I, the Breather
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Shawn Spann, Justin Huffman, Morgan Wright |
| Defunct | 2015 (first disbandment) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2015; briefly reunited in 2020–2022 before disbanding again |
| Headquarters | Baltimore , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs, music videos |
I, the Breather was a metalcore ensemble originating from Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Established in late 2009 by Shawn Spann, Justin Huffman, and Morgan Wright, the band secured a contract with Sumerian Records and produced three studio albums prior to disbanding in 2015.
In 2020, the group briefly reunited with new lineup additions, releasing two tracks before disbanding once more.[1]
History
Shawn Spann initially created the band in 2007 as a side endeavor. After connecting with Justin Huffman and Morgan Wright through mutual acquaintances, the trio crafted their self-titled debut EP, which led to a recording contract with Sumerian Records.[2] The official signing with Sumerian occurred on June 3, 2010.[3] They also participated in the "Scream the Prayer Tour" sharing the stage with bands such as For Today and Blessed by a Broken Heart.
Their debut full-length album These Are My Sins was released on December 7, 2010 through Sumerian Records. On the same day, they debuted their initial music video for the track "Forgiven."[4]
After extensive touring in support of These Are My Sins, the band entered recording sessions in September 2011 to produce their second album. Early in 2012, they toured alongside August Burns Red, Silverstein, among others. Their follow-up album Truth and Purpose was officially released on February 28, 2012.[5]
During the summer of 2012, I, the Breather took part in the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, performing alongside prominent metal groups such as Slipknot, Slayer, and Anthrax. On May 4 of that year, they unveiled a music video for "False Profit."[6] That year also featured changes in personnel: bassist Armand Jasari departed and was replaced by Conor Hesse; guitarist Justin Huffman exited and was succeeded by Chase Kozlowski while Kyle Bowman joined as an additional guitarist.
On August 2, 2013, founding drummer Morgan Wright amicably left the band; Aaron Ovecka stepped in as his replacement. On December 20 of that year, they released "The Setting Sun," a single from their third studio album Life Reaper, which was launched on July 15, 2014. That year included appearances on the Van's Warped Tour and a music video release for "Soul:Seek" on June 10. In autumn 2014, they supported Unearth and Darkest Hour during the High or High Wattage Tour alongside supporting acts like Carnifex, Origin, and Black Crown Initiate.[7]
On September 3, 2015, I, the Breather announced their dissolution with plans for a farewell tour slated for November.[8]
The band made a comeback on October 10, 2020 with the single "Prëy".[9] By January 2021 they had incorporated Logan Young (of Reflections) and Nik Popovic (also known as Nik Nocturnal) into their ranks.[10] On September 8 that year they issued "Brainsic," marking their first release featuring Nik Nocturnal.[11] Early in 2022 saw them embark on a North American "10 Year Reunion Tour" celebrating their initial two albums.[12] After completing this tour cycle, the band ceased activities once again.
Members
Past members
- Shawn Spann – lead vocalist (2009–2015, 2020–2022)
- Logan Young – guitarist (2020–2022)
- Nik Popovic (also known as Nik Nocturnal) – guitarist (2021–2022)
- Jered Youngbar – rhythm guitarist (2009–2011)
- Justin Huffman – lead guitarist (2009–2012), rhythm guitarist and bassist (2009)
- Armand "Deep V" Jasari – bassist (2009–2012)
- Morgan Wright – drummer (2009–2013)
- Chase Kozlowski – lead guitarist and backing vocalist (2012–2014), rhythm guitarist (2011–2012)
- Aaron Ovecka – drummer (2013–2015)
- Kyle "Bibbins" Bowman – rhythm guitarist (2013–2015), lead guitarist (2014–2015)
- Mack Goth – guitarist (2015)
- Conor Hesse – bassist and backing vocalist (2012–2015)
Timeline
Discography
| Year | Title | Format | Label | Billboard 200 | Christian US Albums | US Heat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | I, the Breather | EP | self-published | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2010 | These Are My Sins | Studio album | Sumerian | N/A | N/A | 39 |
| 2012 | Truth and Purpose | Studio album | Sumerian | N/A | 15 | 11 |
| 2014 | Life Reaper | Studio album | Sumerian | 158 | 6 | N/A |
Tours
- Scream the Prayer Tour
- Farewell to Breather Tour
- 10 Year Reunion Tour celebrating These Are My Sins and Truth and Purpose
Videography
| Title | Year | Director | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Forgiven" | 2009 | Chris Rodriguez | These Are My Sins |
| "False Profit" | 2012 | Thunder Down Country Productions | Truth and Purpose |
| "Soul:Seek" | 2014 | Orie McGinness | Life Reaper |
| "PREY" | 2020 | Phillip Christopher | - |
| "BRAINSIC" | 2021 | Phillip Christopher | - |
- ↑ "I, The Breather reunite, return with a new song, "Prey"". New Fury Media. October 13, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
- ↑ "I, The Breather - Sumerian Records". Sumerian Records.
- ↑ "I, the Breather Signs With Sumerian Records, Debut Album Set Fall Release".
- ↑ "I, THE BREATHER - "Forgiven" Official Music Video". December 7, 2010.
- ↑ "I, The Breather - Truth And Purpose - New Album (2012)".
- ↑ "I THE BREATHER - False Profit (Official Music Video)". May 4, 2012.
- ↑ "The Hell or High Wattage Tour w/ Darkest Hour, Unearth, I The Breather- Sumerian Records".
- ↑ "I, The Breather break up". Alternative Press. September 3, 2015.
- ↑ "I, The Breather Officially Return With New Single "Prey"". ThePRP.
- ↑ "Facebook".
- ↑ "I THE BREATHER - BRAINSIC on Youtube".
- ↑ "X".