Scatterbrain, the newly launched solo venture of Brian Burkheiser, former clean vocalist of I Prevail, has arrived with a statement piece. And fittingly, that statement comes in the form of a Taylor Swift cover.
Burkheiser’s debut release as Scatterbrain is a metal reimagining of Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” a full-circle nod to the moment that first pushed his former band into the spotlight. Before I Prevail became one of the most recognizable names in modern metalcore, they too began with a bold pop-to-metal cover.. Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space,” released on December 16, 2014.
Now, a decade later, Burkheiser is revisiting the formula, but this time, it’s personal.
After a decade with I Prevail, Burkheiser exited the band in May 2025. The split followed years of health struggles, touring became increasingly unsustainable.
Within his own music, Burkheiser has hinted at creative and legal tensions in the aftermath of his departure, including disputes that reportedly delayed his ability to release new music. While he’s maintained public affection for his former bandmates, he’s also stated he “didn’t deserve how things went down,” suggesting the separation was emotionally fraught.
Musically, Scatterbrain’s version of “Look What You Made Me Do” is a much heavier beast than Swift’s original, and while Burkheiser says he’s still working toward releasing original music as Scatterbrain, this track marks a powerful reintroduction and a nod to where it all started.
“To my fans: This year forced me to pivot in ways I never expected,” Brian shared in a statement. “and it tested me more than I can explain. But through it all, your support has meant everything. I’m excited to finally share a song with you. I chose this cover because it truly resonates with me and serves as a nod to what first sparked my career. I’m still working toward the day I can release my original music, but for now, I’m grateful to have found a way to put a piece of art into the world..”
If “Blank Space” lit the fuse for I Prevail in 2014, “Look What You Made Me Do” might just be the spark that ignites Scatterbrain’s next chapter.
“The old Brian can’t come to the phone right now… because he’s dead.”
