Breaking Benjamin Concert Review - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater - Phoenix, AZ

13 hours ago

4 min read

Concert Review and Photos By Ken Servais

It was the beginning of "Rocktober" and the night had finally arrived for a lineup of outstanding artists to take the stage and deliver an evening of hard-hitting rock, cinematic soundscapes, and electrifying performances.

Kami Kehoe Sets the Tone:

Kicking off the evening was Kami Kehoe, a talented and powerful frontwoman who seamlessly blends alternative rock, pop, and R&B into an engaging performance. From the moment she took the stage, Kehoe captured the audience’s attention, drawing listeners in with her lyrics, then sending them soaring with her dynamic delivery.

Still so young, but already out on the road with her band, supporting their third studio album, Love Is a Weapon. She also impressed her fans by taking to the drum kit for an impressive solo that ignited the crowd and added another dimension to her performance. Kehoe proved that she is an artist worth keeping an eye on as she continues to make her mark on the rock scene.

Starset Takes the Crowd to Another Dimension:

The atmosphere immediately shifted; and next up was Starset, bringing their signature brand of cinematic rock to the forefront. The Starset band transported the audience into what felt like a journey through outer space; with synth-heavy arrangements, futuristic sounds, and elaborate costumes—including high-tech helmets that would make a fighter pilot jealous. They created an immersive experience that went far beyond a traditional rock show.

Adding to the spectacle were two instruments not often featured so prominently in a rock performance: the violin and cello. The contributions of the violinist and cellist enriched the arrangements, adding depth and texture to the band’s already expansive sound while enhancing the visual and musical experience.

Frontman Dustin Bates led the charge, guiding the band through a set of meticulously crafted soundscapes that balanced heavy instrumentation with atmospheric melodies. Starset didn’t simply perform for the audience; they invited everyone into their futuristic musical universe, delivering a performance that was as visually captivating as it was sonically impressive.

Chevelle Brings the Heat:

With Chevelle on deck, the bases were loaded. The venue was packed, and the crowd was on its feet, ready for the next round of hard-hitting rock.

Pete Loeffler, handling lead vocals and guitar, wasted little time cranking up the intensity. The band launched into “Family System,” with Loeffler unleashing the aggressive vocals and commanding guitar work that have become hallmarks of Chevelle’s sound. The crowd was locked in from the start.

Moving into “Self Destructor” and fan favorite “Vitamin R,” Loeffler showcased the full range of his vocal delivery, shifting between angsty, almost whispered lyrics and raw, soul crushing screams. That signature vocal contrast and heavy riffs of Chevelle is a key reason they have such a fan base.

As the set progressed, the first crowd surfers began making their way overhead, while the rest of the fans held outstretched hands into the air and banged their heads to the beat. The energy was contagious, with the band feeding off the audience’s enthusiasm and giving it right back.

Behind the kit, Sam Loeffler laid down the foundation that kept the songs moving with precision and power. Meanwhile, bassist Kemble Walters looked every bit the rock-star beneath the bright lights and dramatic shadows. His presence added another layer of energy to an already commanding performance.

Chevelle didn’t take the stage just to play —they came to win. With crushing riffs, emotionally charged vocals, and an audience fully invested in every moment, the band delivered a performance that felt like a home run every time they stepped up to the plate.

Breaking Benjamin Closes Out the Night in Style:

It was the bottom of the ninth, and the headliner was finally stepping up to the plate. Breaking Benjamin came out swinging, opening with the powerhouse hit “I Will Not Bow” and immediately giving the nearly sold-out crowd a reason to raise the energy another notch.

The band delivered a polished 18-song set, with frontman Benjamin Burnley leading the way on vocals and guitar. Although Burnley remained largely in the shadows for much of the performance, his vocal delivery was on point, bringing the weight and emotion of Breaking Benjamin’s signature sound to the forefront.

The band continued to roll through a set packed with fan favorites, including “Until the End,” “Blow Me Away,” “So Cold,” and “The Diary of Jane.” Each song gave the audience another opportunity to sing along, reconnect with familiar favorites, and immerse themselves in the music.

Breaking Benjamin brought the evening to a satisfying close, delivering the kind of performance that reminds you why the band continues to draw devoted fans. With a strong setlist and a solid showing from the entire lineup, the night offered something for every rock fan in attendance.

It was an outstanding Rocktober night from start to finish!

From Kami Kehoe’s rising-star energy and Starset’s cinematic journey to Chevelle’s relentless intensity and Breaking Benjamin’s hit-filled headline set, each act brought something distinctive to the stage.