date=June 16, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Burnley explained that writing for ''Dark Before Dawn'' was intermittent and fragmentary, taking place throughout the hiatus, though it was toward the end of the hiatus in 2013 when it became cohesive.{{sfn|Wiederhorn|2015}} After growing frustrated with the lack of answers regarding his health condition, Burnley decided to abandon searching for a diagnosis and focus on the album.{{sfn|Trunk|2015}} Recorded and produced at a personal studio of Burnley's,{{sfn|Marsicano|2015}} ''Dark Before Dawn'' is the first album with the front man credited as the producer. Burnley stated that, "I would say that I did the same amount of producing on this album as I've done on other albums, just never had my name [on it]", adding, "You know, I'm not doing anything different here than I have done in the past. Why shouldn't I be known to be doing it?"{{sfn|Trunk|2015|loc=event occurs at 19:03}}

Within an hour of pre-order availability, ''Dark Before Dawn'' reached No. 1 on the rock albums chart on [[iTunes]] and No. 3 on the overall album chart.{{sfn|Blabbermouth|2015}} It sold 135,000 pure album units and 141,000 [[Billboard 200#Incorporation of streaming data and track sales|equivalent album units]] in its first week, debuting at No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' 200, making the album the group's heretofore most successful sales effort.{{sfn|Caulfield|2015}} It achieved gold certification on August 18, 2016.{{sfn|Screamer Magazine|2016}} The disc's lead single "Failure" spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart as well.{{sfn|Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs|p=1}} ''Billboard''{{'}}s Jason Lipshutz felt the album's success was "eyebrow-raising", noting that, in addition to the band's lineup change, "135,000 in pure album sales is a hefty number in 2015 – it's a bigger number than the respective bows of recent Madonna, ASAP Rocky, and Kelly Clarkson albums".{{sfn|Lipshutz|2015}} 

Joe DeTomaso, program director of active rock station [[WAQX-FM]], stated, "They've always been a top-level band for the format, but not quite on the level of Disturbed or Shinedown or bands like that. They always seem to put out hit records without getting the kind of recognition that they deserved."{{sfn|Lipshutz|2015}} ''[[Forbes]]''{{'}}s Hugh McIntyre writes that runner-up [[Tori Kelly]]'s 75,000 copies "puts Breaking Benjamin's figures into perspective" and that despite "a pretty extensive lineup change, it looks like fans were awaiting their return with open arms".{{sfn|McIntyre|2015}}

The album was met with mostly positive critical reception, many critics praising the album for staying true to the group's sound, though others criticized it for sounding too similar to previous material. Dan Marsicano from About Entertainment stated, "Burnley could have made his creation just another dose of the glitzy, overproduced crap that is heard on every rock radio station in the world. Instead, Breaking Benjamin hardly deviate from the hooky jams that were present on ''Dear Agony''."{{sfn|Marsicano|2015}} Conversely, AllMusic's James Monger felt that "it's hard to conceal the fact that most of these songs are nearly interchangeable with the band's older material."{{sfn|Monger|2015}} ''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]''{{'}}s Jeremy Borjon felt that "the music's true force only becomes apparent through deeper and repeated listenings, as the songs, on the surface, have a tendency to blend into one another".{{sfn|Borjon|2015}}

===''Ember'' (2017–2018)===
{{Main|Ember (album){{!}}''Ember'' (album)}}
The group's sixth studio album was first revealed to be completed in August 2017.{{sfn|Hartmann|2017}} The band toured with [[Avenged Sevenfold]] and [[Bullet For My Valentine]] on their North American tour,{{sfn|Childers|2017}} following with a U.S. mini-tour with [[10 Years (band)|10 Years]], and then a tour with [[Five Finger Death Punch]] beginning in the second quarter of 2018.{{sfn|Payne|2018}} In December 2017, ''[[Ember (album)|Ember]]'' and its lead single "[[Red Cold River]]" were announced for release in the second quarter of 2018 and January 5, 2018, respectively.{{sfn|Blabbermouth|2017}} On January 26, "Feed the Wolf" was released as a pre-order bonus, along with a release date for the album of April 13, 2018.{{sfn|Divita|2018}} Three subsequent songs—"Blood",{{sfn|Divita|2018b}} "Psycho",{{sfn|Divita|2018c}} and "Save Yourself"{{sfn|Hartmann|2018}}—were released ahead of the album as promotional releases. It sold 88,000 units in its first week of sales, debuting at No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200.{{sfn|Caulfield|2018}} "Red Cold River" peaked at No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart,{{sfn|Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs 1061958}} and No. 5 on the Hot Rock Songs chart.{{sfn|Billboard Hot Rock Songs 1061958}}

Writing for the album began in 2016, with recording primarily happening in 2017.{{sfn|Mitchell|2017}} While Burnley remained the primary composer for the album, he stated that around half of it was written by the rest of the band.{{sfn|Wendowski|2018}} Burnley returned to producing for the album, along with the rest of the band,{{sfn|Davis|2018}} a first for the group. Rauch commented that the album pushes the boundaries with heavier material than the band's done in the past. He said "playing-wise, it's the most difficult album", and that they took advantage of the three-guitar player dynamic, but that the album nonetheless does not depart from Breaking Benjamin's established sound.{{sfn|Anderson|2017|loc=event occurs at 01:43}} Burnley explained that there was demand for heavier material from fans, and that the group was happy to reflect that.{{sfn|Burnley|2017|loc=event occurs at 03:25}} He later explained that he believed fans gravitated to the heavier side of the band, but that "we also make sure to explore our melodic and softer side too", saying that the album seeks to give both sides to the furthest degree.{{sfn|Blabbermouth|2018}}

Burnley stated that he chose ''Ember'' as the album title as something that could be the end of something or the start of it, but emphasized an intentional ambiguity to leave it open to interpretation.{{sfn|Wendowski|2018}} Official music videos were released for singles "Red Cold River", "[[Torn in Two]]", and "[[Tourniquet (Breaking Benjamin song)|Tourniquet]]" on January 18, April 12, and December 13, respectively, with Burnley explaining that they are part of a three-part continuity. The music video for "Torn in Two" is a continuation of a narrative started by "Red Cold River", and features references to all of Breaking Benjamin's past music videos.{{sfn|Wendowski|2018}} "Tourniquet" concludes the trilogy as a sequel to both previous videos.{{sfn|Christopher|2018}} Dancer and actor [[Derek Hough]] (who had previously covered "[[Ashes of Eden (song)|Ashes of Eden]]" in a choreographed music video){{sfn|Ganz|2017}} has an appearance on the album, saying that the opportunity was "a dream come true".{{sfn|Stubblebine|2017}} Burnley later explained that he reached out to Hough after seeing his cover of "Ashes of Eden", and that the song he is featured on is "The Dark of You".{{sfn|Childers|2018}}

[[File:Breaking Benjamin Louder Than Life Louisville 2019-09-29.jpg|thumb|Breaking Benjamin performing at [[Louder Than Life]] in 2019]]''Ember'' received mostly positive critical reception, and was noted both for its familiarity and its heavier stylistic shift. AllMusic's Neil Yeung gave a generally favorable review but emphasized its familiarity, saying, "As far as variety goes, this is a fairly standard collection of tunes from a band that is mainly concerned with giving fans what they want and expect."{{sfn|Yeung|2018}} Conversely, [[Loudwire]]'s Chad Childers called ''Ember'' "a heavy record—not just in terms of sound where you could argue that they've never sounded heavier, but also in terms of lyrical content", saying the group is "proving that they're better (and yes, heavier) than ever with plenty still left to say".{{sfn|Childers|2018b}} 

Luke Nuttall of ''The Soundboard'' gave the album a mixed review, saying, "Even the most dedicated diehard has to admit that this is far from groundbreaking or any sort of departure from their past material, and such an unashamed recycling of work seldom leads to positive results", but adding, "''Ember'' manages to elevate above radio-rock's most uninspired efforts, but this is purely for those who've been there all the way through; for everyone else, it's there to embrace or avoid as per want."{{sfn|Nuttall|2018}}

===''Aurora'' and non-album collaboration singles (2018–2022)===
{{Main|Aurora (Breaking Benjamin album){{!}}''Aurora'' (Breaking Benjamin album)}}
In an interview in December 2018, Burnley stated there will be an album of acoustic renditions of past songs in 2019.{{sfn|Wendowski|2018b}} In July 2019, Burnley confirmed during a radio interview that the new acoustic album will feature collaborations from [[Red (band)|Red]], [[Underoath]], [[Saint Asonia]], and [[Lacey Sturm]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Childers |first1=Chad |title=Breaking Benjamin Plan Acoustic Album With Underoath, Red, Saint Asonia + Former Flyleaf Singers |url=https://loudwire.com/breaking-benjamin-acoustic-album-underoath-red-saint-asonia-former-flyleaf-singers/ |access-date=September 12, 2019 |publisher=Loudwire |date=July 23, 2019}}</ref>

The band's 2019 North American headline tour with [[Chevelle (band)|Chevelle]] and [[Three Days Grace]] went from July 21 to September 25.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Anne |title=Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, and Three Days Grace announce 2019 North American tour |url=https://consequence.net/2019/02/breaking-benjamin-chevelle-three-days-grace-2019-tour/ |access-date=September 12, 2019 |publisher=Consequence of Sound |date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>

On October 28, 2019, the band officially announced the album ''[[Aurora (Breaking Benjamin album)|Aurora]]'' via their official social media pages, with a release date of January 24, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Childers |first1=Chad |title=BREAKING BENJAMIN DETAIL GUEST-FILLED 'AURORA' ALBUM |url=https://loudwire.com/breaking-benjamin-aurora-album/ |access-date=November 1, 2019 |publisher=Loudwire |date=October 28, 2019}}</ref> They also announced their 2020 co-headlining North American tour with [[Korn]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Divita |first1=Joe |title=Korn + Breaking Benjamin Announce 2020 Co-Headlining Tour |url=https://loudwire.com/korn-breaking-benjamin-2020-tour/ |access-date=November 1, 2019 |publisher=Loudwire |date=October 28, 2019}}</ref> On December 6, 2019, the band released "Far Away" featuring [[Scooter Ward]] of [[Cold (band)|Cold]], the first single from ''Aurora''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Listen to Breaking Benjamin's New Song "FAR AWAY" Featuring Scooter Ward of COLD |url=https://musicmayhemmagazine.com/listen-to-breaking-benjamins-new-song-far-away-from-new-album-aurora/ |access-date=December 16, 2019 |publisher=Music Mayhem Magazine |date=December 6, 2019}}</ref> On January 10, 2020, the band released an acoustic version of "Red Cold River" featuring [[Spencer Chamberlain]] of [[Underoath]]. In March 2020, they announced their summer 2020 tour, with [[Bush (British band)|Bush]], [[Theory of a Deadman]], [[Saint Asonia]], and Cory Marks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Childers |first1=Chad |title=Breaking Benjamin Announce Summer Tour With Bush, Theory of a Deadman, Saint Asonia + Cory Marks |url=https://loudwire.com/breaking-benjamin-2020-tour-bush-theory-of-a-deadman-saint-asonia-cory-marks/ |access-date=March 11, 2020 |publisher=Loudwire |date=March 3, 2020}}</ref> On May 19, 2020, the band announced the cancellation of the tour due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/breaking-benjamin-cancel-2020-tour-dates/|title = Breaking Benjamin Cancel 2020 Tour Dates with Bush + More| website=[[Loudwire]] | date=May 19, 2020 }}</ref>

On July 10, 2020, the band released a cover of the [[Goo Goo Dolls]]' "[[Iris (song)|Iris]]", with singer [[Diamante (musician)|Diamante]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicmayhemmagazine.com/diamante-unveils-cover-of-goo-goo-dolls-iris-featuring-breaking-benjamin-frontman-ben-burnley/amp/|title=Diamante Unveils Cover of Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" Featuring Breaking Benjamin Frontman Ben Burnley|work=Music Mayhem Magazine|date=July 10, 2020|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref>

In September 2021, the band played US tour with [[Papa Roach]] and [[Memphis May Fire]],<ref>[https://loudwire.com/breaking-benjamin-2021-tour-dates-papa-roach-memphis-may-fire/ Breaking Benjamin Announce 2021 U.S. Tour Dates With Papa Roach]</ref> in April-May 2022 - with [[Seether]], [[Starset]] and [[Lacey Sturm]].<ref>[https://loudwire.com/breaking-benjamin-2022-tour-seether-starset-lacey-sturm/ Breaking Benjamin Announce Spring Tour With Seether + More]</ref>

In August 2022, the band released a collaborative song with [[Starset]] called "[[Waiting on the Sky to Change]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2022/08/19/breaking-benjamin-team-up-with-starset-for-waiting-on-the-sky-to-change-cover/ | title=Breaking Benjamin Team up with Starset for 'Waiting on the Sky to Change' Cover | date=August 18, 2022 }}</ref>

===Return to touring and an upcoming studio album (2022–present)===
From August through October 2022, Breaking Benjamin toured North America co-headlining with [[Alice in Chains]] and [[Bush (British band)|Bush]] as a special guest.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 7, 2022 |title=Breaking Benjamin tours the country with Alice in Chains and Bush on Aug. 10-Oct. 8 |url=https://nepascene.com/2022/03/breaking-benjamin-tours-country-alice-in-chains-bush-aug-10-oct-8/ |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=NEPA Scene}}</ref> The band toured with Bush in April and May 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Breaking Benjamin + Bush Announce Spring 2023 Tour with Another Day Dawns |url=https://loudwire.com/breaking-benjamin-bush-spring-2023-tour-another-day-dawns/ |access-date=August 7, 2023 |work=Loudwire}}</ref>

In a May 2023 interview, Jasen Rauch stated the band has been writing a new album "for a little over a year".<ref>[https://loudwire.com/breaking-benjamin-working-first-new-album-5-years/ Breaking Benjamin Have Been Working on First New Album in 5 Years]</ref> In July 2023, Keith Wallen confirmed that the band was working on new music and that a release could happen within a year.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdbQ8QbdI4E&t=479s | title=Breaking Benjamin Keith Wallen | website=[[YouTube]] | date=July 13, 2023 }}</ref>

From July through September 2023, the band supported [[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]] in a North American tour alongside [[Jinjer]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=DiVita |first=Joe |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Disturbed Announce Big 2023 North American Tour with Select Support from Breaking Benjamin, Theory of a Deadman + Jinjer |url=https://loudwire.com/disturbed-2023-tour-dates-breaking-benjamin-theory-of-a-deadman-jinjer/ |access-date=August 7, 2023 |work=Loudwire}}</ref> In 2024, the band played three tours: an acoustic tour in January supported by [[Keith Wallen]],<ref>[https://therockrevival.com/rock-news/breaking-benjamin-announce-2024-acoustic-tour/ Breaking Benjamin Announce 2024 Acoustic Tour]</ref> a tour in March-April with [[Daughtry (band)|Daughtry]] and [[Catch Your Breath (band)|Catch Your Breath]],<ref>[https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/breaking-benjamin-announces-north-american-tour-with-daughtry-catch-your-breath BREAKING BENJAMIN Announces North American Tour With DAUGHTRY & CATCH YOUR BREATH]</ref> and a fall co-headline tour with [[Staind]] (supported by Daughtry and Lakeview).<ref>[https://www.livenationentertainment.com/2024/03/rock-icons-staind-and-breaking-benjamin-announce-co-headline-tour-with-special-guests-daughtry-and-lakeview/ Rock Icons Staind and Breaking Benjamin Announce Co-Headline Tour With Special Guests Daughtry And Lakeview - Live Nation Entertainment]</ref>

On October 15, 2024, Breaking Benjamin announced they had signed with BMG as their new record label.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/breaking-benjamin-signs-with-bmg-prepares-to-release-new-music|title=Breaking Benjamin Signs With BMG, Prepares To Release New Music|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 15, 2024|access-date=October 16, 2024}}</ref> The next day, on October 16, the band released "[[Awaken (Breaking Benjamin song)|Awaken]]", the first single off the upcoming seventh studio album.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lauryn|last=Schaffner|url=https://loudwire.com/breaking-benjamin-new-song-awaken-lyrics/|title=Breaking Benjamin Release First New Song in Five Years Titled 'Awaken' — Listen|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=October 16, 2024|access-date=October 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/breaking-benjamin-releases-new-single-awaken|title=Breaking Benjamin Releases New Single 'Awaken'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 16, 2024|access-date=October 16, 2024}}</ref>