Before he formed his band the Burden in 2005, singer-songwriter and guitar/Dobro player Rocco Deluca had performed widely as a solo artist (opening for Taj Mahal and John Lee Hooker, among others). Interest from the independent label Ironworks (founded by actor Kiefer Sutherland), prompted Deluca to put together a quartet, and the group recorded their debut, 2006s I TRUST YOU TO KILL ME, which showcased the bands bluesy grooves and Delucas songwriting and Dobro skills. The recording of the album was captured in a documentary of the same name. Heavy touring and numerous television appearances followed, and the group released its second full-length in 2009 with MERCY.