Editing Breaking Benjamin (section)

==Artistry==
===Musical style===
{{Listen
|filename=Breaking Benjamin - Into the Nothing (preview).ogg
|title="Into the Nothing"
|description="Into the Nothing" (''Dear Agony'') is an example of the band's recurrent formula involving "crunchy" guitars, swelling choruses, angst-heavy vocals, and tight construction.{{sfn|Grierson|2009}}
|format=[[Ogg]]
}}
Breaking Benjamin's musical style has been classified as [[hard rock]],<ref name="hard rock">{{harvnb|Henderson|n.d}}; {{harvnb|Wiederhorn|2015}}; {{harvnb|Lipshutz|2015}}; {{harvnb|Mansfield|2015}}; {{harvnb|D.|2006}}; {{harvnb|Greenblatt|2006}}; {{harvnb|Marsicano|2015}}; {{harvnb|Titus|2015}}.</ref> [[alternative rock]],<ref name="alternative rock">{{harvnb|Henderson|n.d}}; {{harvnb|Sisak|Gaydos|2011}}; {{harvnb|Miller|2004}}; {{harvnb|Lipshutz|2009}}; {{harvnb|Cox|2014}}; {{harvnb|Floyd|2015}}; {{harvnb|Walden|2015}}; {{harvnb|Davis-Young|2015}}.</ref> [[post-grunge]],<ref name="post-grunge">{{harvnb|Henderson|n.d}}; {{harvnb|Young|2009}}; {{harvnb|Lipshutz|2009}}; {{harvnb|Greene|2006}}; {{harvnb|Apar|2006}}.</ref> and [[alternative metal]].<ref name="alternative metal">{{harvnb|Grierson|2009}}; {{harvnb|Leroy|2004}}; {{harvnb|Apar|2006}}; {{harvnb|Saincome|2015}}; {{harvnb|Marsicano|2015}}.</ref>{{efn|However, the band's recurrent online biography written by [[AllMusic]]'s Alex Henderson states of the alternative metal label, "[[Korn]] and [[Tool (band)|Tool]] have also been cited as influences, but unlike Korn, Breaking Benjamin doesn't have strong [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] leanings and isn't quite alternative metal – hard alternative rock, certainly, but not quite alternative metal."{{sfn|Henderson|n.d}}}} This approach has commonly been noted for its consistency; Corey Apar felt that "Breaking Benjamin are nothing if not consistent",{{sfn|Apar|2006}} and Alex Young felt that "Breaking Benjamin is one of the few modern rock bands on the radio that, if you have heard any song in its catalog prior, could be immediately recognized."{{sfn|Young|2009}} Despite a complete lineup change prior to the release of ''Dark Before Dawn'', Dan Marsicano stated, "Breaking Benjamin hardly deviate from the hooky jams that were present on ''Dear Agony''. They have had an established sound since their breakout ''We Are Not Alone'' – hard-edged riffs with emotional upheaval – and that isn't tampered with on ''Dark Before Dawn''."{{sfn|Marsicano|2015}}

Their style is described by Apar as "mixing heavy hard rock dynamics with a moody demeanor that never slips into full-on dejection".{{sfn|Apar|2006}} Spence D. characterizes the band as "[persisting] in delivering crunching guitars topped off with somewhat generic, angst-ridden [lyrics] that waffle between being plaintive and aggressive" with vocals that "[deliver] just the right amount of emotion, fluctuating between contemplative subjectivity and growling anger".{{sfn|D.|2006}} Young felt that Breaking Benjamin is "indicative of early '00s modern rock, while also now and then being more [[Filter (band)|Filter]]-esque or technically proficient, primarily on guitar during 2002's ''Saturate'', and from then on, with bass and drums".{{sfn|Young|2009}}

In a 2020 piece in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', Chris Kornelis described the band's style as "a subgenre of rock 'n' roll, often called '[[active rock]]'. ... The genre includes bands like [[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]], [[Five Finger Death Punch]], and [[Three Days Grace]], hard rockers who growl and yell, but can be as tender and emotive as [[Coldplay]]".<ref name="wsj"/>

===Composition===
Burnley is the primary songwriter in the band.{{sfn|Frederick|2015b}} Music industry attorney and author Martin Frascogna writes that "it's unmistakably clear that Burnley started the group, is the creative force behind the group and essentially dictates the group's decisions".{{sfn|Frascogna|2011}} Bands such as Nirvana, [[Live (band)|Live]], [[Bush (British band)|Bush]], [[Pearl Jam]], [[Stone Temple Pilots]], and The Beatles have been cited as influences.<ref name="influences">{{harvnb|Henderson|n.d}}; {{harvnb|Miranda|Holmquest|2004}}.</ref> Burnley remarked in 2009 that while the other band members did contribute, it was "always left up to [him] to put all the pieces together and make it so that it's even anything at all".{{sfn|Lello|2009}} However, Burnley considered Rauch to be his "writing partner" during ''Dear Agony'' and stated that he looked forward to writing with him in the future.{{sfn|Lello|2009}} 

After joining the band in 2014 as part of the new lineup, Rauch provided writing contributions on ''Dark Before Dawn'', writing the intro and outro tracks as well as riffs on two other tracks.{{sfn|Bowar|2015}} Burnley revealed in 2015 that the whole band would write songs for Breaking Benjamin in the future, saying, "It just so happens that when they came on board for this album, I was already 95 percent done. I'm really looking forward to writing the next one all together."{{sfn|Bowar|2015}} The 2018 album ''Ember'' represents the band's first effort with full composition credit given to members other than Burnley.{{sfn|Yeung|2018}}

Breaking Benjamin's lyrical content evolved as a product of Burnley's sobriety, the frontman noting that the lyricism in ''Dear Agony'' is more thought out.{{sfn|Florino|2010}} Rito Asilo of the ''[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|Inquirer]]'' writes that Burnley "owes the improved clarity and coherence in Breaking Benjamin's music to sobriety".{{sfn|Asilo|2015}} Burnley has said that before sobriety, anything that made sense thematically was a coincidence and that he would take [[shot glass|shots]] if he were dissatisfied with a lyric.{{cn|date=May 2025}} Breaking Benjamin's lyrics have been noted for their vague, angst-heavy themes.<ref name="angst lyrics">{{harvnb|Grierson|2009}}; {{harvnb|Greenblatt|2006}}; {{harvnb|D.|2006}}.</ref> Burnley has said, "I try to keep my writing vague so people can draw their own conclusions."{{sfn|Florino|2010}}

===Live performance===
[[File:Breaking Benjamin - Rock am Ring 2016 -2016155170014 2016-06-03 Rock am Ring - Sven - 1D X MK II - 0447 - AK8I0458 mod.jpg|thumb|Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Keith Wallen performing in 2016]]
Breaking Benjamin's live sound has corresponded with lineup arrangements. The band originally lacked backing vocalists and tertiary instrumentation, requiring them to rely on pre-recorded tracks during live performances.{{sfn|Bowar|2015}} However, the band was noted for a change in such respects with the second iteration of the band assembled in 2014.<ref name="live performances">{{harvnb|Trunk|2015}}; {{harvnb|Axton|2015}}; {{harvnb|Rosen|2015a}}; {{harvnb|Rosen|2015b}}; {{harvnb|Kielich|2015}}; {{harvnb|Hahn|2014}}</ref> Bruch and Wallen were selected in part for their ability as singers, providing all backing vocals on both new studio recordings and during live shows.<ref name="live performances"/> 

Burnley noted that it was important to add two new singers in order to replicate vocal techniques such as three-part harmonies, octave range, and layered vocals.{{sfn|Rosen|2015b}} Rauch, acting as a third guitarist, provides the band with "more freedom while simultaneously thickening up their live sound", as some songs feature three guitar parts or layered guitars or are meant to feature Burnley only performing vocals, such as "I Will Not Bow" and "Lights Out".{{sfn|Axton|2015}} Foist utilizes Roland V-Kit [[electronic drum]]s during live performances and triggers certain sounds as heard in studio recordings, such as the piano notes in "Breakdown".{{sfn|Rosen|2015b}} Additionally, Rauch is equipped with a Roland GR-55 [[guitar synthesizer]] allowing him to play [[String quartet|orchestral strings]] and [[choir]] sound effects, further eliminating any reliance on pre-recorded tracks.{{sfn|Lello|2015}}

Breaking Benjamin is known for frequent live collaborations with co-touring musicians, including [[David Draiman]] ([[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]]),<ref>[https://loudwire.com/disturbed-david-draiman-breaking-benjamin-queen-david-bowie-under-pressure/ David Draiman + Breaking Benjamin Perform 'Under Pressure']</ref><ref>[https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/watch-disturbeds-david-draiman-cover-pantera-with-breaking-benjamin-in-dallas-8598629 Disturbed's David Draiman Joins Breaking Benjamin for Cover of Pantera's "Walk" in Dallas | Dallas Observer]</ref> [[Adam Gontier]] (Saint Asonia and Three Days Grace),<ref>[https://www.strifemag.com/uncategorized/breaking-benjamin-joined-on-stage-by-adam-gontier/ Breaking Benjamin Joined On Stage By Adam Gontier | Strife Mag]</ref> [[Shaun Morgan]] (Seether),<ref>[Breaking Benjamin - Diary of Jane (w/ Shaun Morgan of Seether) LIVE May 6, 2022 - YouTube Breaking Benjamin - Diary of Jane (w/ Shaun Morgan of Seether) LIVE May 6, 2022 - YouTube]</ref> Dustin Bates (Starset),<ref>[https://thenewfury.com/starset-vocalist-dustin-bates-joins-breaking-benjamin-during-live-performance-of-breath-watch/ Starset vocalist Dustin Bates joins Breaking Benjamin during live performance of "Breath" - watch - New Fury Media]</ref> [[Morgan Rose]] (Sevendust),<ref>[https://musicmayhemmagazine.com/breaking-benjamin-performs-failure-with-sevendust-drummer-morgan-rose/ Breaking Benjamin Performs "Failure" with Sevendust Drummer Morgan Rose - Music Mayhem Magazine]</ref> Chris Motionless ([[Motionless in White]]),<ref>[https://www.theprp.com/2016/10/15/news/watch-motionless-whites-chris-motionless-join-breaking-benjamin-onstage-florida/ Watch Motionless In White's Chris Motionless Join Breaking Benjamin Onstage In Florida - Theprp.com]</ref> and [[Jared Dines]].<ref>[https://www.maniacsonline.com.au/news/watch-jared-dines-play-live-with-breaking-benjamin-206191 Watch Jared Dines Play Live With Breaking Benjamin - Maniacs Online | Heavy Metal News, Music Videos, Tours & Merch]</ref> Benjamin Burnley himself joins co-touring bands for a guest appearance, having performed with [[Alice in Chains]],<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdV9fpf0qNI&ab_channel=HenryDiamond Alice in Chains - 'Man in The Box' [ft. Benjamin Burnley] | Live - Mansfield, MA - 10/8/2022 - YouTube]</ref> [[Chevelle (band)|Chevelle]],<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VsjxX-c20I&ab_channel=TheRockVault Chevelle ft. Benjamin Burnley - Closure (Live at SLC 2019) - YouTube]</ref> and [[Evans Blue]]<ref>[http://houstonmusicreview.com/wordpress/2006/08/19/breaking-benjamin-w-evans-blue-verizon-wireless-theater-houston-tx/ Breaking Benjamin w/ Evans Blue – Verizon Wireless Theater – Houston, TX – HoustonMusicReview.com]</ref> among others. The band also occasionally brings fans on stage to perform with them.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkp-ML0gHrQ&ab_channel=VinC Breaking Benjamin Toad's New Haven - Fan sings "Failure" - YouTube]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cInn8OMihFk&ab_channel=MariJen4 Breaking Benjamin - Angels Fall (Live 18/06/2016) - YouTube]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g6l33xISzk&ab_channel=StevenBrown Breaking Benjamin brings fan on stage to sing breath (Bismarck, ND 3/31/19) - YouTube]</ref>