Eric Vanlerberghe Unleashes I Prevail’s Fight Anthem in “Violent Nature”
WRITTEN BY: ROB PAGAN
With the first release since the departure of Vocalist Brian Burkheiser, I Prevail releases a brutal banger showcasing Eric Vanlerberghe’s rage filled performance for fans with a taste for the heavier flair. We should all be wearing helmets when taking this new single on.
For the headbangers and moshers out there, “Violent Nature” not only scratches the itch for pit thirsty lovers of the craft, but it introduces us to what could be a new direction for the band. And I’m here for it! Honestly, I rocked a stank face the entire 2 minutes and 10 seconds of what could only be described as a sonic beat down.
Now, fans of the traditional I Prevail sound might be taken back with the notable absence of Brian’s clean vocals but it doesn’t take away from this brutally charged display of what is arguably the band’s heaviest song to date. With tightly formulated breaks and insane riffing on a rapid fire lead, you can’t help but feel the adrenaline start to flow, especially for those of you with an aptitude for swinging your arms and legs toward strangers at shows. I mean even as I write up this review, I’m hitting the keys a little harder while I listen to it!
It’s also worth noting the amount of expletives on this record. The lyrics are very intentional and direct, which one could appreciate when you have a song this short with in-your-face instrumentals. I’d even dare say there’s a mild shock factor in this release. But to be real, we all knew Eric had this in him. This dark side that was once tamed by the softer side of Brian’s vocals is now unleashed unto the masses. It may not be for everyone, especially for those that were more into the pop style vocals ingrained within previous releases, which ultimately gave the band their signature musical identity. But as the band enters into this new chapter, I think it’s worth joining them during this evolution as I foresee great things coming from this new direction.
In my opinion, “Violent Nature” is an ode to the broken. One could even describe it as an outpouring of mayhem derived from internal pain that’s been brewing, eventually changing who that person is. Now, I’m no psychologist, but there’s a statement being made here for sure. Is Eric mad? Maybe. However, I’m not one to speculate. What I do know is that if this single is the precursor for what’s to come in the band’s future, then we need to stock up on our neck braces, crutches and update your health insurance because the pits at these shows are going to be nothing short of armageddon.
Care to test this theory? Be sure to catchI Prevaillive this Summer for the SUMMER OF LOUD Tour in the US and at various festivals through the EU.
