I, the Breather

I, the Breather

I, the Breather in January 2012
Background information
Origin Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Genres Metalcore, progressive metal, Christian metal
Years active 2009–present
Labels Sumerian
Website I, the Breather on Facebook
Members Shawn Spann
Conor Hesse
Kyle Bowman
Aaron Ovecka
Past members Jered Youngbar
Justin Huffman
Armand Jasari
Morgan Wright
Chase Kozlowski

I, the Breather is an American metalcore band from Baltimore, Maryland. Formed by Shawn Spann, Justin Huffman and Morgan Wright in late 2009, the group is currently signed to Sumerian Records and have released three albums through the label.

History

Starting Out, Signing to Sumerian Records and These Are My Sins (2007, 2009–2010)

The band was formed by lead vocalist Shawn Spann during 2007 as a side project. After spending a couple years sifting through bands/members to find the right members for I the Breather, Shawn Spann was introduced to Justin Huffman and Morgan Wright by mutual friends. Huffman and Wright had been previously writing music and merged ideas to write the band's self-titled debut studio EP which ended up getting them a record deal with a major label and management.[1] As the band's initial line-up began to settle in, work on their first album began. On June 3, 2010, the band signed onto Sumerian Records.[2] On April 15, 2010, it was announced that I, The Breather would be playing on the "Scream The Prayer" tour with supporting acts For Today, Blessed by a Broken Heart, A Plea for Purging, The Color Morale, The Crimson Armada, The Great Commission, In the Midst of Lions, and Hundredth.

On December 7, 2010, I, the Breather released their first studio album, entitled These Are My Sins on the Sumerian Records label. Following the release of the album, the band premiered their first music video with the song "Forgiven" later that day.[3]

Truth and Purpose, Wright's Departure and Life Reaper (2011–present)

After extensive summer touring to support These Are My Sins, it was announced on September 16, 2011 that the band had entered the studio and was working on their second studio album with Sumerian Records. "So here it is, Its official! Were recording our 2nd album in November! We will be announcing our producer this coming week. Who would like to see what all of our lives are like at home?! I was thinking it would be an awesome addition to studio footage![4] Throughout early 2012, the band toured with fellow acts, August Burns Red, Silverstein, Texas In July, and Letlive. On February 28, 2012, I, the Breather released its second studio album, entitled Truth and Purpose through Sumerian Records.[5]

The band also toured on 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2012 featuring Slipknot, Slayer, Anthrax, Motörhead, As I Lay Dying, The Devil Wears Prada, Asking Alexandria, Whitechapel, Upon a Burning Body, Betraying the Martyrs and Dirtfedd. On May 4, 2012, a music video for the song, "False Profit" was released.[6] On May 24, 2012, bassist Armand Jasari announced he would be leaving the band via his Facebook. Jasari was then replaced by Conor Hesse on bass guitar. Justin Huffman was next to leave the band, handing the lead guitar parts over to Chase Kozlowski, and left a spot open for second guitarist, Kyle Bowman.

On August 2, 2013, the band have parted ways with drummer Morgan Wright. Wright was one of the founding members of the band. The split seems to have been amicable. Aaron Ovecka has been named as his replacement for a drummer. On December 20, the band has released a new song through Sumerian Records, entitled "The Setting Sun" from their third studio album, entitled Life Reaper, which the album later dropped on July 15, 2014. On May 7, 2014, the band announced that they would be playing that year's Van's Warped Tour.

On June 10, 2014, a music video for the second single, "Soul:Seek" was released.

Band members

Current
  • Shawn "Cocaine" Spann – lead vocals (2009–present)
  • Conor "Macklemore" Hesse – bass (2012–present)
  • Kyle "Bibbins" Bowman – rhythm guitar (2013–present)
  • Aaron Ovecka – drums (2013–present)

Former
  • Jered Youngbar – rhythm guitar (2009–2011)
  • Justin Huffman – lead guitar (2009–2012)
  • Armand "Deep V" Jasari – bass (2009–2012)
  • Morgan "Blackie" Wright – drums (2009–2013)
  • Chase Kozlowski – lead guitar (2011–2014)

Timeline

Discography

Year Title Label Billboard 200 Christian US Album US Heat
2009 I, the Breather (EP) Self-released N/A N/A N/A
2010 These Are My Sins Sumerian N/A N/A 39
2012 Truth and Purpose Sumerian N/A 15 11
2014 Life Reaper Sumerian 158 6 N/A

Videography

Title Year Director From the 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

References