“Breaking Benjamin” with “Underoath” and “Diamante
1st Bank Center
Broomfield, CO
April 5th, 2019
Words and Photos by Alexis Springer
Breaking Benjamin is rocking through the US and switching up their opening bands during each show. At the Broomfield, Colorado location, we were lucky enough to have Underoath back in town and also the rookies of the tour, Diamante.
Diamante was the first to take the stage and they caught my attention immediately, especially the vocalist’s striking blue hair. I was even more impressed with the gorgeous sound flowing into the microphone. They had a total of 6 bangers that they played, including the current radio hit, “Haunted.” While this was my first time seeing Diamante, It definitely won’t be my last. I look forward to their future releases.
Next up on the bill was the Tampa natives, Underoath. They are no strangers to Colorado but this definitely was a different/ softer crowd then they are used too. The setlist consisted of a fantastic mix of songs geared towards older and newer fans. They started off loud and shook the walls of the 1st Bank Center, playing “On My Teeth” and “Rapture.” They even gave us old fans a bit of Nostalgia playing older hits including “It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door” “The Blue note, and “Writing on the walls.” This particular setlist was extra special. They took the time out to dedicate 3 minutes to someone who influenced not only the band but by the echo of the crowd, everyone in the room. This date on the tour was the 25th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s death and they did him great justice by playing “Heart shaped box” I truly had goosebumps from head to toe. I can guarantee that Underoath walked out of that Venue with a few hundred more fans.
The final band to “Blow me away” was, but of course, Breaking Benjamin. This is also another set of ridiculously talented dudes who are not unfamiliar with Colorado. After two decades of performing, the energy they give off still feels like the first tour. They played some of their Newer songs like “Red Cold River”, “Torn in Two”, Tourniquet” Off of last year’s release, Ember. Underoath was not the only one to bring a cover song to the stage, Breaking Benjamin one-upped them…actually 6-upped them. They gave us a medley of “The Imperial March”, “Cowboys From Hell”, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Enter Sandman”, and a spectacular Drum Solo.“ There was not a silent mouth in the building. The Pennsylvania rockers also changed up their setlist from previous tours and put in the infamous “ So Cold” in the middle of the setlist which gave the crowd a second wind. They wrapped up the night with the 2006 single “The Diary of Jane” leaving the crowd’s ears and eyes fulfilled by their continuous high energy and perfectly placed pyrotechnics. If you have been debating going to this show, don’t miss the opportunity to catch it. You definitely will not regret it.