Sometimes collages can be interesting, especially when they mix various modern elements to form a unique artistic statement. Unfortunately for the listener, this isn't the case with Breaking Benjamin on their latest offering "We Are Not Alone" - though the collage statement does ring true. Sounding very similar to just such a mixture of the more noteworthy qualities of various radio rock bands like Nickelback and Trapt; this band put a rather polished sounding work on display and accentuate it with faint traces of the aggressive posturing of groups like Korn and perhaps even Tool.

From top to bottom this album is meant to be a smooth experience and like most smooth experiences, there is little aftertaste to remind one of what they just consumed. Nearly every track on this effort seems tailored for rock radio, taking on an edgy post-grunge feel that is anything but revolutionary. But while their means may not be innovative, there's no faulting the bands knack for writing the standard modern rock song. With a fairly moody rhythm section in place to offset the veering riffs and very Nickelback-reminiscent vocals that seldom show any real heart, the group do still generally deliver in terms of musicianship.

In this day and age though, and in particular in this genre, musicianship isn't enough however. The ability to play their instruments and write hooky songs, even with help from Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins/Zwan fame, doesn't stop "We Are Not Alone" from coming off as a rather bland affair. With uniqueness being a rare commodity and little more than a regurgitation of the well-worn elements of other bands being practiced here this album struggles to keep any discerning listeners attention. Sure it can occasionally be catchy and will likely appeal to the casual/mainstream audience, but even then it sounds rather uninspired and cliche. In turn, it's a good a thing that Breaking Benjamin are not alone. Because without their peers from whom they so liberally borrow one wonders how they might have made this album at all.