“Listen while you read”
Heavy music isn’t just about breakdowns and blast beats; it’s about honesty, intensity, and connection. Burden, the hardcore/metal band from El Paso, Texas, embodies all of that and more. With roots in friendship and a shared hunger for something real, they’ve built a sound that balances aggression with raw emotion, creating music that hits hard and resonates deeply.
Connect with Burden
Where It All Began
Burden didn’t start in a studio; it started in garages, conversations, and a desire to return to the stage. Vocalist Rocky and guitarist Andrew had played together in a previous band called Northbound, but life pulled them apart. “We both agreed that our music journey isn’t over. It’s time for a new chapter,” Andrew recalls.
That chapter began when they brought in drummer Trey, longtime friend Tarzan, and bassist Javi, each adding their own flavor to the mix. “We all collectively put in how we wanted this project to sound like, and alas, Burden was born,” Rocky says. From the first riffs to recording their EP, the band knew this wasn’t just jamming, it was something real.
The Weight Behind the Name
Burden isn’t just a cool name; it’s a statement. “We all have felt like a burden in our lives once or twice,” Rocky explains. “Now, instead of taking it in a negative tone, we embraced it in a much more positive way.” For Andrew, the name reflects resilience: “Burden is all the weight you struggle to carry in life that you use to build strength and shape who you become.”
For Tarzan, it’s personal: “Life is a burden that we must endure, and we hope to share that we don’t need to carry that burden alone.” That sense of shared struggle and release is at the core of their music.
Aggression Meets Emotion
Burden’s sound is heavy, but it’s never hollow. Rocky draws inspiration from bands like Barbarian, Foundation, and The Neighbourhood, channeling raw emotion into lyrics that cut deep. “It’s sorta like a breakup EP,” he laughs, “but with heavy emotional lyrics and insane imagery.”
Andrew calls it “the art of turning pain into purpose,” while Trey leans into the chaos of hardcore and death metal influences like Missing Link, Peeling Flesh, and Dying Fetus. Javi sees the future leaning even heavier: “I’d love for us to lean more into metalcore. The songs we have right now are sick, and I know we’re capable of doing some wild stuff.”
What They Want You to Feel
For Burden, music is more than sound: it’s an escape. “Music should always be an escape from all the bullshit that life throws at us,” Rocky says. Andrew adds, “There’s beauty in the heavy. Life gets heavy and so does our music.” Whether it’s connection, catharsis, or just the thrill of a pit, Burden wants listeners to feel something real and leave wanting more.
Looking Ahead
The band isn’t slowing down. “For us, the sky is the limit,” Rocky says. Plans include an LP in 2026 with potential features from heavy hitters like Knocked Loose, The Acacia Strain, and Lorna Shore, and a mission to put El Paso’s hardcore scene on the map. “We want bigger acts to travel here and play just because of how dope our scene is,” Rocky adds.
Andrew keeps it simple: “Make more music, play more shows, make new friends, and continue to grow as a band.” Trey sums it up: “Exposure! Whether it’s merch, recording, or touring, I hope our next step opens the door to more opportunities.”
The Live Experience
If you’ve seen Burden live, you know it’s pure intensity. “No matter if we’re playing to 1 or 100 people, we will give it our 110% every single time,” Rocky says. For Andrew, it’s about gratitude: “I’m just excited to let go of everything with the brothers around me.” Trey preps with stretches and hardcore jams, while Javi focuses on giving people the show they deserve.
When the lights hit and Rocky screams, “This is Burden!” it’s all in.
Our Take
John: Meeting the dudes from Burden left one of the biggest first impressions for me. They were so friendly, humble, and knew their shit! They were in your face, and I almost got hit when we were filming (that would’ve been a cool story lol). They embody that raw and aggressive sound, and you just want to punch someone after listening to their music! I’m so grateful we were able to get these guys for a session and hope to work with them more in the future.
Hexx: I’ve known Rocky since he was a kid, running around his house causing a scene 🤣. Being really good friends with his brother, Rene Trejo, I got to witness him grow into his musical career. To see how far he has come, particularly with Burden, puts a huge smile on my face because he is just so fucking talented, just like the rest of his family. When Burden confirmed they were coming in for a live shoot, I was so fucking excited. After seeing a ton of amazing live footage of their performances on social media, I knew we were in for something special. Burden did not disappoint! Aside from being down-to-earth guys with hilarious personalities, their music felt like a punch in the face. I believe we shot like five versions of the song “Shame,” with each performance getting better than the last. We ended up choosing the final take as the final video edit. It felt just right, and I knew we had captured something special. I see great things for these guys in the future, and I’m beyond stoked Let Down could be a part of it!
