I The Breather

Though rooted in Christian convictions, the Baltimore-based progressive metalcore outfit I, The Breather delivers an unrelentingly fierce sound that belies any hint of piety. Formed in 2009, the group originated with vocalist Shawn Spann, guitarist Justin Huffman, and drummer Morgan Wright. While still solidifying their roster, the founding trio issued a self-released, self-titled EP soon after inception. Expanded to include guitarist Jered Youngbar and bassist Armand Jasari, the quintet attracted Sumerian Records and joined its roster in 2010, the same year they unveiled their debut full-length, These Are My Sins. Youngbar exited the following year, at which point guitarist Chase Kozlowski stepped in. The 2012 release Truth and Purpose placed the band at number 36 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart and number 13 on the Christian chart. Those achievements coincided with further turnover: Huffman and Jasari left in 2012, and Wright departed in 2013. With Spann remaining as the sole original member, the band enlisted guitarist Kyle Bowman, bassist Conor Hesse, and drummer Aaron Ovecka. The refreshed lineup returned in 2014 with the third Sumerian album, Life Reaper.