If you are a lover of solid ­guitar riffs blended with ­passionate lyrics sung in soft, yet powerful harmonies, you'll definitely enjoy hard rock sensation Breaking Benjamin's fourth album “Dear Agony.” A new musical realm is explored in this grandiose CD with songs like “Anthem of the ­Angels,” and the title track, “Dear Agony.”

The album begins with the hard-hitting “Fade Away” and maintains its melodic strength with the power chords and unique guitar that Breaking Benjamin is renowned for, as well as the heavy vocals of lead singer Benjamin Burnley.

The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and emotion, ­delivered in a way that may cause goosebumps, especially in ballads like “Without You.” When compared to their first album, “Saturate,” the music may have lost some of its ­aggression, but not its beauty. Overall, this album is the group's best effort and without a doubt a musical masterpiece.