Rating: 8 / 10 Stars
I PREVAIL is: Brian Burkheiser (clean vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (unclean vocals), Steve Menoian (lead guitar), Jordan Berger (guitar), Tony Camposeo (bass), Lee Runestad (drums)
REVIEW – Every once in a while, a band comes along that flips the script in a way nobody saw coming. That’s exactly what I PREVAIL, an unknown metalcore act out of Michigan, has done with their hard rock cover of TAYLOR SWIFT’s mega-hit “Blank Space”—and the internet can’t stop talking about it.
Since its release on December 16, 2014, the single has been gaining momentum at lightning speed. Within just a couple weeks, the band has racked up millions of views on YouTube and captured the attention of fans across genres—from Swifties to scene kids and metalheads alike. And for good reason. This isn’t a gimmick. This is a full-blown reinvention.
From the very first note, I PREVAIL’s version of “Blank Space” makes its mission clear: take a pop anthem and inject it with high-octane riffs, breakdowns, and explosive dual vocals. Clean vocalist Brian Burkheiser delivers the smooth melodies with clarity and emotion, while Eric Vanlerberghe unleashes guttural growls that give the song a new sense of danger and desperation. This isn’t parody—it’s power.
The instrumentation hits like a wrecking ball. Guitars crunch and soar in equal measure, giving the track a post-hardcore backbone that elevates the original lyrics into something more raw and unfiltered. The contrast between the haunting chorus and the aggressive verses creates a tension that feels fresh and electrifying, as if Taylor’s emotional rollercoaster was always meant to come with a circle pit.
But what really makes this cover stand out isn’t just the novelty—it’s the execution. It’s tight, it’s passionate, and it shows a band with serious range and vision. I PREVAIL didn’t just cover “Blank Space”; they owned it, reimagined it, and kicked open the doors of the genre for a whole new wave of fans.
This track might have started as a curveball, but it’s quickly becoming a fast track to the spotlight. With a full EP on the horizon, I PREVAIL has set the bar sky-high—and all eyes are on what they do next.
For more information on I PREVAIL, visit:
www.IPrevailBand.com
www.Facebook.com/IPrevailBand
www.Twitter.com/IPrevailBand
www.Instagram.com/IPrevailBand
www.YouTube.com/@IPrevailBand
www.Spotify.com/Artist/IPrevailBand
