Brian Burkheiser Leaves I Prevail: A Goodbye Deserving of Respect, Not Backlash

In news that’s sent shockwaves through the heavy music scene, Brian Burkheiser, the clean vocalist and co-founder of I Prevail, has officially parted ways with the band. The announcement, made on May 15 via I Prevail’s Instagram, described the split as mutual. Though it’s a difficult moment for fans who have followed the band’s rise from viral covers to Grammy nominations, it’s a decision that deserves compassion, not criticism.

While neither Brian nor the band have gone into deep detail about the reasons behind his departure, it doesn’t take much to understand why this might be the right time for him to step away. Brian has publicly battled a rare condition known as Eagle Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes sharp, persistent pain in the face, throat, and neck. For a vocalist, especially one known for soaring, emotive cleans, this isn’t just inconvenient. It’s debilitating.

Eagle Syndrome has side lined Brian before, requiring surgeries and time off the road. It’s a painful and unpredictable condition that affects not only performance, but basic daily functioning. Touring in a metal band isn’t just emotionally demanding, it’s physically punishing. Between long flights, poor sleep, high energy sets, and constant travel, staying on top of your health is already a challenge. Add a chronic disorder to the mix, and it becomes almost impossible to keep going without risking long term damage.

But that’s not all. Brian also recently became a first time father. Becoming a parent changes everything. The late nights, the moments you’ll never get back, the need to be fully present for your partner and your child, it reshapes your priorities. It’s clear that this decision didn’t come lightly. It’s the result of deep reflection, love for his family, and the need to protect his health for the future.

Brian recently underwent surgery for his eagle syndrome

Unfortunately, not all fans are taking the news gracefully. Some are even calling for a boycott of the band, a baffling and frankly immature reaction to a very human decision. To those fans, we need to say this: knock it off.

Seriously. These are real people. Brian is a human being with a body that’s gone through hell and back, and a brand new baby in his arms. He doesn’t owe you a voice at the cost of his health or family. I Prevail is a band, yes… but it’s also a group of people doing their best to navigate life in an industry that asks for everything and gives very little back.

When a band member makes a tough call to step away, especially on good terms, we should be supporting them, not tearing them or their bandmates down. The rest of I Prevail will carry on, with Eric Vanlerberghe stepping up into a larger role and Dylan Bowman adding backup vocals. The shows will go on, and the music will evolve because that’s what bands do. They grow, they change, and they keep moving forward.

To Brian: Thank you for everything. Your voice helped define a generation of modern metalcore. You gave us raw emotion, honesty, and vulnerability in a genre that thrives on power.

And to the fans: let’s be better. Let’s respect the choices artists make for their health and their families. Let’s honour the music by being the kind of community that cares not just about the product, but about the people who make it.

This isn’t the end of the story, it’s just a new chapter And we should all wish Brian, and I Prevail, nothing but the best as they turn the page.