Breaking Benjamin stands as one of the most popular rock bands of the past twenty years. I love these guys. They are one of my favorites of the modern rock era, which says a lot coming from an old classic rocker like myself who grew up on Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. is Breaking Benjamin was founded in 1999 by lead vocalist and guitarist Benjamin Burnley in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The band has undergone multiple lineup changes over the years but has maintained a consistent presence in the rock music scene. Breaking Benjamin has released six studio albums, with a sound characterized by a mix of post-grunge and alternative metal. The band’s notable albums include “Phobia” and “Dear Agony,” contributing to their commercial success with several hits entering the Billboard charts. Breaking Benjamin has also experienced legal and lineup issues, particularly a significant reformation in 2014 when Burnley reformed the band with entirely new members, following a hiatus due to health issues and legal battles.
Benjamin Burnley
Benjamin Burnley is the founder and the only constant member of Breaking Benjamin. He formed the band in 1999 and is the lead vocalist and guitarist. Burnley has been instrumental in writing and producing the majority of the band’s material, and his distinct voice and songwriting skills have played a significant role in defining the band’s sound. He has performed on all six studio albums, from their debut “Saturate” to the latest “Aurora.” Health issues led him to announce an indefinite hiatus in 2010, but he returned to reform the band in 2014 with a new lineup.
Aaron Fink
Aaron Fink was the lead guitarist for Breaking Benjamin from 2001 until 2011, when the initial breakup occurred. He joined the band shortly after the recording of their first album, “Saturate,” and contributed to their subsequent albums, including “We Are Not Alone,” “Phobia,” and “Dear Agony.” His guitar work was key in shaping the band’s heavier sound and intricate melodies. After his departure from Breaking Benjamin, Fink joined the band Lifer and also pursued a solo career, releasing his own music.
Mark Klepaski
Mark Klepaski was the bassist for Breaking Benjamin from 2001 to 2011. He also joined alongside Aaron Fink after the debut album and played on the same albums as Fink, from “We Are Not Alone” to “Dear Agony.” His bass playing contributed to the rhythmic foundation and the dynamic shifts in the band’s music. Following his exit from Breaking Benjamin, Klepaski has kept a low profile in the music scene.
Jeremy Hummel
Jeremy Hummel was one of the original members and the drummer for Breaking Benjamin at its inception in 1999. He played on the band’s first two albums, “Saturate” and “We Are Not Alone,” before being dismissed from the band in 2004. His drumming was crucial in the early development of the band’s sound, providing the powerful and driving beats characteristic of their early work.
Read More: Complete List Of Breaking Benjamin Albums And Discography
Chad Szeliga
Chad Szeliga joined Breaking Benjamin as their drummer in 2005, replacing Jeremy Hummel. He debuted on the album “Phobia” and also played on “Dear Agony.” Known for his technical skill and precise drumming, Szeliga helped to elevate the band’s sound during his tenure. He left the band in 2013 to pursue other musical interests and has since played with acts like Black Label Society.
Jason Rauch
Jason Rauch became the lead guitarist after the reformation in 2014. Before joining Breaking Benjamin, he was part of the band Red. He has played on the more recent albums “Dark Before Dawn” and “Ember.” His experience with digital sound effects and guitar solos has added a new layer to the band’s music, continuing their tradition of a heavily layered and robust rock sound.
Keith Wallen
Keith Wallen joined Breaking Benjamin as the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist in 2014. Previously a member of Adelitas Way, Wallen brought additional songwriting and vocal abilities to the band. He has been involved in the albums “Dark Before Dawn” and “Ember,” contributing to both the writing and expansive soundscapes of these records.
Aaron Bruch
Aaron Bruch took over as the bassist and backing vocalist for Breaking Benjamin during the 2014 reformation. His involvement can be heard on “Dark Before Dawn” and “Ember.” Bruch’s vocal contributions, especially on live performances, have added depth to the band’s sound, complementing Burnley’s lead vocals.
Shaun Foist
Shaun Foist was also part of the new lineup assembled in 2014 as the drummer. Previously with the band Picture Me Broken, Foist’s dynamic range and drumming technique have been central to the rhythm section on the recent albums “Dark Before Dawn” and “Ember,” helping to drive the band’s energetic and intense performances.
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