I Prevail The Trauma Tour Concert Review with Issues and Justin Stone
Cefcu Center Stage, Peoria Riverfront Park
July 16, 2019
Peoria, Illinois

 

I Prevail headlines the second show of the Summer Sonic Jam brought by 105.7 The X Rocks and Inked Entertainment. There was a threat of rain during showtime but by the time the opener reached the stage, the weather turned to what Illinois is known for in the summer, hot and humid. The weather did not deter the growing fans of I Prevail. The band have just returned for the second American leg of The Trauma Tour from Europe and some sold out shows there. The band posted on social media the massive crowds at Nova Rock in Austria and Rock Am Ring in Germany and their warm reception at both. Their second full length album, Trauma (Fearless Records) released March 29, 2019, reached 14 on Billboard 200. The album is aptly named Trauma and the songs are a mix of acknowledgement of depression and songs about perserverence and dare I say it, prevailing in their art.

Justin Stone a rapper from Columbus, Ohio started the night with some sick rhymes. He did not have a hype man but came on stage with a drummer and himself. Justin is a guest on I Prevail’s song, “Rise Above It”. Justin Stone has a presence that is larger than his young age. Oh, and he has abs so maybe that adds to his charm. He has a lot of albums and his newest album is being released August 2nd. This guy is always hustling and he gave away shirts after his set. He also posed for pictures with all the fans. You can see everything Justin has going on at Facebook: Justin Stone

 

Issues is an electronic metalcore band from Atlanta, Georgia. The band had a great set. It was my first time seeing the band without vocalist, Michael Bohn. Michael has a new band called WildHeart where he is a drummer not the vocalist. Issues has been a constant of the alternative metal scene. Their vocalist, Tyler Carter, is a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community as he came out as bi-sexual. Their merch even has a pride flag with the band name on it.  Fans are ardently waiting for their new album. The band released a new single, “Tapping Out” about facing their personal demons. Their new album is set for release in November.

 

I Prevail is a metalcore band from Detroit, Michigan. Clean vocalist, Brian Burkheiser, was on hiatus with a vocal injury the last time the band was in Peoria. While guitarist Dylan Bowman filled in for him, Brian and his vocal ability was missed tremendously. The band recently released their video for “Breaking Down” and the portrayal of the emotions in it grab you whether you suffer from depression or know someone who does. Watch it here:

 

This was my sixth time seeing I Prevail.  I have been a passionate supporter of the band since they were playing to fifty people in a bar.  The band sounded great and have honed their live show. The songs consisted of a lot of tracks from the Trauma album and a few from their older catalog as well.

The setlist:

Bow Down
Scars
Rise Above It
Gasoline
Hurricane
Lifelines
Stuck in Your Head
Face Your Demons
Deadweight
Goodbye (Interlude)
Paranoid
Low
Every Time You Leave
DOA
Encore:
Breaking Down
Come and Get It
 

 

Before the song “Breaking Down”, Brian Burkheiser talked to the crowd and told them that he struggled with depression and that talking about our problems can help.  The band said in an interview with Billboard.com that their focus is going to be on cutting the drama from their lives.  As they grow and mature as people and a band, I am excited to see how they evolve in the future.

Find where to see them on their website: I Prevail Website