Formed by Gavin Van Vlack (Side By Side, Absolution and later Die 116 and Pry), Alan Cage (Beyond and later Quicksand), Alex Napack (Pressure Release) and Chaka Harris (later Orange 9mm), Burn set out to create something new and more interesting than the preexisting sound of late 80's New York Hardcore.

Burn released their self-titled debut on Revelation Records in 1990 which today still stands as one of the most innovative, powerful hardcore records. Though the band never officially disbanded, Burn was resurrected in late 2001 with the addition of guitarist Vic DiCara (from Inside Out) and bassist Manny Carrero (from Glassjaw).

Burn is like a forefather, serving as the inspiration to many bands to follow both in and outside of hardcore