Pennsylvania hard rock and post-grunge band Breaking Benjamin are at it again with their two new singles "Red Cold River" and "Feed the Wolf." It is amazing to see Ben Burnley and his band still going strong after all these years putting out their familiar work, but with more metal-esque snarl and technical precision than was seen in this simple mainstream rock group in a long time.
Keep in mind, I understand that this band or genre isn't everybody's cup of tea. They emerged out of a scene that also produced groups like Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, and Puddle of Mudd; often seen as cheap, emotionally manipulative, and formulaic cash-ins on their '90s predecessors. "Red Cold River" and "Feed the Wolf" do not break new ground in rock music. "Red Cold River" sounds like any of the other singles in Breaking Benjamin's catalogue, such as "The Diary of Jane," and "Sugarcoat." "Feed the Wolf," oddly enough, sounds extremely familiar, despite it's more unique chord progression for the band. The guitarist, Jasen Rauch's experience from his days in the band Red are evident, because this song and "Feed the Machine" have pretty similar riff structures.
Overall, there is definitely better hard rock and heavy metal music out there, but I am sure these two new tracks by Breaking Benjamin will continue to wow fans and other audiences in anticipation for their new studio album. It is refreshing that they are challenging themselves with making a heavier record than what they tend to do, and it is damn cathartic in these times.
Red Cold River: 7.5/10
Feed the Wolf: 7/10
