Burden in My Hand cover

Released 30 years ago

Burden in My Hand

Soundgarden · 1996

20 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of grunge and alternative metal, marked by introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts in sonic intensity.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Burden in My Hand — This title track exemplifies the album’s themes of existential reflection and emotional weight, featuring Chris Cornell’s signature vocal delivery alongside intricate guitar work.
  • →
    Karaoke — With its unique structure and off-kilter rhythms, this track showcases the band's experimental approach while maintaining a raw edge characteristic of their sound.
  • →
    Bleed Together — This track highlights the band's ability to create atmospheric tension, weaving together haunting melodies and powerful instrumentals that reflect a sense of collective struggle.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single blends heavy music with introspective lyrics but lacks cohesive flow due to its bonus tracks.

What we noticed

  • The second track, 'Karaoke', employs a more playful tone with upbeat instrumentation contrasting the heavier themes of the title track.
  • The final two tracks include a demo version and an experimental piece, which disrupts the flow established by the first two songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Released during peak popularity, showcasing their signature sound and lyrical depth.
Career context
Released in 1996, 'Burden in My Hand' came during Soundgarden's peak, following their critically acclaimed album 'Superunknown'. This period was crucial as the band was solidifying their place in the rock landscape after achieving mainstream success and Grammy recognition.
New to Soundgarden? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Burden in My Hand 4:53
  • 2 Karaoke 6:03
  • 3 Bleed Together 3:56
  • 4 Birth Ritual (original demo) 5:51

What to play next

Down on the Upside
Listen next

Down on the Upside

1996

Continues the blend of grunge and introspection with fresh sonic explorations.
Superunknown
Go back to

Superunknown

1994

Sets the stage with a rich sound palette and similar themes of introspection.
Full Soundgarden discography Where to start with Soundgarden Artists like Soundgarden
alternative rock hard rock heavy metal

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Dirt

Dirt

Alice in Chains

Shares a dark, introspective atmosphere with heavy riffs and themes of struggle and despair.

Core

Core

Stone Temple Pilots

Combines grunge's emotional weight with dynamic shifts, mirroring the intensity and lyrical depth of Soundgarden.

Vs.

Vs.

Pearl Jam

Explores similar themes of internal conflict and societal issues with an equally raw sonic landscape.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata