The band was known to add progressive elements to their metal music making them different from most of the other metalcore bands. Their vocals were a mixture of melodic vocals (Reinholdz) and screaming (Jägerskog). They were last signed to Relapse Records.
Burst were formed by a couple of friends for no real intention but to just make fast paced, heavy music. They were initially called Dislars. Their older music was more grindcore and crust punk oriented. They played a few live shows across Sweden. They later started playing a brutal style of hardcore punk. The more they improved their playing skills, the band shifted towards a more progressive style while still sticking to their Hardcore roots. They later decided on the name Burst. The band then began to take their music more seriously and decided to record demos. During this period they toured heavily. They eventually inked a deal with Melon Records. Their first two studio albums were released there. However, the band was not satisfied with the results and began to add more changes to their music. They released a few EPs after this.
In 2003, Burst released Prey On Life through Relapse Records. This is the album that not only set the bands style but also gained them more popularity. This was because Relapse was a better-known label, having in its roster bands like Nile and Mastodon, as well as many well known bands in the metal community. The release was generally well received. By touring with Dillinger Escape Plan, Mastodon and other bands, Burst began to slowly rise in popularity. Before writing their new album, they knew what direction they had to go. Instead of sticking to a formula that worked, they intended to push themselves even further. The result was Origo, which was praised by magazines such as Terrorizer, Metal Hammer and Kerrang! and saw the band becoming more popular than ever before.
Burst's new record, "Lazarus Bird", was recorded at Bohussound Studio in Kungälv, Sweden, and produced by Burst and Fredrik Reinedahl. Relapse Records released the new album on September 16, 2008 in the United States, September 19, 2008 in Germany, and September 22, 2008 in the rest of Europe. On July 30 Burst announced they would break up as band after their fall tour in 2009.
Juxtaposed
Burst Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mortal hearts
Accursed hunger for gold?
Cheaply bought, but deadly sold
With new light they shine on through
On fields of shredded goals
Reap crop of clinging hope
Ancient woe, be gone
Foul illusions of better life
Compared to what, I ask
Does this truth of life coerce?
Juxtaposed they are not
Worth a single glance
The lyrics of Burst's song Juxtaposed seem to be addressing the value that human beings place on material wealth, and how this can lead them down dark paths. The opening lines pose a rhetorical question, asking "to what do you not drive mortal hearts?" It seems clear that the answer Burst is suggesting is "accursed hunger for gold," that is, the desire for wealth and riches. This desire is all-consuming, and can make people do terrible things, as the next line suggests: "cheaply bought, but deadly sold."
From there, the lyrics start to speak in broader terms about the consequences of this kind of thinking. The second verse speaks of "shredded goals" and "clinging hope," suggesting that humans are pursuing empty, meaningless goals in the pursuit of wealth. The phrase "harvest our brave new world" is ironic, as it suggests that the world we are creating with these values is anything but "brave" - instead, it is self-absorbed and shallow.
The third verse seems to be a rejection of these values, calling them "foul illusions" and asking "compared to what, I ask, does this truth of life coerce?" The message seems to be that there is something deeper and more meaningful than the pursuit of wealth and status, and that this is ultimately what human beings should be focusing on. The final line, "juxtaposed they are not, worth a single glance," suggests that the kind of world we are creating with these values is not even worth examining closely, as it is empty and meaningless.
Line by Line Meaning
To what do you not drive
What is there that mortal hearts will not do?
Mortal hearts
Human beings and their hearts, driven by desires and emotions.
Accursed hunger for gold?
A cursed desire for wealth and riches.
Cheaply bought, but deadly sold
Although it is easy to acquire wealth, it comes at the cost of morality and ethics.
With new light they shine on through
Despite obstacles and difficulties, there is always a new dawn to look towards.
On fields of shredded goals
The remnants of shattered aspirations and dreams.
Reap crop of clinging hope
Despite the odds, hope still endures.
Harvest our brave new world
Create a better and brighter future for all.
Ancient woe, be gone
Leave behind past troubles and sorrows.
Foul illusions of better life
Deceptive visions of an improved existence.
Compared to what, I ask
In comparison to what is this supposed better life being judged?
Does this truth of life coerce?
Does the reality of existence force individuals to accept a certain way of life?
Juxtaposed they are not
These things are not positioned side by side in reality.
Worth a single glance
These things are not deserving of even a passing look or attention.
Contributed by Callie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.