Saturate

by Jason D. TaylorAs an alternative/hard rock band, the defining point of one's career is signing to a major label. With that said, it makes it all the more surprising that just as Lifer had begun to create a buzz on mainstream radio, guitarist Aaron Fink and bassist Mark James Klepaski quit in order to join Breaking Benjamin. Whether they saw something special in this independent band or were just sick of their former band's career decisions is unknown, but Breaking Benjamin went on to sign to Hollywood Records, and Saturate has serious potential to become one of 2002's most successful debuts, as although it is repetitive and generic, it is undeniably addictive. Molding hard rock in the vein of Nickelback with the more aggressive side of Korn, Saturate is accessible and slightly heavier than much music suitable for excessive radio play, yet allows the listener to identify with the themes present on the disc. Breaking Benjamin still follows the formulaic pattern of most every hard rock group since the mid-'90s -- the music is hard to resist. The only noticeable dilemma apparent here is that the album drags once it hits "Next to Nothing" and never quite picks back up. Those who enjoyed Lifer certainly should like the rock offered here, and this album should fit in well with other modern rock releases of the here today/gone tomorrow variety.