If Tool and Creed had a baby, it might sound like Wilkes Barre, PA's Breaking Benjamin [ tickets ].

Like Creed, this group has a penchant for hackneyed anthems and weak-kneed lyrics. Like Tool, they show spectacular musicianship in menacing, dark rhythms and the occasional dash of roaring rage. But, like Scott Stapp and a bottle of gin, the two really don't go together. The result of this mad marriage is "Phobia," one schizophrenic pop/metal baby.

Throughout their third album, Breaking Benjamin is off balance--gritty and real, but also radio-friendly and MTV-ready. Notably, the disc's first few tracks are also its best. Single "The Diary of Jane" is a big, robust rocker--hook-packed and memorable. Track two is "Breath" a fine arena-ready anthem. Next, the quartet pounds out "You," a polished, meaty track that brings to mind choice '90s grunge.

Unfortunately, "Phobia" goes downhill from there. Fast.

"Evil Angel" is indeed as clichéd as its title suggests--a monster metal ballad that would make Queensryche fans blush. On "Had Enough," Burnley sounds as if he's auditioning for Tool, the song's ending featuring a dark-metal meltdown that just doesn't suit the singer or the band. Likewise, "You Fight Me" is all over the place--a mish-mash of NIN-style industrial beats and lame pop lyricism. Example: "Love is blinding/No surviving."

Yes, Ben Burnley has a sleek voice, and his crisp metal rhythm gives lead guitarist Aaron Fink a fierce background for his melodic prog-rock licks. Yes, behind them, bassist Mark James and new drummer Chad Szeliga give these songs the muscular rhythms they need.

But the trouble with "Phobia" is not the musicians--it's the music.

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