I Prevail just got a little leaner and a lot more unpredictable. In a move that’s sure to shake fans and fuel speculation, the band announced they’ve parted ways with co-vocalist Brian Burkheiser.
The split was labeled “amicable” in an official statement, but after a decade of tours, chart climbs, and sonic evolution, it’s hard not to see this as a pivotal shift for one of metalcore’s most visible acts.
Burkheiser helped shape the band’s identity from the start—his melodic vocal work balancing Eric Vanlerberghe’s growls to create I Prevail’s signature blend of chaos and clarity. Now, that dynamic is gone.
I Prevail 2.0
Vanlerberghe will now front the band solo, with guitarist Dylan Bowman picking up backup vocal duties. If you’re wondering whether the band’s planning to pause or reset, think again. They’ve already hit the stage with this updated lineup at Sonic Temple Festival, showing no signs of slowing down.
In the statement, the band thanked Burkheiser for his role in building I Prevail’s rise from viral cover band to Grammy-nominated powerhouse. There’s no drama on display—just mutual respect and a sharp left turn.
The health factor
Burkheiser had been dealing with serious health issues, stepping away from live shows in 2024 due to Eagle Syndrome, a rare condition that causes severe neck and facial pain. He underwent multiple surgeries and was noticeably absent from key tour stops. The band hasn’t confirmed whether these issues played into the decision to part ways, but it’s hard to ignore the timeline.
Rewriting the blueprint
Burkheiser’s vocals gave tracks like ‘Hurricane’, ‘Gasoline’, and ‘Deep End’ their emotional backbone. His voice wasn’t just part of the mix—it was central to the band’s crossover success. Now, fans are left wondering how I Prevail’s next era will sound without that counterbalance.
Will they lean heavier? Go more experimental? Or strip things back altogether? With just one voice out front, the possibilities are wide open.
Burkheiser’s next move?
So far, Burkheiser hasn’t issued his own statement—just a quiet repost of the band’s announcement. Whether this is a clean break from music or the start of something new remains to be seen. If he’s gearing up for a solo project or another collaboration, fans will be paying attention.
Meanwhile, I Prevail are pushing forward. Tours are booked. Festival slots are locked in. This isn’t a band hitting the brakes—it’s a band shedding skin.
And like any reinvention, it’s either going to fall flat or set fire to what came before.
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