Rating: 8 / 10 Stars
I PREVAIL is: Brian Burkheiser (clean vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (unclean vocals), Steve Menoian (lead guitar), Jordan Berger (rhythm guitar), Tony Camposeo (bass), Lee Runestad (drums)
REVIEW – You only get one shot to introduce yourself to the world, and with their debut EP Heart vs. Mind, I PREVAIL made damn sure people would remember their name. Released December 16, 2014 via Fearless Records, the Michigan-based metalcore outfit proved they’re more than a viral Taylor Swift cover—they’re a band with vision, bite, and something real to say.
Coming off the back of the breakout success of their hard rock cover of “Blank Space”, I PREVAIL had eyes on them—and they delivered with a 9-track debut that blends razor-sharp aggression with emotional depth and melodic clarity.
From the explosive energy of “Love, Lust, and Liars” to the melodic hooks in “The Enemy”, the band’s dual-vocal dynamic takes center stage. Brian Burkheiser delivers clean choruses that soar without losing authenticity, while Eric Vanlerberghe brings unfiltered intensity through guttural screams and heavy low-end vocal work. It’s a contrast that feels alive—and it’s the emotional push-pull that defines the EP’s core.
Tracks like “Deceivers” and “Face Your Demons” showcase the band’s ability to swing from punishing breakdowns to introspective moments without sounding forced. The songwriting here feels personal, wrestling with themes of betrayal, identity, heartbreak, and self-reflection. Heart vs. Mind isn’t just a title—it’s a lyrical battleground, and the band brings every ounce of passion to the fight.
Production-wise, the EP is tight and modern, with polished guitars and programmed elements that lend a slight electronic edge without overpowering the human element. There’s clear influence from bands like A Day to Remember, The Word Alive, and early Asking Alexandria—but I PREVAIL inject enough of their own spirit to set themselves apart.
And while the now-iconic “Blank Space” cover isn’t technically an original, its presence on the EP is undeniably strategic. It introduced the band to a massive audience, sure—but it also served as a platform to show they could make something familiar sound completely new. They didn’t ride the coattails of a pop star—they rode the wave into their own storm.
Heart vs. Mind is the sound of a young band laying their foundation with fearless intent. It’s not perfect—but it’s passionate, it’s focused, and it proves without question that I PREVAIL didn’t just arrive… they broke the door down.
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
