Witherfall and Century Media Records/Sony Music have teamed up to offer a chance to win a Guitar(skype) lesson with Jake Dreyer (Iced Earth,Witherfall) or A Voice(skype) lesson with Joseph Michael (Sanctuary,Witherfall)!
Click here and Presave the latest release Vintage on Spotify or Apple Music for your chance to Win.
https://forms.sonymusicfans.com/campaign/witherfall-vintage-sweepstakes/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SryxX1CKWuA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAMWcSY1jwI
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."
You can listen to “Ode to Despair” here: https://youtu.be/pq0MCWvrz7s
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.
Black vinyl and the limited hand-numbered CD Digipak as well digital formats are available here: https://witherfallband.lnk.to/vintage
WITHERFALL will be part of Sonata Arctica’s “Acoustic Adventures” tour, which is kicking off on March 13th in Oslo, Norway:
WITHERFALL live:
SONATA ARCTICA
»Acoustic Adventures«
Presented by Rock Hard, Rocks, musix, Rock It!, metal.de
w/ WITHERFALL (‘Acoustic set’)
13.03. Oslo (NO) Parkteatret
14.03. Stockholm (SE) Södra Teatern
15.03. Malmö (SE) Palladium
16.03. Hamburg (DE) Fabrik
17.03. Eindhoven (NL) Effenaar
19.03. London (UK) Islington Assembly Hall
20.03. Haarlem (NL) Patronaat
21.03. Aschaffenburg (DE) Colos-Saal
22.03. Paris (FR) Le Trabendo
23.03. Lyon (FR) Ninkasi Kao
24.03. Mailand (IT) Teatro Dal Verme
26.03. Pratteln (CH) Z7
27.03. Nürnberg (DE) Hirsch
28.03. Prag (CZ) Roxy
29.03. Stuttgart (DE) Im Wizemann (Club)
30.03. Bochum (DE) Christuskirche
26.04 – 27.04 (exact date tba) WITHERFALL ‘Electric set’ @ Keep It True XXII, Germany
w/ Candlemass, Satan, Agent Steel, Midnight & many others
Booking:
www.facebook.com/DragonProductionsOfficial
WITHERFALL is:
Joseph Michael - Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards
Jake Dreyer - Guitars
Anthony Crawford - Bass
Alex Nasla – Keyboards
Steve Bolognese- Drums
WITHERFALL online:
www.witherfall.com
https://www.facebook.com/witherfall
www.instagram.com/witherfalofficial
https://twitter.com/witherfall
Hey there, just a quick message to remind you that we have new music coming out on February 8th! The first song may surprise you... Keep up to date by subscribing to Witherfall on various media
https://www.youtube.com/witherfall
http://www.facebook.com/witherfall
https://www.instagram.com/witherfallofficial
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/witherfall/1173155042
If you have Spotify please subscribe to our channel here:
Shot in Header taken of Sarah French from the Witherfall Video Portrait: Watch Now!
By the way we have new Tour Shirts! Order now here: use code THANKYOU10 at checkout for 10% off!
Model Jelene Rupic
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)
Pre-order the Vintage EP and also The "Nobody Sleeps Here Score" Posters 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.
WITHERFALL “Vintage – EP” (40:51) track-listing:
1. Vintage Medley
Vintage I
Nobody Sleeps Here…
Vintage II
2. A Tale That Wasn't Right (Helloween cover)
3. Ode To Despair (Acoustic)
4. The Long Walk Home (December)
5. I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty cover)
6. Vintage (album version) https://youtu.be/hlD3-EWGNZA
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.
An introductory clip can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAT2Jw66a9k
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.
https://witherfallband.lnk.to/APreludeToSorrow
9.5 / 10 – “Simply outstanding.”
DEAF FOREVER Soundcheck #3
8.5 / 10 “Joseph Michael’s powerful voice belongs to the best of the genre.”
ROCK HARD Soundcheck #9
9 / 10 “This kind of music can hardly be presented any more exciting, persistent and captivating”
ROCKS
9.5 / 10 – “a thought provoking journey into darkness using music to light your way.”
METALWANI.COM
"Magnificent!"
9/10 ROCK TRIBUNE
WITHERFALL live:
Witherfall with Ensiferum, Septic Flesh
21.01 Los Angeles (US) Regent Theater
SONATA ARCTICA
»Acoustic Adventures«
Presented by Rock Hard, Rocks, musix, Rock It!, metal.de
w/ WITHERFALL (‘Acoustic set’)
13.03. Oslo (NO) Parkteatret
14.03. Stockholm (SE) Södra Teatern
15.03. Malmö (SE) Palladium
16.03. Hamburg (DE) Fabrik
17.03. Eindhoven (NL) Effenaar
19.03. London (UK) Islington Assembly Hall
20.03. Haarlem (NL) Patronaat
21.03. Aschaffenburg (DE) Colos-Saal
22.03. Paris (FR) Le Trabendo
23.03. Lyon (FR) Ninkasi Kao
24.03. Mailand (IT) Teatro Dal Verme
26.03. Pratteln (CH) Z7
27.03. Nürnberg (DE) Hirsch
28.03. Prag (CZ) Roxy
29.03. Stuttgart (DE) Im Wizemann (Club)
30.03. Bochum (DE) Christuskirche
26.04 – 27.04 (exact date tba) WITHERFALL ‘Electric set’ @ Keep It True XXII, Germany
w/ Candlemass, Satan, Agent Steel, Midnight & many others
Booking: www.facebook.com/DragonProductionsOfficial
WITHERFALL is:
Joseph Michael - Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards
Jake Dreyer - Guitars
Anthony Crawford - Bass
Alex Nasla – Keyboards
Steve Bolognese- Drums
https://www.facebook.com/witherfall
www.instagram.com/witherfallofficial
Happy New Years from all of us in WItherfall, we have exciting news to share with you within the next two weeks!
Here is a discount code good until the morning for 20% off enter NEWYEAR at checkout
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.
The following limited vinyl colors are available:
• 400x transparent blue vinyl – only available at www.witherfall.com/merch
• 200x clear vinyl – only available at Century Media’s European store http://bit.ly/WitherfallCMD
• CD/LP plus t-shirt bundles available here: https://merchnow.com/catalogs/witherfall
View all “A Prelude To Sorrow” order options: https://witherfallband.lnk.to/APreludeToSorrow
Jake Dreyer & Anthony Crawford (WITHERFALL) release ‘Moment of Silence’ playthrough via Ultimate-Guitar.com
On November 2nd, 2018, US dark melodic metal masters WITHERFALL will release “A Prelude to Sorrow”, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2017’s “Nocturnes and Requiems”. Now, the band presents a guitar & bass playthrough video of the previously released single ‘Moment Of Silence’.
Enjoy bassist Anthony Crawford and Jake Dreyer play through ‘Moment Of Silence’ here:
PLAYTHROUGH VIDEO
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) and the album’s track listing 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:
400x transparent blue vinyl – only available at www.witherfall.com/merch
200x clear vinyl – only available at Century Media’s European store http://bit.ly/WitherfallCMD
CD/LP plus t-shirt bundles available here: https://merchnow.com/catalogs/witherfall
View all “A Prelude To Sorrow” pre-orders: https://witherfallband.lnk.to/APreludeToSorrow
WITHERFALL is:
Jake Dreyer - Guitars
Joseph Michael - Vocals/Keyboards
Anthony Crawford - Bass
Fili Bibiano - Guitar
Steve Bolognese- Drums
WITHERFALL online:
https://www.facebook.com/witherfall
www.instagram.com/witherfallofficial
https://twitter.com/witherfall
Visit the Merch Store for this Sweet Pick Set Deal!
Watch the Clip for the next Witherfall Single "Moment Of Silence" Taken from the new album out Nov 2nd "A Prelude To Sorrow!
Clip not loading click Below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZw1145b8Lo
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...”
The “Ode to Despair” video can be seen here: https://youtu.be/z_LUai2NYMQ
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:
400x transparent blue vinyl – only available at www.witherfall.com/merch
200x clear vinyl – only available at Century Media’s European store http://bit.ly/WitherfallCMD
All “A Prelude To Sorrow” pre-orders are available here: https://witherfallband.lnk.to/APreludeToSorrow
WITHERFALL is:
Jake Dreyer - Guitars
Joseph Michael - Vocals/Keyboards
Anthony Crawford - Bass
Fili Bibiano - Guitar
Steve Bolognese- Drums
WITHERFALL online:
www.witherfall.com
https://www.facebook.com/witherfall
www.instagram.com/witherfallofficial
https://twitter.com/witherfall
Today we celebrate Record Store Day as a reminder of what actually supports the great music you consume to enrich your lives and stimulate your imagination. (Hopefully along with a good bottle of some intoxicating substance and attractive company) While we were blown away by the response to the Debut Release of "Nocturnes and Requiems" we cannot wait until you can hear our latest creations! Thank you so much for supporting Witherfall... New Music is in the works.
We have partnered with quite a few record shops all over the world including ZIA Records (Las Vegas,Phoenix & Tucson), Amoeba Music (Los Angeles,San Fransisco & Berkley) Underground Power Records (Germany), Cash4Chaos (Las Vegas), Steel Gallery Records (Greece) and many more.
If you are in these locations please help out the scene by purchasing "Nocturnes and Requiems" in shop and If not we are doing a special promotion; until Tuesday enter code RECORDSTOREDAY20 and take 20% off your entire order. Just visit our Store here:
Did you Follow us on Spotify?
spotify:artist:47pHmYTcbJ21gXnhKeZlOe
more info at: Witherfall.com
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.
We have the following
Because there are so few quantities we are selling them only as a package bundled with a Witherfall shirt...
Those of you in countries outside the US can still order at:
http://smarturl.it/WitherfallNAR
Hey guys just a quick heads up regarding the "In Vino Veritas" sepcial edition (200 copies ltd) shipping... The Supplier has had a few issues with his shipments. Vinyl is a multi step process that requires three different warehouses and shipping and assembly points. We expect to receive the LPs around the 6th. We will ship as soon as we receive them.
+++ New Witherfall Patches are available+++
20% off right now!
http://www.witherfall.com/merch
Order the Ultimate Package and get a free patch included...
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!
Cheers!~
Follow us on Spotify while your at it too!
The Witherfall Century Media Presale has begun! Here are the links for the limited Edition Releases as well as where to buy Witherfall records in all territories outside the United States.
US customers can purchase here:
Get Nocturnes and Requiems in all formats including the special edition Gold and Green Vinyl versions: Europe, Asia, Australia and South America
Visit Here: http://smarturl.it/WitherfallNAR
Again: US Customers Please visit: http://www.Witherfall.com/merch
WITHERFALL Signs With CENTURY MEDIA U.S. progressive metallers
WITHERFALL — the collective brainchild of guitarist Jake Dreyer (ICED EARTH, KOBRA AND THE LOTUS, WHITE WIZZARD), singer Joseph Michael (WHITE WIZZARD) and the late Adam Sagan (CIRCLE II CIRCLE, INTO ETERNITY)— have signed a worldwide deal with Century Media.
The band, whose debut album was independently released this past February, has stirred up the international scene with its 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 QUEENSRŸCHE.
WITHERFALL comments 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.'"
"Nocturnes And Requiems" will receive a European release on October 6 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 created by legendary painter Kristian Wahlin (TIAMAT, DISSECTION, EMPEROR). With Dreyer and Michael having previously worked together in WHITE WIZZARD and Sagan collaborating with Dreyer on the critically acclaimed debut instrumental EP, "In The Shadows Of Madness" — which included a featured track for the popular video game franchise Rock Band — the trio combined forces to begin writing for the new project in 2013. Eager to resonate their ideas, WITHERFALL headed to Phoenix, Arizona to record their debut album, "Nocturnes And Requiems", with engineer Ralph Patlan (MEGADETH, Brian "Head" Welch, MSG) in late 2014. The album was then sent on to New York City for mixing and mastering by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, QUEENSRŸCHE, HATEBREED) at Planet Z. "Nocturnes And Requiems" is dedicated to the life of Adam Sagan, who passed on December 7, 2016 during the final stages of production. Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/witherfall-signs-with-century-media.html#4jRfWQ1eGjsbYcGZ.99
Get Nocturnes and Requiems in all formats including the special edition Gold and Green Vinyl versions:
Europe, Asia, Australia and South America
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
“Nocturnes And Requiems” tracklist:
Portrait (6:36)
What We Are Dying For (6:54) --- watch Jake Dreyer’s playthrough video here
Act II (0:54)
Sacrifice (8:59)
The Great Awakening (3:24)
End Of Time (9:36) --- watch the lyric video here
Finale (1:49)
Nobody Sleeps Here… (8:49)
WITHERFALL line-up:
Joseph Michael – vocals
Jake Dreyer – guitars
Anthony Crawford – bass
Adam Sagan – drums (R.I.P.)
WITHERFALL online:
https://www.facebook.com/witherfall/
Century Media Records online:
www.twitter.com/centurymediaeu
Century Media webshop:
Did you Follow us on Spotify?
spotify:artist:47pHmYTcbJ21gXnhKeZlOe
more info at: Witherfall.com
1. Your debut-record came out last month. How were the reactions from your
fans so far?
Joseph- The response has been unbelievable! Jake and I knew going into this that we had created something very special, but we didn't know whether or not it would be well received. Jake was especially cynical... The Industry “Experts” who got advance copies told us that it wouldn't sell, but the numbers have been very good. Who knew Metal fans actually want to hear well crafted compositions with Vocals that actually have melodic attributes.
2. Joseph and Jake: you played together in White Wizzard, before you
started Witherfall. How was it to focus on the new project?
Joseph – With Witherfall we actually could exercise some quality control when it comes to production, songwriting and performances. Also, we are running the operation as opposed to watching someone else with less aptitude try and do it.
JAKE-Witherfall was our project together from the beginning so it meant that we were the ones responsible for everything. The focus is a lot more demanding but at the same time it's the way I prefer because it can be done exactly the way Joseph and I envision. Which could not be said about other projects where you are just a hired gun. It is very refreshing to be able to write songs in a context and boundary that you create and set.
3. You recorded the album in Phoenix, Arizona together with Ralph Patlan,
who already worked with acts like Megadeth or Michael Schenker Group. How
was your collaboration with him and Chris „Zeuss“ Harris, who mastered it?
Joseph – Jake and I had the album arranged and recorded in Demo form in my studio in Los Angeles. We flew Adam down to Phoenix for final tracking. Ralph was hired on to Record,Mix and Master but only ended up performing Tracking Engineer duties. After much strife we found Zeuss and he absolutely nailed what it is we had set out to create.
JAKE-Working with Zeuss who also mixed the record was very easy he is a real pro and knew exactly what we wanted. It took him about a month to deliver everything which is a real accomplishment when you look at the size of the songs and the record as a whole. Ralph Is a very good tracking engineer with a great ear who knows how to get good takes.
4. The record contains many neoclassical parts, especially Jake uses
classical scales in his playing. To me, it sounds like a modern version of
Yngwie Malmsteen. Do you agree?
JAKE-This record was very much influenced by various classical composers and eras. A lot of classical music uses the Harmonic minor scale/Phrygian dominant or the melodic minor scales. So that's where that Yngwie sound comes from since he uses those same things. I am a huge fan of early Yngwie. Witherfall have gotten that comparison quite a bit because it's the neoclassical guitar playing with clean or melodic vocals. Our songs in my opinion sound totally different than Yngwie songs but I think there are very much similarities in certain arenas. I take that as a huge compliment because I really love and respect Yngwie's playing.
Joseph: Jake and I are deep into Classical music. If you listen to
“Nocturnes and Requiems” you will hear many parallels to that early era of composition. I think in the metal community it is really easy to pick out Guitarists that are classically influenced due to the success of the “Shrapnel” style players. Yngwie, Becker, Gilbert etc. But the real “Classical” influence has nothing and I mean absolutely nothing to do with the Technique displayed during the busy “shred” sections. The real essence of the influence is in the Harmonic Movement and Counterpoint that weaves its way through the compositions. Listen to the Chorus section of Portrait. A very simple Vocal Melody harmonized at various points then on the big cadence doubled in octaves... All the while A string part plays a counterpoint melody against the accents in the percussion. Meanwhile another Synth pad pulses in the middle register adding suspensions to Jakes Part.
5. Beside the neoclassical stuff, there are some spanish-influenced parts
for example in 'What We Are Dying For', that remind me of Paco De Lucia.
Who inspired you to do this?
JAKE- Paco de Lucia and Al Di Meola are both some of my biggest influences. I love flamenco music and Latin/Spanish influenced guitar playing and it all pretty much shares a lot of the same harmony so it was very easy to relate. Making two genres blend together seamlessly was always something that was interesting and in "What We Are Dying For" it provided a cool contrast to the song. "Romantic Warrior" by Return to Forever which featured Al Di Meola was a big influence.
6. Are there other important influences you want to mention?
JAKE- besides the ones mentioned above for other guitarists it would be Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Brian May. For bands Queen, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Nevermore, Death, Opeth.
Joseph- King Diamond, Dream Theater and Nevermore for sure. I am a huge fan of big records. Jake loves Pink Floyd, we both love Queen. As far as vocally? I really love singers that don't just sit there in autopilot mode. How many songs in a genre can you listen to with the same vocal delivery? I mean once you have heard a certain style of vocal and yes I am talking about extreme vocals, how much of that do you really want to hear. There are a ton of metal bands out there that I would love to hear just instrumentally because I cannot stand a vocalist who shits on compositions with lazy vocal parts.
7. Joseph, I read that you're the cousin of Ronnie James Dio. Have you ever
sung together or did he even teach you?
Joseph- I never got to meet Ronnie. My family had photos on the walls and I have heard stories. I spoke with him on the phone a couple of times and was an absolute gentleman, not to mention a true vocal artist. Jake and I really bonded early on when we talked about DIO and we both have the same favorite DIO vocal moment.
8. Let's switch to the visual part of the album. What was the idea behind
the Cover-Artwork of your album?
JAKE-That was all done by Kristian Wahlin. Who has worked with King Diamond, Dissection, Wintersun the list goes on. Joseph and I admired his work so much that once he agreed to do our album art we sent him over some pre-production demos we recorded and Joseph sent him over lyrics and Kristian just took it from there.
Joseph- I sent Kristian the demos we had done in my studio and the lyrics. He sent us a sketch with the basic ideas. Looking back that cover gives me chills because of Adam. I wish we had the painting it's like 4' by 4' and hanging in a museum somewhere in Sweden.
10. Both your logo and the album-cover have a dark touch and are linked to
nature. What is your concept regarding this?
Joseph- Jake and I have very similar tastes in Art,Music,Food Inebriants. When we first met up after the shit show that was our previous band it was obvious. Once the first few songs were written we made it a mission to produce a piece of art; “Nocturnes and Requiems” that would be the audio equivalent of reading an amazing piece of literature while drinking the finest wine while semi-nude nymphs frolic in the backround and are sluaghtered. But, you still keep drinking and reading.
JAKE- I believe the darkness just comes naturally with how we write music. So that crossed over into all the visual aspects. Like the music there needed to be some sort of contrast so although it is dark there is beauty in it as well. There is nothing that symbolizes that more than nature.
11. After the tragic loss of your drummer Adam Sagan, you dedicated the
record to his life. Are there already any plans to continue with the band
or is it too early to think about it?
Jake -We definitely will be continuing on as a fully working band as that is how Adam would have wanted his legacy to be carried on. It has been a challenge trying to find someone who can do Adams parts justice but we have auditioned a couple of guys who we will use for touring purposes. Joseph and I have already begun writing a follow up record but it is still at the very beginning stages. Regardless there will for sure be more records from Witherfall.
Joseph – Adam and I became very close after I went out to visit him during his Chemo treatments. He played in some big bands but this was his baby. It is beyond tragic that his life ended the way it did and even more so the timing of it. The album is doing better than we could ever have imagined and he never got to take part in the celebration. His family has been very Adamant(sic) that we need to take Witherfall as far as it will go, to spread the music that Adam Sagan helped create as far as we can. We also have a Translucent Vinyl Edition of the record that we only produced 100 copies of for Fans of Adams that were there from the start.
12. You started with the recordings in 2014, but it has been released this
february. Was the delay coherent to Adams illness?
Joseph - The delay of the record had nothing to do with Adam. He finished his drum parts before he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Ralph Patlan was fired after not delivering mixes for close to a year. That is why “Zeuss” was brought in and he fucking saved the day.
13. Adam also came up with „Nocturnes And Requimes“. Is there a special
message in the title?
JAKE- Adam Joseph and I were at a Thai restaurant during the NAMM show in Anaheim, California during the beginning of 2015 when we were discussing album titles. We were talking about the different classical elements of the record when Adam just blurted out "Nocturnes and Requiems" none of us second guessed it and all came to the conclusion at that moment that that was going to be the name of the record. It's very ironic that Adam came up with that title. As for the message, well he took took that to the grave.
Joseph- Jake and I had been toying with the word Nocturnes for about an hour and by then we were really um, three sheets to the wind. Adam did not really drink very often, but on this occasion he was completely wasted and in celebration mode. Finally he blurted out “Nocturnes and Requiems”. I immediately noticed that it sounded like a Stephen King book title which was fine with Jake and I.
14 What are your plans for the future?
Joseph- We are talking with a few people now to set up the first Witherfall performances and hopefully we can find a band that wants to bring us out on tour that we respect.
15 Anything you want to say?
JAKE- Thank you for the great questions as well as to everyone who read this and supports Witherfall and Nocturnes and Requiems. Very much looking forward to sharing this music with Germany
Joseph- Thanks to everyone that has bought or will buy the record. I cannot wait to see you all out on the road. Anyone reading this can get the album or anything on our site for 15% off using code : rockhard17
Power metal needs a savior. Unfortunately, in recent years, power metal has become a notoriously bland genre. New bands who fail to experiment, veteran bands who are content to release the same album every 2 years, and lots of loud, overproduced albums have plagued the genre for years. If something doesn’t change, the genre will fade away into obscurity...
...If American power metal came back to save the genre as a whole, this would be the band to do it. In King Arthur and Tolkien’s Middle Earth, two frequent sources of power metal inspiration, the saviors of the world are always the offspring of a former great king. Power metal should have a similar hero, then. What better band to do it than one fronted by the cousin of one of the greatest American metal singers of all time? YES: JOSEPH MICHAEL IS FUCKING DIO’S COUSIN....
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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.
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Witherfall, whose debut album Nocturnes and Requiems is out on February 10th, has a classic heavy sound to it that suggests the band has been around for longer than 2013, which is when the project first officially formed. Former White Wizzard members Joseph Michael and Jake Dryer got together with drummer Adam Sagan (Circle II Circle, Into Eternity) and recorded the album, which will be released next Friday, February 10th. Sadly, the album is dedicated to Sagan, who died in December as the album was in it’s final stages of production. The band shared a playlist with us of their favorite supergroups. It’s a pretty solid list because instead of merely being bands that got together to make music, also includes eras of other bands that just happened to have famous musicians in them. Here’s what the band says:
Ronnie James Dio, Richie Blackmore, Cozy Powell and Tony Carey. Doesn’t get more “supergroup” than this. Epic vocals and orchestrated keyboard & guitar interplay.
Tags: Alcatrazz, Black Sabbath, Blotted Science, Cacophony, David Lee Roth, Down, King Diamon, Liquid Tension Experiment, Mr. Big, Rainbow, Winery Dogs, Winger, Witherfall
