True Power


True Power is the third studio album by the American rock band I Prevail, released on August 19, 2022. The album was proceeded by the singles "Body Bag" and "Bad Things". "Self-Destruction", "There's Fear in Letting Go", "Deep End" and "Closure" also later became singles. It was the final studio album to feature founding member and clean vocalist Brian Burkheiser before his departure from the band on May 15, 2025.

Background and recording

The album was produced by Tyler Smyth, who also produced the band's previous album, Trauma. In an interview with Wall of Sound, guitarist Steve Menoian discussed the process of making the album:

Composition

True Power has been described as metalcore, post-hardcore, hard rock, rap metal, and nu metal, with elements of pop, trap, electronic, and grunge. Vocalists Brian Burkheiser and Eric Vanlerberghe both incorporate rap vocals on the album.

Release

On June 17, 2022, the band released the lead single "Body Bag". On July 12, 2022, the band released the second single "Bad Things". On August 19, 2022, the band released a music video for the song "Self-Destruction". The album was released on August 19, 2022. On November 22, 2022, the band released a music video for the song "There’s Fear In Letting Go". On March 16, 2023, the band released a music video for the song "Deep End".

Critical reception

True Power has received generally positive reviews from music critics. Paul Travers of Kerrang! complimented the album's dynamics and production stating, "I Prevail have expanded on the lighter moments from Trauma. But there’s always an explosion waiting to drop, and producing those jaw-dropping moments is one of the things they do so well." Chanel Issa of Hysteria Mag felt that " breathed new life into I Prevail’s sound, placing them in high contention for the coveted title of kings of the metalcore sandpit.
Melinda Welsh of The Spill Magazine praised unclean vocalist Eric Vanlerberghe for "stepping out of his [comfort zone...to deliver some softer-spoken rap style lyrics and clean vocals..." and called True Power "their most aggressive album yet." In a less positive review of the album, Jesper L. of Sputnikmusic considered the album to be a "reminder that overblown production can’t hide lazy songwriting." Wall of Sound stated "I Prevail take everything they did on Trauma and dial it up to 11." On November 2, 2022, their single 'Bad Things' have peaked number 1 on the Billboard Active Rock Radio Charts, the first time since 2020 with their hit single, Hurricane.

Track listing

All songs written by Brian Burkheiser, Steve Menoian, Eric Vanlerberghe, Tyler Smyth and Jon Eberhard except where noted.

Personnel

Credits retrieved from album's liner notes.
I Prevail
  • Brian Burkheiser – clean vocals, composer
  • Steve Menoian – lead guitar, bass, composer
  • Eric Vanlerberghe – unclean vocals, additional clean vocals, composer
  • Dylan Bowman – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Gabe Helguera – drums
Additional Musicians
  • Bonnie McIntosh – piano on "Doomed"
Production
Design