Breaking Benjamin signs with BMG, releases first new single in 5 years, ‘Awaken’
From a press release:
Today, Breaking Benjamin not only released their first new single in five years, but did so through their first new record label since their debut album came out over 20 years ago.
On social media and their North American tour opening for Staind, the Wilkes-Barre hard rock band has been teasing a “countdown clock” to 10/16 that ended with “Awaken” hitting all major streaming platforms at midnight via BMG, the home of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Tina Turner, Iggy Pop, Black Sabbath, ZZ Top, Backstreet Boys, Blink-182, Nickelback, Jason Aldean, Elvis Costello, Lenny Kravitz, Jelly Roll, and many more hitmakers across all different genres.
“Working on this song has been something new and exciting for all of us, I believe,” guitarist Jasen Rauch said.
“We’ve been able to explore more of who we are traditionally, while at the same time push boundaries and try things we haven’t done in the past. Musically, we’ve tried hard to stay true to what Breaking Benjamin is, but offer a new take as well.”
Breaking Benjamin, which currently features founding vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Burnley alongside fellow Luzerne County native Aaron Bruch (bass, backing vocals), Rauch (lead guitar), Keith Wallen (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), and Shaun Foist (drums), has consistently dominated the rock charts since their 2002 debut album “Saturate” on Hollywood Records. With 10 No. 1 hits, platinum albums, 8.5 billion streams globally, and a social following of over 6.5 million, they’ve solidified their global influence and a strong devoted fan base. Their latest release, the 2020 compilation “Aurora,” earned them their 10th No. 1 rock radio hit in 2019 with “Far Away” featuring Scooter Ward of Cold, another band with ties to Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Their last full-length album, “Ember,” debuted in 2018 at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, marking their fourth Top 5 debut. Their track record includes No. 1 hits like “Red Cold River” and “Torn in Two.” Closing out their time under Hollywood Records, both “Aurora” and “Ember” achieved Top 10 status in multiple countries and No. 1 spots across various charts, including Billboard’s Top Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums, Top Hard Rock Albums, and Top Digital Albums.
In a statement, the band said, “Working on these new songs has been a fresh experience for all of us. We’ve stayed true to the core of who Breaking Benjamin is, but we’ve also pushed ourselves creatively, exploring new sounds and ideas that we haven’t tapped into before. It’s been about striking that balance between honoring our roots while introducing a fresh take on what our music can be.”
Sean Heydorn, senior vice president of Rise Records and frontline catalog at BMG, added, “Breaking Benjamin has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music with their raw energy, powerful songwriting, and a connection with fans that’s both intense and enduring. We’re incredibly proud to support them as they embark on their next chapter with us at BMG.”
Over the course of the group’s career, they have earned three platinum albums, two gold albums, one quadruple-platinum single, one triple-platinum single, one double-platinum single, three platinum singles, and six gold singles, making them one of rock music’s most highly anticipated torchbearers of new music.
Photo by Dominique D’Costa