Over the past three years, I Prevail has undergone a significant transformation, which is evident in their latest album, Violent Nature.
Following a transformation in the band’s lineup, it was questioned whether I Prevail would continue as the same band that once covered “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift, the band people knew after the album True Power, or something else. With the release of their fourth studio album, Violent Nature, I Prevail is showing their fans they are neither. They have continued their journey and created something that is both very heavy at times while showing their softer side in some songs.
The album begins with a soft, gentle intro featuring angelic sounds before a heavy guitar riff breaks up the song. It then transitions to almost a synth or industrial sound; this is fitting for a song called “Synthetic Soul.” The song changes moods and tempo again, with Eric covering clean and unclean vocals, as it turns more into a heavy rock song. Overall, this is a unique song that covers it all: screams, guitar riffs, heavy drums, and soft, clean singing. This song seems to address the changes the band has made head-on.
The second song, “NWO,” starts out heavy and again has a bit of an industrial feel at moments, mixed into the heavy metal song. It seems to reflect that sometimes things need to be hard to teach us the things we must learn. The third song, “Pray,” is a very different contrast to the song before it. More of a metalcore sound that slowly shifts into a much heavier song. With lyrics such as “Don’t pray for me” and “Run away,” it seems to address when someone is trying to be an unwelcome savior.
The fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh songs were all previously released. First up is “Annihilate Me,” which was released on August 15th. It seems to be about getting trapped in a cycle of suffering, and how hard it can be to break these cycles. Most reactions and comments from fans when this was released focused on how well Eric shifted into his role of clean vocals. Next comes “Violent Nature,” the title track, which was released on May 23rd. This song is not just the heaviest song on the album, but the heaviest one of their careers ,with a heavy double kick that feels like a perfect match for the lyrically dark song about being willing to embrace the violent nature inside.
Next is the previously released song, “Rain,” which was released on July 18th. Starkly more melodic than the previous song, while still having some heavy moments, the song addresses the pain of feeling abandoned by those who are not supposed to hurt you. The last previously released song on the album is “Into Hell,” which was released on June 20th. It is a softer song with a more loving feel. It reflects an intense emotional connection and all the raw emotions that are required to have and maintain that.
Next up is “Crimson & Clover.” This seems like the second act to follow up “Into Hell,” but with much more sadness and despair. It continues with the deep emotions while addressing how, sometimes, just because we are heartbroken, it does not always mean that it is a bad thing. Sometimes, letting go of someone we find irresistible and moving on is the best thing we can do for ourselves.
In the next-to-last song, “God” is a much more intense song than the previous two. This one goes back to the screaming that is expected from Eric with some breakdowns as he screams lyrics like “We’ll set the world on fire just to watch you burn,” “Slaughter my enemies,” and “Look into my eyes and meet your God.” There is also a splash of almost a rap moment that unexpectedly fits perfectly. Then the last song, “Stay Away,” feels like the third act to “Into Hell” and “Crimson & Clover,” in the way that it expresses being empowered to detach, warning to stay away, not being willing to forgive, and finally saying “so long.”
It is definitely a change from the prior albums, but with a major lineup change, that is to be expected. The old contrasting vocals are not there, but that gives Eric a chance to show off his range from clean to harsh vocals throughout the album. While change is not always appreciated by everyone, this marks the new starting line for the band as they transform and show listeners what they are made of.
Violent Nature is set for release on September 19th.
PHOTO BY: Reilly Clark
