Formation and Early Era
Origins and Formation
I Prevail formed in Southfield, Michigan, in 2013, emerging from the vibrant and competitive Detroit music scene. The band’s initial lineup consisted of clean vocalist Brian Burkheiser, unclean vocalist Eric Vanlerberghe, lead guitarist Steve Menoian, rhythm guitarist Jordan Berger, and drummer Lee Runestad. From its inception, the group established a clear vision: to blend the aggressive, heavy elements of metalcore with the melodic sensibilities of pop-punk and alternative rock. This hybrid sound would become a cornerstone of their identity. Burkheiser and Vanlerberghe, sharing frontman duties, created a dynamic vocal interplay that balanced soaring, clean choruses with visceral, guttural screams, a formula that would resonate deeply within the post-hardcore landscape. The members, who had been active in other local bands, pooled their experiences and ambitions to create a project with mainstream potential without sacrificing musical intensity. They quickly began writing and recording material, driven by a shared goal of making a significant impact beyond their local scene.
Early Discography
The band’s trajectory shifted dramatically with the release of their cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” in December 2014. The track, released online, became a viral sensation, showcasing their signature blend of pop melody and metalcore aggression to a massive audience. The cover’s success was not just a fleeting internet moment; it was a strategic move that demonstrated their ability to deconstruct a pop hit and rebuild it within their own sonic framework. The song charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and its accompanying music video amassed tens of millions of views, giving I Prevail unprecedented exposure for an unsigned act. Capitalizing on this momentum, the band released their debut EP, Heart vs. Mind, on December 17, 2014. The EP featured original material that solidified their musical identity, including tracks like “Love, Lust, and Liars” and “The Enemy.” The original songs proved that I Prevail was more than a cover band, offering a potent mix of emotionally charged lyrics, powerful riffs, and anthemic choruses. Heart vs. Mind sold impressively for a debut, further establishing their presence in the alternative music scene and setting the stage for extensive touring and their first full-length album.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
Following the success of their EP, I Prevail signed with Fearless Records, a label known for championing bands in the punk and metalcore genres. Their debut studio album, Lifelines, was released on October 21, 2016. The album marked a significant step forward in their songwriting and production, featuring a more polished and expansive sound. Singles like “Scars,” “Stuck in Your Head,” and “Alone” became staples on rock radio and streaming playlists. Lifelines was a commercial success, debuting at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying their status as a leading force in modern rock. The album explored themes of personal struggle, resilience, and mental health, topics that would become central to their lyrical identity. However, this period of growth also brought lineup changes. Rhythm guitarist Jordan Berger departed in 2015 and was replaced by Dylan Bowman, who took on a more prominent role in the band’s creative process. Drummer Lee Runestad also left the band in 2017. Gabe Helguera was subsequently brought in as the touring drummer and eventually became a full-time member, solidifying the lineup that would carry the band into its next chapter.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
While Lifelines established their commercial viability, it was their sophomore album, Trauma, that earned them widespread critical acclaim. Released on March 29, 2019, Trauma was a deeply personal and sonically ambitious record. The album was born out of a period of significant turmoil for the band, including a severe vocal cord injury suffered by Brian Burkheiser that threatened his career, and his subsequent battle with depression. These experiences were channeled directly into the album’s raw and vulnerable lyrics. Musically, Trauma saw the band pushing their own boundaries, incorporating elements of electronic music, hip-hop, and pop into their metalcore foundation. Tracks like “Bow Down,” “Breaking Down,” and “Hurricane” showcased this expanded sonic palette. The album’s bold direction paid off, earning I Prevail two Grammy nominations in 2020: Best Rock Album for Trauma and Best Metal Performance for the lead single “Bow Down.” This recognition from the mainstream music industry was a landmark achievement, cementing their position not just as a popular band, but as a critically respected one.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
The period following Trauma saw I Prevail continue to refine and experiment with their sound. The album’s success emboldened them to take further creative risks. Their live shows became more elaborate, incorporating sophisticated production to match the dynamic nature of their music. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition from a heavy, mosh-pit-inducing breakdown to a quiet, emotionally resonant verse became a hallmark of their performances. This era solidified their reputation as a must-see live act, capable of delivering both high-energy rock anthems and intimate, personal moments. The sonic shifts on Trauma were not a temporary detour but a permanent expansion of their musical DNA, influencing their approach to songwriting and production on subsequent projects. They had successfully navigated the difficult task of evolving their sound without alienating their core fanbase, a challenge that many bands in the genre face.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
Unlike many of their contemporaries, I Prevail has not had a formal hiatus or reunion. The band has maintained a consistent momentum of recording and touring, with the exception of necessary breaks, such as the one forced by Burkheiser’s vocal injury. This period, while challenging, ultimately strengthened the band’s resolve and creative focus, leading directly to the creation of Trauma. The member departures that occurred earlier in their career were handled professionally, with the band quickly finding permanent replacements who have since become integral to their identity. The core lineup of Burkheiser, Vanlerberghe, Menoian, Bowman, and Helguera has remained stable through their most successful years, fostering a strong creative chemistry that is evident in their music. This stability has allowed them to build upon their successes without the disruptions that have plagued other bands.
Modern Era
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
I Prevail’s third studio album, True Power, was released on August 19, 2022. The album serves as a confident and powerful follow-up to Trauma, doubling down on the band’s eclectic sound. On True Power, the group continues to blur genre lines, delivering some of their heaviest and most aggressive material to date while also exploring more melodic and pop-influenced territory. Singles like “Body Bag” and “Bad Things” demonstrate this duality, with the former being a relentless metalcore anthem and the latter a more radio-friendly rock track. The album was met with positive reviews and debuted high on the charts, proving the band’s continued relevance and creative vitality. Lyrically, True Power focuses on themes of self-empowerment, resilience, and overcoming adversity, continuing the narrative arc established on their previous albums. The band has supported the album with extensive global touring, further cementing their status as a major international rock act. Their continued activity and musical output demonstrate a band at the peak of its powers, with no signs of slowing down.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
Influence on Their Primary Genres
I Prevail’s impact on the modern rock landscape is significant. They are considered one of the key bands to popularize the fusion of metalcore and pop sensibilities in the 2010s and beyond. Their success provided a blueprint for other artists looking to blend heavy music with mainstream accessibility. Their vocal dynamic, with the distinct roles of a clean and an unclean vocalist, has been influential, as has their willingness to incorporate electronic and hip-hop elements into a rock framework. They have helped to keep heavy music relevant in the mainstream conversation, proving that it is possible to achieve commercial success without abandoning aggression and intensity. The band’s lyrical focus on mental health and personal struggle has also had a profound impact, resonating with a generation of listeners who see their own experiences reflected in the music. This has helped to destigmatize conversations around these topics within the rock and metal communities.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The music of I Prevail is a perfect fit for events like Emo Night Pittsburgh. While they emerged slightly after the peak of the mid-2000s emo explosion, their sound is deeply rooted in the genres that define that era, including post-hardcore and pop-punk. Their anthemic, emotionally charged choruses and confessional lyrics tap into the same vein of catharsis that made bands like My Chemical Romance and Taking Back Sunday cultural phenomena. For attendees of a Pittsburgh Emo Night, I Prevail represents the modern evolution of the scene, a contemporary torchbearer for the sound and spirit of the music they grew up with. Their songs, with their massive singalong potential, are tailor-made for a live event where audience participation is key. The band’s ability to bridge the gap between the classic emo sound and modern metalcore makes them a vital part of the ongoing story of alternative music, and a staple at any event celebrating the genre, including the vibrant Pittsburgh Emo Night scene.
Frequently Asked Questions About I Prevail
- What genre is I Prevail?
- I Prevail is most commonly categorized as metalcore and post-hardcore. However, their music incorporates a wide range of influences, including alternative rock, pop-punk, electronic music, and hip-hop.
- Who are the current members of I Prevail?
- The current members of I Prevail are Brian Burkheiser (clean vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (unclean vocals), Steve Menoian (lead guitar), Dylan Bowman (rhythm guitar), and Gabe Helguera (drums).
- What is I Prevail’s most famous song?
- While their cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” brought them initial fame, their original song “Bow Down” from the album Trauma is one of their most well-known and critically acclaimed tracks, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance.
- Has I Prevail won a Grammy?
- I Prevail has not won a Grammy, but they have been nominated twice. In 2020, their album Trauma was nominated for Best Rock Album, and their song “Bow Down” was nominated for Best Metal Performance.
- What is the meaning behind the album name Trauma?
- The album Trauma is named after the difficult period the band, particularly clean vocalist Brian Burkheiser, went through prior to its creation. Burkheiser suffered a serious vocal cord injury and battled with depression and anxiety, and the album’s lyrics and themes are a direct reflection of that traumatic experience.
- What was I Prevail’s debut album?
- I Prevail’s debut studio album is titled Lifelines, which was released on October 21, 2016, through Fearless Records. This followed their 2014 EP, Heart vs. Mind.
