photo: Aleksandra Anderberg
After 15 years of hibernation, Burnt by the Sun have officially reactivated. The New Jersey-born metal/hardcore act responsible for aughts crushers Soundtrack to the Personal Revolution (2002), The Perfect Is the Enemy of the Good (2003) and Heart of Darkness (2009) embark on a second act born of lifelong friendships.
The core four of vocalist Mike Olender, guitarist John Adubato, bassist Ted Patterson and drummer Dave Witte have all returned, brought physically together in late 2025 at the funeral of Patterson’s father, a figure that loomed large over the band’s initial run.
“Talking over text and everything is great, but all of us sitting down, talking, rehashing old memories when the Old Man was out with Burnt really moved it forward for us,” says Patterson.
What’s more, they’ve brought an old pal aboard as second guitarist, Bill Kelliher (Mastodon, Primate).
“The icing on the cake for us is bringing Bill into the fold,” says Olender. “Bill is a longtime friend, and our early years mirrored Mastodon’s, having shared the stage many times in the early 2000s. Bill was actually part of that initial creative spark that led to BBTS getting formed. Back in the late ’90s Bill and John were writing together, some of which became BBTS’s first recorded material, and so for him to be part of this new chapter of the band is a reconnection to our roots and love for this kind of creative expression. We are also really excited about the new dynamic that Bill will add in terms of our live shows and new material.”
The civilian life-careers of Olender, Patterson and Adubato and Witte’s and Kelliher’s heavy touring schedule means there’s no timetable on when those shows will happen or when that material will surface. What’s clear, however, is that what ultimately emerges will unmistakably be Burnt by the Sun. How could be it anything else?
“I’m getting another chance to make some noise with some of the best people in my life,” says Patterson. “I love these guys.”
