This song is our Tribute to one of the greatest voices in rock and roll history Boston Vocalist Brad Delp who in 2007 tragically took his own life... The re-working of this song reflects the true emotions behind the lyrical content. RIP
Video Directed by Bradley Cooper, Filmed at "The Doghouse Studios" Los Angeles, Photos by Stephanie Cabral Photography
Joseph Michael (vocals, keyboards) Jake Dreyer (guitar) Anthony Crawford (bass) Alex Nasla (keyboards) Marco Minnemann (drums) James "Timbali" Cornwell (percussion)
Thanks to all our fans and friends. We cannot wait to celebrate with you all when the world resumes...
Angry Metal Guy
On third album, Curse of Autumn all this talent is on vivid display as the band rips through wild, adventurous prog-power anthems tailor-made for fans of Symphony X and Nevermore.
Sonic Perspectives If you're not already following this band, start yesterday, because it's clear that they're going places.
MetalSucks
Their brand of progressive power metal has a granite-hard edge to it - more Amerithrash than Eurocheese. The emotional core remains intact even as the runtime pushes the hour mark.
Metal Injection
This is a band with the technical proficiency of Dream Theater but the aggression and bombast of 3 Inches of Blood.
GhostCult
Back with their third full-length release, Californian act Witherfall return with prog guns blazing... excess and pomposity are all part of the majesty of prog so just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Revolver has teamed with Witherfall for an exclusive "Tempest Frost" variant of their upcoming third LP, Curse of Autumn. Quantities are limited to 200 worldwide — so order yours now!
Since Witherfall emerged out of Los Angeles with their 2017 debut Nocturnes and Requiems, the band has become a rising force in the dark, melodic progressive-metal scene. Which makes sense, considering the group features an all-star cast of players that are also members of Sanctuary, Iced Earth and more. Witherfall up the ante on their third and latest album, Curse of Autumn (due March 5, 2021), thanks to a production assist by Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards) who teamed with Witherfall vocalist Joseph Michael and guitarist Jake Dreyer for the recording.
Like some larger bands (Ghost pictured) we do not have ads in Billboard mag or other trades. Just the support of fans, professionals and the appreciation from #musicians of complex and left of center musical ambition.
PS: Witherfall have officially begun the Pr-Production/Arranging stages of our next record. As you may well know a lot of #PinotNoir and #BelvedereVodka gets consumed during these times. To fund our bad habits we are having a special sale: Share this post and go to:
Hello from the road everyone! Our European tour with Sonata Arctica is in full swing and the shows have all been amazing. Today we release "Vintage" ! It is now available for Purchase/Download/Streaming.
US dark melodic metal act WITHERFALL is releasing an alternate arrangement of “Ode to Despair”. The original recording can be found on WITHERFALLs latest album “A Prelude To Sorrow” and is now going to be released as an acoustic version on the “Vintage EP”, which will be out on March 22nd and available during the group's upcoming European tour.
"Being invited as special guests on Sonata Arctica's Acoustic Adventures Tour we knew we had to re-imagine some of our songs to realize the vibe of the tour. Our partners at Century Media came up with a brilliant idea of recording a few of these and including them on the upcoming Vintage EP. Being our most successful single to date "Ode to Despair" was the first one thought of. The Track was recorded in a split session bookending a tour of Japan with Kamelot. Vocals and Guitars were literally followed by a 5am Flight to the Far East, then after the tour we headed straight from the airport to the studio. This is also the first song to incorporate new keyboardist; Alex Nasla. We also had the privilege of working with James "Timbali" Cornwell (Earth Wind & Fire, Janet Jackson) who provided the percussion that really makes this track standout."
WITHERFALL already released another single from the “Vintage EP”. Watch the official video to their version of Tom Pettys “I Won’t Back Down” here: https://youtu.be/lzxZ3DU_CoI
The “Vintage EP” is available for pre-ordering now with WITHERFALL offering an exclusive green “Verdigris” vinyl limited to 200 copies alongside t-shirt bundles. The transparent-magenta “Vintage Pinot Noir” vinyl, limited to 100 copies, is already sold out from Century Media’s European Store.
While your Waiting on the Witherfall Vintage release take a trip back with us to the first album "Nocturnes and Requiems"... We have had this in the pipeline for a while but with so much going on we have not been able to release it. So... Here is the "Nobody Sleeps Here" Score Video!
The artwork in the video is taken from the hand drawn "Score' done by Tattoo Artist Jessica Ann at the "Nevermore Tattoo Collective" where Joseph Michael Got his Witherfall Tattoo (see video Here)
In November 2018, US dark melodic metal act WITHERFALL released its much-celebrated second studio album, “A Prelude to Sorrow”. Never resting on its laurels, the group led by the creative duo comprised of vocalist Joseph Michael (Sanctuary) and Jake Dreyer (Iced Earth) now announces the “Vintage” CD, LP, and digital release to be available during the upcoming acoustic tour with Sonata Arctica and released via Century Media Records on March 22nd, 2019. PRE-ORDER HERE:
WITHERFALL reveals:
“During the sessions for “A Prelude to Sorrow” two cover songs were recorded that showed a different side of WITHERFALL, originally intended to be bonus tracks. A dark and somber version of Tom Petty’s 'I Won’t Back Down' with vocals recorded with Michael Wagener (Metallica, Skid Row) and an epic version of the Helloween classic 'A Tale That Wasn’t Right'. With the announcement of the “Sonata Arctica Acoustic Adventures tour”, it was decided to release these covers along with a few acoustic renditions of favorite WITHERFALL tracks.
Along with new keyboardist Alex Nasla and session percussionist James “Timbali” Cornwell (Smokey Robinson, Earth Wind & Fire ), Joseph Michael, Jake Dreyer and Anthony Crawford retreated to Harmony Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA (Adele, Miley Cyrus) armed with acoustic guitars and bottles of wine to start working on acoustic arrangements for the tour. The sessions were fruitful and two acoustic versions of past WITHERFALL songs were recorded: a medley of 'Vintage' and 'Nobody Sleeps Here...' (originally on “Nocturnes and Requiems”) and an alternate arrangement of 'Ode to Despair'. Instead of keeping these as secrets and finally making the rare 'The Long Walk Home (December)' also available to an audience outside of Japan, the “Vintage” EP offers a collection of music that shows another dimension of the WITHERFALL sound.”
Mixed and mastered by Christopher “Zeuss” Harris and again featuring artwork by Kristian Wåhlin, “Vintage” will be released as strictly limited, hand-numbered CD digipak, on black and limited coloured vinyl as well as on all digital platforms.
Furthermore, the “Vintage” EP also features new keyboardist Alex Nasla who will join WITHERFALL on the group's upcoming European tour kicking off March 13th in Oslo, Norway.
Prior to the Acoustic Adventures Tour with Sonata Arctica, WITHERFALL will now perform at LA's Regent Theater on January 21st, supporting Ensiferum and Septic Flesh.
After releasing their much-celebrated second studio album “A Prelude To Sorrow” on November 2nd via Century Media Records, US dark melodic metal act WITHERFALL presents a captivating and moving video for the album’s epic ‘Vintage’.
The band comments on the track:
“Vintage” is the most personal song WITHERFALL has ever written. The backstory for “Vintage” occurred in November of 2015 while Joseph Michael, Jake Dreyer and Anthony Crawford were waiting for Adam Sagan to arrive in Los Angeles for the first photoshoot for “Nocturnes and Requiems”. Joseph was on his way to pick up Adam from LAX when we received a call from Sagan on his way to the airport, he was having severe stomach pains and would need to head to the emergency room instead. At first he thought he was having appendicitis, it turned out he had Lymphoma. He was scheduled for Chemo immediately and could not come to Los Angeles. This was the reason there is not one full band photo of WITHERFALL with Adam.
To drown away their sorrows, Jake and Joseph headed over to a local Hollywood Wine Bar named “Vintage”. The bar having served its purpose is no longer there. There are three movements to this composition the last movement features our respective goodbyes to a fallen friend. Even if you did not know Adam Sagan this song should relate to anyone that has experienced the death of a loved one. “Travel on my Friend”
Carrying on in the spirit of their lost friend, WITHERFALL will travel the world to bring their tragic yet empowering songs to the masses and have now added Germany’s Keep It True festival to their growing 2019 schedule, which also includes an European Acoustic tour with Sonata Arctica and Californian gig with Ensiferum and Septic Flesh. More dates to be announced soon.
WITHERFALL’s “A Prelude to Sorrow” is available now as Limited Edition Digipak, jewelcase CD (US only), gatefold 2LP plus poster and etching on Side D as well as digital album.
WITHERFALL – Confirmed as Special Guests on SONATA ARCTICA’s “Acoustic Adventures” European Tour!
After releasing their much-celebrated second studio album “A Prelude To Sorrow” on November 2nd via Century Media Records, US dark melodic metal masters WITHERFALL now have been confirmed as special guest on SONATA ARCTICA’s “Acoustic Adventures” tour kicking off March 13th, 2019. This will the first chance to see WITHERFALL live in Europe!
“We are extremely pleased to finally announce our first European tour as support for the enigmatic SONATA ARCTICA. As with everything else WITHERFALL, this one will be a bit different. This tour will be featuring a special acoustic set to coincide with SONATA ARCTICA’s stripped down theme. There will be many surprises in store to make this a memorable tour. It is with pleasure that we can come bring “A Prelude to Sorrow” and “Nocturnes and Requiems” to the European audiences in this unique way.
WITHERFALL’s 2019 acoustic line-up will consist of:
Joseph Michael - Vocals/Guitar
Jake Dreyer - Guitar
Anthony Crawford - Bass
Steve Bolognese - Percussion
Alex Nasla - Keyboards
WITHERFALL In North America:
1/21/19: Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent W/Ensiferum and Septicflesh
SONATA ARCTICA
»Acoustic Adventures«
Presented by Rock Hard, Rocks, musix, Rock It!, metal.de
WITHERFALL’s “A Prelude to Sorrow” is available now as Limited Edition Digipak, jewelcase CD (US only), gatefold 2LP plus poster and etching on Side D as well as digital album.
Today US dark melodic metal masters WITHERFALL have released “A Prelude to Sorrow”, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2017’s “Nocturnes and Requiems”. Listen to the album in its entirety HERE.
Watch an unboxing video of “A Prelude To Sorrow” HERE.
The media reaction to the album has been nothing short of extraordinary:
"A Prelude To Sorrow" provides the listener a cathartic release through some of the most mesmerizing music I have ever heard. The savage brilliance of this album is stunning
-9.5/10 -Metal Wani-
One of the most talented acts in metal; check this out and be impressed
-Angry Metal Guy-
The turmoil of WITHERFALL‘s chaotic, highly technical and dramatic performance is as impressive as ever.
-Distorted Sound Magazine-
-5/5 Metal Hammer.de-
I implore you listen to ‘A Prelude to Sorrow’ so that you too can share in an album that is as moving as it is memorable, as emotional as it is engaging, as intelligent as it is intimate and that is as heavy lyrically as it is musically. In short, it’s a sonic tour-de-force.
- 9.8/10 Man of Much Metal-
A Prelude To Sorrow" is one of the recordings of the year.
-Rock Hard Greece-
‘We are Nothing’ and ‘Vintage’ being the shining stars. Both songs are 11 minute compositions reminding of the best, progressive metal offered till today.
-9/10 Markusheavymusicblog-
WITHERFALL understand how to package perfectly negative emotions in such a way that a large whole emerges. Despite the blows of fate (or maybe just because of that), the band grows beyond itself. Actually, it cannot get better.
- 9/10 Hell-fire magazine-
8.5 / 10 Joseph Michael’s powerful voice belongs to the best of the genre.
-ROCK HARD (Ger) Soundcheck #9-
-AARDSCHOK (NL) Soundcheck #3-
90 / 100 A blasting album where technique and vibe fit perfectly together!
-LORDSOFMETAL.NL-
9 / 10 – WITHERFALL have delivered an impressive follow-up
-BURNYOUREARS.DE-
Magnificent!
-9/10 Rock Tribune (B)-
‘A Prelude To Sorrow’ overwhelmed me upon first listen and has enough interesting details to keep surprising me"
-Gitarist (NL)-
Bolstered by a clear, crisp recording, this album is an essential listen for any heavy/power/progressive metal fan.
-Wonder Box Metal-
On “A Prelude to Sorrow”, main songwriters Joseph Michael (vocals, Sanctuary – live) and Jake Dreyer (Iced Earth) succeeded in perfectly combining the group’s technical proficiency with an appropriate eerie and somber atmosphere, manifesting also in Kristian Wåhlin’s majestic cover painting. “A Prelude to Sorrow” was mixed and mastered by Chris “Zeuss” Harris. (Sanctuary, Queensryche, Iced Earth)
The album is available as a Limited Edition Digipak, jewel case CD (US only), gatefold 2LP plus poster and etching on Side D as well as digital album.
US dark melodic metal masters WITHERFALL will release the highly anticipated follow-up to 2017’s “Nocturnes and Requiems” on November 2nd, 2018. Now, the band is proud to reveal the first song from “A Prelude to Sorrow”.
“Ode to Despair was the first composition that was completed for “A Prelude to Sorrow” so it only seems fitting to start off with this track. Its origin traces back to around 2016 when we were figuring out what to do with Sagan being sick and unable to perform. Fueled by red wine and only a glimmer of the sorrow that was to come "Ode" took only one writing session to complete. The video was shot over the two month span that we were in the studio tracking “A Prelude to Sorrow” and watching the video brings you into the world we inhabited for what seems like an eternity... Special thanks to Don Adams and his masochistic tendencies and keen editor’s eye. Stay tuned for more...”
On “A Prelude to Sorrow”, main songwriters Joseph Michael (vocals, Sanctuary – live) and Jake Dreyer (Iced Earth) succeeded in perfectly combining the group’s technical proficiency with an appropriate eerie and somber atmosphere, manifesting also in Kristian Wåhlin’s majestic cover painting. For mix and mastering, WITHERFALL again worked with Chris “Zeuss” Harris (Sanctuary, Queensryche, Iced Earth) and “Ode to Despair” is just a mere glimpse at the depth and quality, the album holds within.
The “A Prelude To Sorrow” track list can be viewed below:
WITHERFALL – A Prelude To Sorrow
1. A Prelude To Sorrow (1:27)
2. We Are Nothing (11:13)
3. Moment Of Silence (6:55)
4. Communion Of The Wicked (6:40)
5. Maridian’s Visitation (3:1)
6. Shadows (7:08)
7. Ode To Despair (3:49)
8. The Call (2:11)
9. Vintage (11:06)
10. Epilogue (2:47)
The album will be released as Limited Edition Digipak, jewelcase CD (US only), gatefold 2LP plus poster and etching on Side D as well as digital album.
The following limited vinyl colours are available:
US dark melodic metal masters WITHERFALL will release the highly anticipated follow-up to 2017’s “Nocturnes and Requiems” on November 2nd, 2018. The band reveals more details about this stunning new offering:
“A Prelude To Sorrow is a concept record, though not in the sense that most people have come to know the form. Ours is not a story where each song acts as a chapter. The inspiration lays in the supremely dark reality that was the passing of our drummer and one of our best friends Adam Sagan. These songs are raw emotional reflections, composed in the witching hours under the influence of wine and sorrow, while watching and helping our friend fight and ultimately lose his battle with Lymphoma. Nocturnes and Requiems was dedicated to Adam after the fact. A Prelude to Sorrow is written specifically about his and our personal tragedy. Like Nocturnes and Requiems the songs have been arranged to still have the peaks and valleys that any great record should. With “Prelude” these peaks just might be a little steeper and the valleys might be a little deeper, alternating between violence and beauty. The titles initials are an acronym for “Adam Paul Sagan”, He came up with Nocturnes and Requiems so we suppose it is kind of fitting that he also inspired this title. Hope he doesn’t come knocking on our door for royalties. We hope that this will be a fitting requiem for our friend and talented musician.”
Given its tragic background, main songwriters Joseph Michael (vocals, Sanctuary – live) and Jake Dreyer (guitars, Iced Earth) succeeded in perfectly combining the group’s technical proficiency with an appropriate eerie and somber atmosphere, manifesting also in Kristian Wåhlin’s majestic cover painting. For mix and mastering, WITHERFALL again worked with Chris “Zeuss” Harris (Sanctuary, Queensryche, Iced Earth).
An album artwork trailer can be seen here: https://youtu.be/-P18I1viXGA
The “A Prelude To Sorrow” track list can be viewed below:
WITHERFALL – A Prelude To Sorrow
1. A Prelude To Sorrow (1:21)
2. We Are Nothing (11:15)
3. Moment Of Silence (6:50)
4. Communion Of The Wicked (6:35)
5. Maridian’s Visitation (3:30)
6. Shadows (7:03)
7. Ode To Despair (3:51)
8. The Call (3:52)
9. Vintage (11:06)
10. Epilogue (2:53)
The album will be released as Limited Edition Digipak, jewelcase CD (US only), gatefold 2LP plus poster and etching on Side D as well as digital album.
The following limited vinyl colours are available:
Hey guys, in response to the massive interest in some of the Limited Edition Vinyl and import CD Digipacks in the US our friends over at Century Media have sent us a few so you collectors and fans can get your hands on them without the Massive IMPORT costs.
In Honor of our favorite coincidence, Witherfall are having a FLASH SALE... All merch on the site is 13% off from now til Monday. Head on over to http://www.witherfall.com/merch and enter code FRIDAY13 at checkout!
WITHERFALL sign worldwide deal with Century Media Records
“…an epochal, truly progressive power metal masterpiece, full of vigour, darkness and energy”
DEAF FOREVER
“…an epochal, truly progressive power metal masterpiece, full of vigour, darkness and energy”
DEAF FOREVER
US epic progressive metal rising force WITHERFALL have signed a worldwide deal with Century Media. WITHERFALL, who seem to have come out of nowhere in late 2016, have stirred up the international scene with their unique approach of combining epic metal with dark heavy metal and complex yet catchy progressive metal to style that reminds of early Crimson Glory, the Conspiracy/The Eye era of King Diamond and the great achievements of bands like Nevermore, Fates Warning and Queensrӱche.
WITHERFALL comment on the signing:
“We are very honored to be a part of the Century Media legacy. The roster of acts they have worked with speaks volumes about the pride they take in bringing original and engaging music to Metal fans around the globe. Witherfall promises to deliver on the Century Media slogan of "Quality in Metal".”
WITHERFALL’s debut album “Nocturnes And Requiems”, self-released by the band in the USA, hit the scene like a hammer, receiving raving reviews from both press and fans (soundcheck #2 in German Deaf Forever magazine, “demo of the month” in German Rock Hard magazine etc.). Now “Nocturnes And Requiems” will see its European release on October 6th 2017 as a limited CD Digipak version with three stickers, a noble LP version with gatefold sleeve, inlay, poster and CD as well as digital download/stream.
The beautiful cover artwork was done by legendary painter Kristian Wahlin (Tiamat, Dissection, Emperor and many more).
The pre-sale at CM Distro will start on August 4th.
For the vinyl collectors, “Nocturnes And Requiems” is available in the following colours:
Black vinyl: unlimited
Golden vinyl: limited to 100 copies, exclusively offered at CM Distro Europe
Dark green vinyl: limited to 200 copies, available at various online mailorder stores
Witherfall is the passion project of current Iced Earth guitarist Jake Dreyer and singer Joseph Michael. The pair met while playing together in White Wizzard before deciding to collaborate on Witherfall – along with drummer Adam Sagan – in 2013. Their first EP even had a track featured in Rock Band. Not bad for a first release, eh?
“What We Are Dying For” is a straight-up banger off the band’s debut full-length, Nocturnes and Requiems. It’s a doozy, clocking in around 7 minutes and including plenty of dynamics shifts to keep attentive listeners on their toes. The album itself’s been out since February 10th, so it’d be wise to check it out.
