From the moment the lights dimmed and the first chords reverberated through the speakers, it was clear that this was not just a concert. It was a summoning of the rock gods, a gathering of the faithful, a celebration of music that has been the soundtrack to countless lives. The air was electric with anticipation as Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Jinjer took to the stage at the FivePoint Amphitheatre. The Take Back Your Life Tour was a night that promised to be etched in the annals of rock history. When the dust finally settled, it ended up being that and a whole lot more.
Opening for the night under a blistering Southern California sun was Jinjer, a Ukrainian metal band that has been making huge waves. Their performance on Thursday was a testament to their talent and versatility. Lead vocalist Tatiana Shmailyuk showcased her impressive range, effortlessly alternating between guttural growls and melodic singing. The band’s fusion of progressive metal, rock, and punk elements resulted in a unique sound that was both refreshing and captivating. Favorites from the abbreviated set included “Vortex, Copycat” and “As I Boil Ice.” Simply put, Jinjer’s set (albeit short) was truly amazing.
Breaking Benjamin was up next and no less impressive. They ignited the crowd with their explosive energy and raw emotion. Their setlist was a perfect blend of new tracks and fan favorites, each song executed with flawless musicianship. Frontman Benjamin Burnley’s emotive vocals paired with the band’s dynamic sound created an atmosphere that was both intimate and grandiose. Highlights from their 13-song set included a stirring performance of “The Diary of Jane” and an epic rendition of “I Will Not Bow,” which had the audience singing along in unison. One killer takeaway from this set was watching Burnley’s young son rip it on guitar throughout the show. He was a natural in front of the crowd and an obvious chip off the old Burnley block for sure.
Disturbed, headlining their 2023 Take Back Your Life Tour, proved once again why they are still considered one of the most influential bands in the hard rock and metal scene. Their set was a masterclass in musicality and stage presence. Lead vocalist David Draiman commanded the stage like a seasoned warrior, his powerful voice cutting through the cool night air. Each song was delivered with precision and passion, from their adrenaline-pumping hits like “Down with the Sickness” to their haunting rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.” Disturbed’s performance was a potent reminder of their status as rock royalty.
Throughout the 17-song set, it was amazing to watch the sheer music mastery of Disturbed as showcased by bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren. Silhouetted by an amazing backdrop of fire and pulsing strobes, these three were a true testament to their craft. Their incredible musicianship highlighted in spades why they are so highly regarded by peers and fans all around the world. A highlight for me personally was watching Moyer and Donegan roam the stage like demons possessed. From incredible jumps to fan interaction with their “Disturbed Ones,” one could tell they loved performing for their fans. In my opinion, their engagement took the show to a whole new level.
That said, what made the concert truly memorable was the undeniable chemistry between Disturbed and the audience. It was evident in the way the performers fed off the crowd’s energy and how every cheer, every applause, seemed to fuel their performance. This connection transformed the concert from a mere musical showcase into a shared experience, a communion of sorts between the artists and their fans. This was highlighted in their last few songs of the evening, “The Light” and “Stricken”—two completely different songs that led to one powerful ending when the last few chords were played.
The 2023 Take Back Your Life Tour featuring Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Jinger was more than a testament to these bands’ musical prowess. It was a celebration of the unifying power of music. It was a night that reminded us why we fell in love with music in the first place: for its ability to move us, to bring us together, and to make us feel alive. If you have the chance to catch this tour, don’t miss it. You’ll be witnessing not just a concert, but an unforgettable musical journey.
BREAKING BENJAMIN
JINJER
