Locals of the alligator-infested swamps of Florida and Arkansas are reporting calls and sounds from wetlands; some say it's just the ring of nature. While others suspect it be none other than the savage and primitive Deep South group known as Burn Absolute. Founded as an internet project by drummer Anthony Marrujo in 2020, the band was later joined by seasoned vocalist Robby Anttila, who helped raise the band to a new level. After establishing a fixed lineup, the group released their debut EP, Catharsis, in 2023, which has since launched the group into motion. They have been seen sharing the road and stage with bands like Catcher and the Rye, The Pine Drape, Omenkiller, For Fear Itself, and more. You can catch them on tour supporting CURSES from 10.23 to 11.05 (tickets & information).
Described as a DIY American metalcore quintet, Burn Absolute has neither slowed their pace nor faltered on any path they take. Since their EP, they have been busy performing and producing various singles, including "Failsafe," "Salt the Wound," "Waste Away," "Expire," and their fresh new track "Hourglass," that landed on streaming platforms 10/12! Quite a few of their tracks have also been found on major Spotify playlists, like Fast Metal Non-Stop and Nü-Core, with others being added to popular public playlists. I asked vocalist Robby about the meaning behind their new song, and this is what he had to say:
"Time is always ticking; unlike most things in life, there is no way to earn more time. You can only make the best out of the time you have left. Hourglass is about the mental and emotional turmoil we go through when struggling to come to grips with how short our time is."
I'm sure the idea may seem simple, but I find great comfort in hearing his take on a similar weight that looms over me from time to time. It is a part of being human—our obsession with the time we have, but how easily it slips between our fingers.
Below is my personal interpretation and perspective of the track.
"Hourglass"
I watch vibrant colors in different shapes dance through these shards of broken glass, almost like gazing into a kaleidoscope. The piles of sand left behind swirl and dance in my palms, as if celebrating a newfound freedom. A wave of shock fades away, leaving feelings of understanding; my fixation on controlling my past, present, and future while not allowing room to live made me careless to the fact that it doesn't matter what I say or do. I mustn't fight time, but rather embrace it.
If you are a fan of metalcore with that southern hospitality, then they are going to be an artist you save to the library. "Hourglass" is a strong example of their growth over the last year or so; the instrumentation and structuring are rock solid, and while they add newer elements for ambience, I clearly hear BA's signature tone in the center. It is melodic and emotional, with a rawness hard hitting aggression reminiscent of early metalcore.
Burn Absolute is:
Robby Anttila, vocals.
Anthony Marrujo, drums.
Christian Borland, bass/vocals.
Zachary Stambuck, guitar.
William Schlondrop, guitar.
FFO: Miss May I, Norma Jean, Of Mice & Men, I, The Breather
