As promised, Breaking Benjamin released their new single, “Red Cold River” officially at midnight Friday, January 5 (or 11:20PM if you had iTunes, but that’s not important). You can hear it here:
And then download it here.
This song takes key elements that fans are used to – Ben Burnley’s signature yearning vocals alongside lyrics that really strike at the heart of the listener – and turns those elements on their heads. Supporting vocals from bassist Aaron Bruch and guitarist Keith Wallen help showcase those signature vocals that fans know and love. And, instrumentally, it is clear that Breaking Benjamin only becomes more cohesive and stronger with each release. “Red Cold River” is a powerhouse single on its own.
In terms of lyrical content, this track is strong. However, there isn’t much that we haven’t heard before. Most all of Breaking Benjamin’s discography has some sort of emotional pull: a longing, something that needs solved, a light that needs to come out of the dark. But, something about “Red Cold River” does it better than a few of the Breaking Benjamin songs that have come before it. Maybe it’s the catchy, emotional chorus or the gutteral, vibrating growls that seem to get better and stronger for the band as time goes on. Either way, “Red Cold River” delivers the punch fans have been salivating for since the release was announced a few weeks back.
Overall, this track sets the tone for what fans can expect from the band’s upcoming sixth release, Ember. At this time, there is no release date yet, but it can only be assumed that, now that we have a taste of what’s coming, it won’t be long before we can sink our ears into Ember.
