Breaking Benjamin | Texas Review | Ralph Arvesen
Breaking Benjamin performing at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on September 3, 2025, with Benjamin Burnley, Aaron Bruch, Shaun Foist, Jasen Rauch, and Keith Wallen. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)

Emerging from the post-grunge landscape of the early 2000s, Breaking Benjamin carved out a unique space with their signature blend of melancholic melodies, deeply personal lyrics, and heavy, drop-tuned guitar work. Led by the enigmatic and intensely talented Benjamin Burnley, the band has built a career on a foundation of raw emotion and a meticulous approach to songwriting.

Albums like We Are Not Alone and Phobia became anthems for a generation wrestling with internal demons, anxiety, and a sense of alienation. The band's sound is instantly recognizable: a soaring chorus, a brooding verse, and a musical breakdown that hits with the force of an emotional catharsis. They are not a band that shies away from difficult themes, and it's this unflinching honesty that has created a fierce and lasting connection with their fan base. Over the years, despite a revolving door of members, Burnley's vision has remained the guiding light, ensuring the music stays true to its core.

A Breaking Benjamin concert is more than just a musical performance; it's a shared experience, a group therapy session with distorted guitars. The current tour is no different, serving as a powerful reminder of why the band has maintained such a dedicated following. From the moment they hit the stage, the energy is palpable, a mix of anticipation and a deep, almost spiritual, connection to the music. The setlist is a carefully curated journey through their discography, touching on everything from their earliest hits to their most recent work. Tracks like "The Diary of Jane" and "I Will Not Bow" are delivered with an intensity that seems to amplify the emotion of the songs, with every member of the band locked into a tight and powerful performance. The rhythm section provides a thunderous backbone while the guitar work is both precise and punishing.

At the center of it all is Ben Burnley, whose vocals are as potent and expressive as ever. He is a commanding presence, his voice effortlessly shifting from a vulnerable whisper to a powerful scream, and his interaction with the crowd is genuine and heartfelt. The fans, in turn, are an essential part of the show, singing every lyric with a passion that rivals the band's own. It's a truly beautiful thing to witness thousands of people united by the same songs, finding common ground in shared feelings of struggle and hope.

This tour reaffirms Breaking Benjamin's place as one of the most important rock bands of their era, proving that raw honesty and a powerful live performance are all that are needed to create an unforgettable connection with an audience. They are not just playing songs; they are sharing stories and emotions, one powerful riff at a time.

Setlist for the show at the Moody Center
  • Awaken
  • Follow
  • Blow Me Away
  • So Cold
  • You
  • Evil Angel
  • Failure
  • Red Cold River
  • Dear Agony
  • Blood
  • Dance With the Devil
  • Polyamorous
  • Without You
  • Breath
  • Until the End
  • I Will Not Bow
  • The Diary of Jane

Breaking Benjamin was the main act at the Moody Center with guests Three Days Grace and Return to Dust. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, Oklahoma on October 12, 2025.

Breaking Benjamin
web | facebook | x | instagram

Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin