South London extreme metal band Burner is gearing up to release their highly anticipated new album, 'No One Is Coming to Save Us', on 25 September. Known for their unsparing observations on the state of the world and a palpable sense of fury, the four-piece offers a cathartic soundtrack for listeners grappling with contemporary anxieties. Formed in 2021, Burner quickly made a name for themselves with their debut single 'Ingsoc', which fused hardcore punk drums with death metal riffs and Orwellian lyrical themes, produced by Lewis Johns.
Their sound, which has evolved to incorporate elements of post-metal, black metal, and grindcore, maintains a core of intense anger and disillusionment. The band's lyrical content frequently delves into bleak predictions for humanity's future, exemplified by tracks like 'Sunrise, Parabellum' from the new album, which features guest vocals from Matt Heafy of US band Trivium and directly addresses the prospect of a nuclear holocaust. Another track, 'Blood River', condemns human conflict, with lines such as, “In this endless war for territory, everybody bleeds!”
Burner's growing profile within the UK's underground music scene is significant. They have performed at the 20,000-capacity Bloodstock Open Air festival and supported veteran death metal act Deicide, demonstrating their ability to connect with a wider audience despite the often-challenging nature of their music. Their initial releases, including the 2023 album 'It All Returns to Nothing', were released on Church Road, a label founded by Justine Jones and Sammy Urwin of Employed to Serve, a prominent name in UK metalcore.
The band's themes resonate particularly strongly in a period marked by widespread concerns over the climate crisis, ongoing global conflicts, and increasing wealth inequality. For many, Burner's music provides a powerful outlet for these frustrations, offering a raw and uncompromising reflection of societal unrest. Following the album's release, Burner is scheduled to embark on a UK tour, commencing on 26 September, giving fans the opportunity to experience their intense live performances.
Beyond Burner, the week has seen a diverse array of new music releases. Brennan Wedl's 'Pretty Little Fantasy' offers an alt-rock track addressing gender norms, while Ravyn Lenae's 'Saturday Night' provides an upbeat pop experience. Desire's 'Summer Skin' evokes a sophisticated, electronic sound, and British singer-songwriter Beabadoobee follows up her successful dreampop album with 'Sun Has Set', featuring collaborations with notable alt-rock artists. Elsewhere, deBasement, Cold Light, and The Tubs have also released new material, showcasing a broad spectrum of genres from club dispatches to powerpop.
Source: UKPulse Media Research