This week, we sit down with Brett Burnham, vocalist of Torn Apart and longtime tattoo artist, for a deep dive into the roots of Baltimore hardcore and the winding path that’s carried him from stages to tattoo shops. Torn Apart was one of the most intense and influential bands to come out of Baltimore 90s scene — a bridge between metalcore’s early chaos and hardcore’s emotional core — and their releases on Life Sentence Records captured that moment perfectly.

Brett reflects on growing up immersed in DIY music, how the Baltimore and Erie, PA scenes helped shape his creative worldview, and how tattooing became both a continuation and an evolution of the same spirit that drove Torn Apart. The conversation moves through stories of late-night shows, long drives, and building a life rooted in creativity and community.

If you’re into the intersection of music, art, and identity — or if Torn Apart was ever part of your soundtrack — this one’s for you.

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