Burnt by the Sun

In a recent Instagram post, New Jersey metalcore group Burnt By The Sun provided an update regarding their status as a band. They've confirmed that they have indeed officially reunited with the following lineup...

It’s been a monumental week for Mastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher. As previously reported, the band launched a European tour, released their “Your Ghost Again” single as a tribute to late guitarist Brent Hinds, and announced an upcoming North American tour. Now, it’s been revealed that Kelliher is part of newly regrouped metalcore band Burnt by the Sun. The announcement came via Burnt by the Sun earlier today (June 5th), with it being confirmed that the New Jersey outfit are back following a 15-year absence. Earlier this year, Relapse Records had revealed that they were repressing a deluxe discography box set and standard editions of the band’s full-lengths — 2002’s Soundtrack to the Personal Revolution, 2003 The Perfect is The Enemy of the Good and 2009’s Heart of Darkness — and putting them in people’s hands by today. To further celebrate this feat, the band revealed that they’re officially back for “a second act born of lifelong friendships.” It’s explained that the core group of vocalist Mike Olender, guitarist John Adubato, bassist Ted Patterson and drummer Dave Witte reconnected in late 2025 at the funeral of Patterson’s father, which got the old bandmates talking about their time as Burnt By the Sun. “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,” Patterson said in a statement. Kelliher was brought into the fold as another longtime friend, and an integral part of BBTS’ growth. “Our early years mirrored Mastodon’s, having shared the stage many times in the early 2000s,” Patterson continued. “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.” While their upcoming plans have yet to be defined, Patterson added that he’s excited to be “getting another chance to make some noise with some of the best people in my life.” Kelliher has yet to issue a statement on joining Burnt By the Sun. As previously reported, he and Mastodon are currently out on the road, and they play Nürburg, Germany’s Rock Am Ring fest today. Mastodon’s “Poisonous Weapons” North American tour with Deafheaven and Alcest begins in September. You’ll find more info on the tour schedule here. View this post on Instagram

After 15 years of silence, the New Jersey-born metal/hardcore heroes Burnt by the Sun reactivate, recruit Bill Kelliher (Mastodon) on second guitar.