When Swedish progressive metal quintet BURST disbanded indefinitely after a string of acclaimed albums and an intense live catharsis in Gothenburg, Sweden in December 2009, it marked the end of a 15 year evolution. What started out as young, crusty hardcore band in the 90’s, developed into a unique blend of metal, progressive rock and hardcore, alternating grand atmospheres with abrasive metal and melancholy melodicism. During the following years, the die-hards kept the torch lit while new fans discovered the band’s catalogue, but apart from a one-off appearance at Spain’s Be Prog festival in 2018, the band has remained quietly slumbering. Until 2022.
This summer, Pelagic Records will release “A Labyrinth of Layers” – an exclusive vinyl box set of the classic triptych Prey On Life (2003), Origo (2005) and Lazarus Bird (2008).
Originally released on CD through Relapse Records, the box set will include the band’s three masterworks, remastered and graphically refurbished, with all new artwork by Robert Samsonovitz, and special collector’s items: a Burst pendant with necklace, a guitar pick and 10 rare Black Naga chili seeds with close to 1.000.000 scoville that will make your eyeballs BURST!
During their tenure, BURST mastered the art of continuous progression, always evolving, always treading uncarefully, never abiding. Burst’s live performances mirrored their albums; a display of meteoric ferociousness and heavy grooves, weaving effortlessly in and out of metallic outrage, stark melodies, and ethereal soundscapes.
To celebrate the upcoming box set, the band announce their new partnership with Doomstar Bookings and a short string of live performances in the Nordic this coming November, with more European plans for 2023.
Burst will be joined by Norna, fronted by Tomas Liljedahl of Breach / The Old Wind, and multi-instrumentalist Per Wiberg, formerly of Opeth, Spiritual Beggars and Kamchatka, among many.
Live dates:
November 18, 2022 Stockholm, SE @ Debaser Strand
November 19, 2022 Copenhagen, DK @ Stairway
November 20, 2022 Gothenburg, SE @ Pustervik