Eric Vanlerberghe recently addressed concerns about taking on full vocal duties for I Prevail’s new album following Brian Burkheiser’s departure from the band. He shared his experience in an interview with Loudwire.
The vocalist discussed his creative process and how he approached the challenge of handling all vocal responsibilities for the first time.
“Honestly, it was great,” Vanlerberghe said. “Being creative and putting yourself out there, especially with something new, just full on singing — bearing it all and for lack of a better word, risking it.”
He elaborated on the collaborative approach the band took during the recording process.
“Having the guys that I have around me, it helps being very comfortable,” he continued. “We sat in a circle and strummed and played some chords and hummed some melodies that we liked. Let me try full on belting it, oh that’s a little out of my register. Okay, bring it down. Okay, I think I can go higher. Going back and forth and not being afraid to sound dumb.”
Vanlerberghe emphasized how the supportive environment helped him explore new vocal territories.
“To have that confidence going in there with the support of the rest of the guys was huge,” he said. “To really explore a new side of my voice, it was a lot of fun and a lot of really cool stuff came out of it. I learned a lot and I think it’s just this whole process of recording, it made me a better vocalist, even on the stuff that I already do.”
These comments come as I Prevail prepares for a significant milestone in their career with their upcoming release.
Blabbermouth reported that the band is set to release their fourth studio album titled “Violent Nature” on September 19 via Fearless Records. This album represents a major transition for the group. It marks the first full-length release without former lead singer Brian Burkheiser, with Vanlerberghe now handling all vocal responsibilities.
The band has already begun showcasing their new direction with the release of their latest single “Rain.” Melodic Magazine noted that the track deals with themes of acceptance regarding things beyond one’s control and finding clarity in difficult situations. The song demonstrates a darker and more intense musical direction for the band as they evolve their sound.
Behind the scenes, the recording process also featured internal changes in the band’s production approach. SLR Magazine revealed that bassist Jon Eberhard stepped into the role of producer for “Violent Nature.” This signals a fresh internal dynamic during the album’s creation. This decision reflects the band’s commitment to maintaining creative control while adapting to their new lineup.
I Prevail is currently promoting “Violent Nature” through their Summer of Loud Tour. This demonstrates their determination to move forward and establish their evolution as a group despite the significant lineup changes. The tour serves as both a promotional platform for the new album and a testament to the band’s resilience in adapting to their transformed vocal arrangement.
