Mark James

Band: Breaking Benjamin
Gear: SVT-4PRO, SVT-810E, SVT-450H
Website: www.myspace.com/breakingbenjamin

An aptly named group considering the fractured history, ongoing illness, revolving members and left-field chart success that propelled the band from obscurity in 1998. These hitmakers are now two-time Grammy award winners and have shown up on everything from TV (Smallville) and movie soundtracks (Hellboy, Wrong Turn) to video games (Halo 2) and tribute albums (Killer Queen).

2004′s We Are Not Alone broke early and went platinum on the strength of “So Cold,” a moody, meandering track that became the template for Breaking Benjamin’s emo-metal. An MTV favorite, the band’s wracked lyrics dealing with social phobias and fears connected with millions of disillusioned youth.

Third in a string of bass players, Mark James fits seamlessly with the lilting, melancholic pop and hook-driven, post grunge rock. A standout example of his “heavy-vs-melody” skill can be heard on the band’s latest radio hit, “Diary of Jane.”