I Prevail made something truly remarkable when they released Trauma back in 2019. An album that pushed them directly into the spotlight, and along with it many of their own personal demons. They were nominated for a Grammy, had a number one hit and were headlining some major tours across the world. With all that momentum its easy to think that there might be a set back in production, a sophomore slump if you would. I asked Eric how they went into the studio to follow Trauma up and recapture lightning in a bottle.
‘we spent two years working on this album…a lot of the thought process going into this album was “Ok well we did that for Trauma what do we think kids are going to expect? Ok, throw that out the window, let’s go this way.’
The album features a lot of ‘left turns’ and things that don’t normally fit the metalcore equation. Which is the way the band wanted it. I had to ask about the theme of the album because to me that’s what’s always interesting. Eric was a bit elusive when answering at first but gave this quote as to why.
‘All I’m going to say is, growing up there were certain records that I loved. Whether they were conceptual or just rad records…and I had a feeling as to what the song was about or I felt something or connected with it and then later on I hear an artist say “well that song was about this.” Oh, that’s what it’s about? It lost something to me, you know…’
He continues discussing the underlying messages of True Power going pretty deep into the themes he hopes fans find on their own.
‘I want a fan to pick up this record and if they’re along for the ride I want them to pick up on some of these things and see if they can form some of the, for a lack of a better word, concept or theme that we were playing with…What I will say about ‘True Power’. Where ‘Trauma’ was a record where we opened up and we put some uncomfortable emotions out there or tried to be as open as possible about certain topics…’True Power’ is taking those lows those hardships those pains and finding not just strength but finding your power, your ability to overcome, your ability to break through to be the bigger explosion in whatever is bumped up against ya.’
I asked him about the inspirations on this album and he dropped this amazing zinger.
‘man elitist suck…who cares if you like Billie Eilish like who gives a shit. Like if you like it and you’re feeling it and you’re enjoying it, enjoy it!’
The rest of the interview can be heard below, including when I admit to having two of the worst interviews ever both being with I Prevail, good laughs ensue!
