As the sole constant and namesake of the group, Burnley has served as its principal songwriter, lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist since its inception in 1999.

In 1998, Burnley and former lead guitarist Aaron Fink got together with Nick Hoover and Chris Lightcap and started the band Breaking Benjamin.

They recruited old friend Mark Klepaski to play bass and he joined in, and shortly after, Hoover was asked to leave the band.

The lineups consisted of Burnley on vocals and electric guitar, Jeremy on drums, and Jason Davoli on bass.

[5] Burnley has collaborated and performed with fellow alternative metal bands, including Three Days Grace, Evans Blue, and Disturbed.

[6] Burnley's lyrical content frequently and most recently consists of cryptic, angst-ridden themes that "waffle between being plaintive and aggressive."

Phobia's cover, which depicts a winged man hovering above the ground, represents Burnley's fear of flying, which has prevented Breaking Benjamin from touring outside the United States and Canada in the past.

Burnley is an avid video gamer,[11] and conceived of the idea for Breaking Benjamin to write and record the song "Blow Me Away" for the soundtrack to Halo 2.