New Music Review: I PREVAIL ‘Liflines’

Rating: 8 / 10 Stars

I PREVAIL is: Brian Burkheiser (clean vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (harsh vocals), Steve Menoian (lead guitar), Dylan Bowman (rhythm guitar), Gabe Helguera (drums)

REVIEW – The wait is finally over. After shaking up the scene with their explosive cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” and proving they weren’t a one-trick pony with their Heart vs. Mind EP, I PREVAIL are ready to drop their debut full-length album, Lifelines, on October 21 via Fearless Records. This is more than just a debut—it’s a mission statement from a band that’s out to prove they belong at the top of the modern metalcore food chain.

Right from the opening track “Scars”, the message is clear: I PREVAIL have leveled up. Crunchy guitars and booming drums meet Brian Burkheiser’s soaring choruses and Eric Vanlerberghe’s throat-shredding screams, creating an emotional high-wire act that never loses its balance. There’s a rawness here—undeniable pain wrapped in powerful riffs and anthem-ready hooks.

The album title Lifelines isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a reflection of the record’s heart. These songs are lifelines for those navigating chaos, self-doubt, and heartbreak. “Stuck in Your Head” feels like a breakup anthem turned battle cry, while “Come and Get It” dares the world to throw its worst. It’s a gutsy, take-no-prisoners moment that channels Linkin Park and early A Day to Remember in all the right ways.

Yet, for all the chest-thumping aggression, I PREVAIL show their depth with cuts like “Alone” and “My Heart I Surrender”. The latter, featuring pianist/songwriter Tate McRae, strips things down to an emotional core that reveals just how much this band can do when they step outside the expected formula. These aren’t just ballads—they’re moments of reflection that show a young band learning the power of vulnerability.

Production-wise, the album is crisp, polished, and ready for arenas. Whether it’s the crushing breakdowns in “Already Dead” or the fist-pumping adrenaline of “Chaos”, every element is dialed in for maximum impact. You can hear the influence of post-hardcore giants, but I PREVAIL never sound like they’re chasing trends—they’re carving out their own space.

Lifelines is the sound of a band staking their claim—not with gimmicks, but with heart, hustle, and hooks that hit hard. It’s an album that speaks to the disillusioned, the overlooked, and the underestimated. If you’ve ever felt like the world counted you out, I PREVAIL are right there with you, ready to fight back.