After decades of silence, Burial Ground—the underground pioneers credited with forging the “Bloodcore” sound that helped shape modern metalcore—have returned with purpose. Reuniting earlier this year, the influential Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton, PA band steps back into the spotlight not to revisit their legacy, but to expand it. Their long‑awaited new EP, Ashes from the Human Flame, is available now on all DSPs, bridging their raw beginnings with a renewed creative force.
Formed in late 1991/early 1992 by late vocalist Jamie White and then‑15‑year‑old guitar prodigy Brian Quinn, Burial Ground quickly carved out a reputation for their explosive fusion of death metal, grindcore, and hardcore. Their sound—dubbed “Bloodcore” by fans—has since become a recognized offshoot within the heavy and extreme metal landscape, a distinction the band holds with both humility and pride.
Their reunion follows a series of rare but meaningful appearances over the years. In 2004, the band regrouped for a tribute concert and fundraiser after White’s sudden passing. More recently, in 2025, members reunited again to honor another fallen Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton hardcore figure, Option Co‑Founder and Side Over bassist Neil Husvar.
As the sole remaining founding member, Quinn was unable to attend the Husvar benefit due to touring commitments as lead guitarist for multi‑platinum rock band Candlebox. Across a decade with the group, he performed on some of the world’s biggest stages and contributed to five studio albums.
After ten years on the road, Quinn returned home—unaware that Burial Ground’s next chapter was already forming. In early 2026, he reconnected with the band’s acclaimed 2004 lineup: vocalist Steve Option, guitarist Dave Gruber, bassist Erik Anderson, and drummer/percussionist/vocalist Tommy “Tyrant” Lin. The chemistry was immediate, reigniting the creative spark that defined their early years and paving the way for their first new recordings in decades.
The new EP features four tracks that bridge past and present, including two brand‑new songs and two resurrected from the band’s archives. Among them is “Flowers,” co‑written by Quinn and White during sessions for a Revelation Records development deal and now reimagined as “Iron Lung.” Also included is “Forever Friends,” a haunting, deeply personal track featuring White’s vocals—harvested from the only live performance ever recorded. It marks the first posthumous “new” music from the late vocalist.
Recorded at Sound Investments Studio in Old Forge, PA, Ashes from the Human Flame was produced by Burial Ground and Joe “Wiggy” Wegleski, engineered by Wegleski, and mastered by Tom Borthwick.
“Burial Ground was never about fitting into a scene; we were building something of our own without even realizing it,” said Quinn. “Coming back to these songs, especially the ones Jamie and I wrote together, it feels like picking up a conversation that never really ended. This EP is for him, for our friends we’ve lost, and for everyone who kept this music alive all these years.”
Track Listing — Ashes from the Human Flame
“Ashes from the Human Flame”
“Cult of Death”
“Iron Lung”
“Forever Friends”
Burial Ground will celebrate the EP’s release at the Hardcore for Husvar 2 show on Saturday, July 25 at St. Mary’s Center (320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton, PA), featuring hardcore legends Judge as headliner. Tickets are available at www.hardcore4huz.com. Proceeds benefit the Huz 2.0 Scholarship Fund and NAMI.
About Burial Ground
Formed in the early ’90s, Burial Ground emerged from the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton hardcore scene as innovators of a genre‑defying sound that fused death metal, grindcore, and hardcore. Known for pioneering “Bloodcore,” their influence echoes across generations of heavy music. Their legacy continues as they return with new material in 2026.