sing a long

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My introduction to Breaking Benjamin was “So Cold” from “We Are Not Alone” in late 2004. I played it for my “ex” once, even she liked it. A friends band opened for them here in Indy. Was sure this was the direction modern rock was heading… I was wrong…

Best YouTube comments:

“This band doesn't know how to write a bad song.”

“I got the shivers while watching this. Breaking Benjamin is Amazing.”

“I still can't believe this song came out in 2007 who is listening in 2356?”

“My favorite song by Breaking Benjamin... he has a great personality.”

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From 2006. Video sponsored by Amnesty International.

Best YouTube Comments:

“The song is (really) about a person battling with drug abuse (addiction). The video actually has nothing to do with the song.”

“The song was specifically written by Jesse Hasek about his first cousin, actor Brad Renfro and his drug addiction. Brad Renfro appeared in the original video before his subsequent death in January 2008.

(Me: This is correct. Listen carefully to the lyrics, it’s clearly about trying to reach out to someone who you love and care about that is struggling with addiction. The lyrics “silver hollow sliver piercing through another victim” seem to leave no doubt. Still it’s a great song no matter how you interpret it. I give it a 10 of 10 on the “intensity” scale. Awesome. Powerful. Always affects me because it hits very close to home. )

“I have to hold back tears while watching this. Great fuckin band.”

“They couldn't have made this song any better if they tried…”

“My mother listens to this type of music and I love her so much for getting me into a HUGE habit of listening to this type of music.” (Me: It’s from 2006! Gee, thanks…

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From their first EP “Opiate.” Recorded New Year’s Eve 1991-92 at the Jello Loft, Los Angeles.

Best YouTube Comments:

“Now I don't need coffee. Thanks.”

“so fitting for so many...”

“Fucking EPIC SHIT!!!!”

“? ..!”

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Hard to top the picture above of two dinosaurs fucking but I'll try. That was probably the best post I've ever made on here.

This one brings back a lot of memories. 23? Hell, I'm still 18!

Best part is at 1:10-1:21. That's Janine Lindemulder.

(Travis Barker, drums. )

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Unfortunately, they did not, to my knowledge, ever make an official video for this song. TDG was one of the last bands I really got into. Like “Breaking Benjamin” they offered a more modern sound away from the “heavy metal,” “thrash,” “alternative,” and “nu-metal” I had essentially grown up with.

There are no weak points on this album as far as I’m concerned. The cover art with the family evicted from their home, burning in the background, is also very intense. Really hard to pick a “favorite” here but I think it would be this track. I seem to remember reading an interview with them where they mentioned Black Sabbath as one of their influences. Though they are totally different and decades apart, I can hear that “ominous” sound in many TDG songs.

Best YouTube Comments:

“His voice when he says ‘fuck’.”

“This song scares me a lil...”

“He said ‘THE shit’ meaning it’s awesome.”

“Must learn this song on guitar.”

“I love the beginning its amazing.”

(Me: One person on another post said if you could play the intro you were "guaranteed to get laid…” )

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Something newer for a change. From the album “Human” featuring singer Matt Walst. On April 1, 2014, the band released "Painkiller" on iTunes. On April 8, 2014, the song was released to US rock radio stations. Two months later, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The second single, "I Am Machine", also reached No. 1.

My hatred of drugs is not exactly a well-kept secret. This is a hard hitting “wake up call” for a lot of people. I have many friends from when I was younger who are no longer with us. Born in the 1980’s, somehow I managed to stay away from the entire drug “scene.” I’m sure football, academics, fast cars, loud music, and beautiful women helped a lot.

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Had posted the “official” video over a year ago. Realized it got changed and/or deleted. This is the lyric video based on the radio version of this song. Very powerful and intense subject matter. Surprisingly heavy for today.

Favorite lyric is “Send my regards to Hell.”

Dan Smith, vocals.