Eyesburn is a Serbian crossover band formed in Belgrade in 1994, known for merging hardcore punk, metal, reggae, and dub. The band's founder and frontman is Nemanja “Kojot” Kojić (vocals, guitar, trombone), joined by Aleksandar Petrović (drums), Vladimir Lazić (bass), and various guitarists over time.
Their live debut album Freedomized was recorded at Belgrade’s club KST. Their first studio album, Dog Life (1998), featured an official cover of Bob Marley’s “Exodus” and cemented their reggae-infused sound. Their 2000 release Fool Control became iconic, featuring tracks like “No Free Time”, “Foolin’ I & I”, and “Warning Dub”, blending hard rock with breakbeat reggae.
In the early 2000s the band released Gabau!, a collaborative Cool Fire project with dub poet Ank Steadyspear, and the album Solid. Their socially charged album How Much for Freedom? followed in 2005. After a hiatus between 2007 and 2011, they regrouped, performed throughout the region, and released Reality Check in 2013, followed by their final single “Dream Is Over” in 2015.
Despite disbanding again in 2016, Eyesburn returned in 2022 with their long-awaited eighth studio album Troops of Light, featuring songs like “Aware (Bam Bam)”, “Angels in Captivity”, and “Breaking My Blues”. Recorded in a raw, organic style with minimal post-production, the album received critical acclaim and energized live performances.
Throughout their career, Eyesburn has been a pivotal force in shaping regional alternative and politically engaged music. Their commitment to themes of freedom, justice, and unity—paired with energetic genre fusion—remains a hallmark of their legacy.
