I Prevail: Did You Know?

10 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About I Prevail

I Prevail has rapidly become one of the most exciting bands in the post-hardcore and metalcore scenes. With their high-energy performances, genre-blending sound, and emotionally charged lyrics, they’ve amassed a loyal fan base. But how much do you really know about this band? Here are some fun facts and not-so-well-known stories about I Prevail that will leave you even more impressed by their journey.

1. Their Breakthrough Came From a Taylor Swift Cover

Yes, you read that right! I Prevail first gained widespread recognition with their cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” The heavy, metalcore twist they put on the pop hit went viral, racking up millions of views on YouTube. This unexpected success helped catapult them into the spotlight and gave their debut EP a huge boost.

2. They Crowdfunded Their First EP

I Prevail didn’t have the backing of a major label when they started. Instead, they relied on crowdfunding to help finance their first EP, Heart vs. Mind. Their fan base rallied behind them, contributing to the project and proving that a grassroots approach can lead to big things when you've got passion and talent on your side.

3. Brian Burkheiser Almost Quit Due to a Vocal Injury

In 2017, clean vocalist Brian Burkheiser suffered a major vocal injury that nearly forced him to quit the band. He underwent surgery for a polyp on his vocal cords and spent months in recovery. The experience left him unsure whether he could continue, but he bounced back stronger than ever. His emotional recovery process inspired the band’s sophomore album, Trauma.

4. “Trauma” Was Their Breakthrough Album

Speaking of Trauma, this 2019 album was a massive turning point for the band. Not only did it showcase their versatility — blending metalcore, electronic elements, and melodic hooks — but it also earned them two Grammy nominations. It’s rare for metalcore bands to get mainstream recognition at the Grammys, but I Prevail proved they could break barriers.

5. They Collaborated with a Rapper on "Hurricane"

While many bands stick to their genre, I Prevail isn’t afraid to experiment. For their hit song “Hurricane,” they collaborated with hip-hop artist Justin Stone, showing their ability to blend genres seamlessly. This collaboration helped them reach a broader audience and solidified their status as genre-benders.

6. Eric Vanlerberghe’s First Band Was a Pop-Punk

Act It might be hard to imagine I Prevail’s growling unclean vocalist, Eric Vanlerberghe, in a pop-punk band, but it’s true! Before joining I Prevail, Vanlerberghe played in a pop-punk group called We Came As Conquerors. His versatility as a musician and his ability to channel raw emotion make him a perfect fit for I Prevail’s intense sound.

7. The Band Is Named After a Personal Struggle

The name “I Prevail” was chosen to reflect overcoming personal struggles. Members of the band have openly discussed the difficulties they faced growing up and in their careers, and their music often touches on themes of mental health, perseverance, and resilience. The name embodies their message of triumph over adversity, both in their personal lives and in their journey as musicians.

8. They’re Huge Fans of Video Games

I Prevail isn’t just about music — they love gaming too! The band members have talked in interviews about their love for video games, from first-person shooters to RPGs. In fact, they’ve even streamed gaming sessions online to connect with their fans in a different way. It’s not uncommon for them to bring that high-energy competitive spirit from gaming into their live shows.

9. They Wrote “Breaking Down” About Mental Health

One of their most powerful songs, “Breaking Down,” tackles the difficult subject of mental health head-on. Written about Burkheiser’s struggles with anxiety and depression following his vocal injury, the song resonated with fans who’ve faced similar challenges. The music video for “Breaking Down” is a raw, unflinching portrayal of mental health issues, showcasing the band’s commitment to addressing real-life struggles in their art.

10. They Believe in Giving Back

I Prevail is known for being down-to-earth and fan-focused. They’ve supported several charitable initiatives, including mental health organizations like To Write Love on Her Arms. The band uses its platform to promote awareness and raise funds for causes they believe in, showing that their mission to “prevail” extends beyond their music.

I Prevail's rise to fame is full of unexpected twists, perseverance, and genre-defying moments. From viral covers to Grammy nods, they’ve shown that they’re not just another metalcore band — they’re a force to be reckoned with. Now that you know some of their backstory, it’s easy to see why I Prevail continues to inspire and connect with so many fans around the world!

One of I Prevail's most meaningful song lines comes from their track "Breaking Down" off the Trauma album:

"I think I’m breaking down, so caught up in my mind."

This line resonates deeply with listeners, as it encapsulates the internal struggle with mental health, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. It reflects the theme of the song, where lead vocalist Brian Burkheiser opens up about his personal battles with depression, offering a raw and honest depiction of emotional turmoil. The vulnerability in these words has made this song a powerful anthem for those grappling with their own mental health challenges.