Joseph Michael Music

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. 

 

Last day Sale on this bundle!

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 

 

 

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: 

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 

http://youtube.com/witherfall

 

Stream the latest track from Witherfall. It is available on the Japanese ReIssue via Ward Records.

Trouble viewing? Click Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jENy4QvPR_o&feature=youtu.be

Seattle metal legends SANCTUARY kicked off their North American tour with ICED EARTH  (Thursday, February 22) at Old National Centre in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

These shows are acting as a tribute to the musical legacy of SANCTUARY singer Warrel Dane, who passed away last December. Guest vocals for SANCTUARY on the trek are being provided by Joseph Michael (WITHERFALL). Also joining the band on the road is second guitarist Joey Concepcion ...

Read more: http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-sanctuary-plays-first-show-with-witherfall-singer-joseph-michael/

 

more info at http://www.witherfall.com

 

Nocturnes and Requiems is Witherfall’s debut album. How do you feel it represents your sound? 
Jake Dreyer: I think that we really did a good job on capturing the sound and atmosphere that we were going for. We just wanted to have a record that we personally wanted to listen to. The songs have to come first, we love memorable hooks but also complex instrumental passages that keep us as players interested. All of the parts just flowed during the writing process; nothing was forced. We are currently working on the follow up to Nocturnes, expected in the third quarter of 2018. The sound on that is just an expansion of Nocturnes and Requiems. It’s darker, heavier in some sections and lighter and more dynamic than Nocturnes in others. It might look ridiculous on paper but when one listens, they will understand.  

Joseph Michael:  I think that the record is exactly  as we imagined it. Jake and I sat down to write this record about a month after we left White Wizzard. I could not be happier with the result. The reception from the fans has been remarkable and long lasting. The album is still doing well a year later. READ MORE AT DECIBEL:

 

Photo by Stephanie Cabral

More at http://www.witherfall.com

Hey guys Witherfall guitarist Jake Dreyer and Singer Joseph Michael will be out on the Iced Earth & Sanctuary Tour From February 22nd til April!!!! Get your tickets here and Come and say hello \../, 

https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_header_search&user_input=Iced+Earth+and+Sanctuary&q=Iced+Earth+and+Sanctuary 

In the Meantime check the latest Video for Portrait: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M2Sa8nsdzQ

Today the band releases their new video for the song ‘Portrait’ taken from their full-length debut, “Nocturnes and Requiems”. The video was post-production on the video was completed by renowned producer/director Eduardo Rodriguez known for: Fright Night 2 and El Gringo. Watch the exclusive premiere of the video HERE, courtesy of Decibel Magazine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M2Sa8nsdzQ&feature=youtu.be

 

The band told Decibel about the video, “Witherfall never settle for anything less than perfection in everything do. We have spent the last year searching for the right Video Production Team. A writer/Director that shared our epic vision vision of "Portrait". With multiple locations, a cast and crew of over a dozen as well as adverse filming conditions notwithstanding; It was already an ambitious effort to do a music video like this in the current climate of the industry. To us, it was either go big or go home. We want to thank all of the cast and crew that handled "The Shining" like conditions of the “Portrait” music video production.” 

 

CAST AND CREW 

Ghost- Zel Romero 

Wife - Sarah French 

Husband – James Preston 

Directed - KasterTroy 

Director of Photography – Ryder Page 

Camera Operator – Tyki Sato 

Editor – KasterTroy 

Post Production – Eduardo Rodriguez 

Screenplay – KasterTroy 

Lacey Hawk 

Hair and Makeup – Elizabeth Aston 

WITHERFALL are currently out on high seas as part of the 70000 Tons of Metal Cruise. Following that show, frontman Joseph Michael will perform vocals for Sanctuary as a part of a Warrel Dane tribute on Iced Earth’s North American tour. A complete list of dates can be found HERE. 

BIO 

In August 2017 Witherfall signed a worldwide Recording contract with Century Media Records. Their Debut album Nocturnes and Requiems has been re-released in territories outside the Untied States on October 6th 2017. Witherfall has also secured a deal with Japanese imprint Ward Records for distribution in Japan. A bonus track titled "The Long Walk Home (December)" is included as a bonus on the Ward Records re-release. 

In December 2017 Witherfall booked their first Live Appearance on 70000 Tons Of Metal Cruise and announced the first live lineup including Steve Bolognese (ex-Into Eternity) and Anthony Crawford (Alan Holdsworth/Virgil Donati) Witherfall vocalist Joseph Michael was chosen to pay tribute to the late Sanctuary/Nevermore vocalist Warrel Dane on a farewell tribute tour opening for Iced Earth in Feb-March 2018. 

Joseph Michael - Vocals/Keyboards 

Jake Dreyer - Guitars 

Anthony Crawford - Bass 

Steve Bolognese- Drums 

Fili Bibiano - Guitar 

Eager to resonate their ideas, WITHERFALL headed to Phoenix, Arizona to record their self produced 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. Resulting in eight masterfully executed tracks featuring the group's dynamic blend of darkened melodic and progressive metal, "Nocturnes And Requiems" was released on February 10, 2017 Witherfall.com. 

"Nocturnes And Requiems" is dedicated to the life of Adam Sagan, who passed on December 7, 2016 during the final stages of production. The band collectively commented: "This, as we know, is the last piece of work that Adam contributed and played on. "Adam's talent, passion and personality is woven throughout every part of this record as he was easily one third of the creative force."'Nocturnes and Requiems' was a name that Adam eerily came up with one evening when we were figuring out album titles, [and it] would not have sounded the way it does now without his immense contribution on and off the drums."Adam, we love you, and it's a tragedy that you were not able to see this release. You will always and forever be a member of WITHERFALL. Rest in peace, man." 

WITHERFALL has revealed the album's debut single, "End Of Time", which can be seen/heard in the below lyric music video. Showcasing the melancholic cover artwork painted by Kristian Wåhlin (BATHORY, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WINTERSUN), "End Of Time" presents a unique approach to the idea of a modern metal song with memorable melodic hooks, big choruses and dynamically aggressive vocals combined with virtuosic guitar playing reminiscent of the legends of the neoclassical shred guitar scene and a progressive rhythm section featuring modern extreme drumming techniques and fusion influenced bass lines. 

Buy the debut album here at : 

TOUR DATES 

February 1-5 70000 Tons of Metal Cruise

SANCTUARY Tribute Upcoming Shows as Farewell to Warrel Dane; Announce Guest Vocalist Joseph Michael of (Witherfall) 

Following the unfortunate loss of one of metal's most revered vocalists, WARREL DANE (Sanctuary, Nevermore), prior to SANCTUARY's upcoming dates supporting Iced Earth across North America, the band has announced the tour will go forth as planned. The shows will act as a farewell tour in tribute to the life and memory of DANE with guest vocals for SANCTUARY to be performed by Joseph Michael (Witherfall). 

Sanctuary guitarist Lenny Rutledge comments: 
“Sanctuary has decided to continue on with the Iced Earth tour to pay tribute to our brother Warrel Dane. We have enlisted the help of our friend Joseph Michael from Witherfall. The set will consist of many old and some newer songs performed with the utmost respect and quality to honor our friend. Please join us in this farewell as we celebrate Warrel's musical legacy with Sanctuary. We look forward to sharing this tribute with all of you.” 

Joseph Michael (Witherfall)

"Ok guys, i have been really quiet about this and for good reason:but Sanctuary has bestowed upon me the honor of singing with them on a farewell tribute to the inimitable Warrel Dane (RIP). I hope to see you out there to share in this celebration of a true original and sing along to some great songs."

 

A full list of dates can be found as follows: 
2/22 Indianapolis, IN - Deluxe # 
2/23 CIncinnati, OH - Bogarts # 
2/24 Louisville, KY - Mercury Ballroom # 
2/25 Milwaukee, WI - Turner Ballroom # 
2/26 Minneapolis, MN - Music Hall # 
2/27 Omaha, NE - Sokol Underground # 
2/28 Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall # 
3/2 Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room # 
3/3 Calgary, AB - Marquee Beer Market & Stage # 
3/4 Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theater # 
3/5 Seattle, WA - El Corazon # 
3/7 Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades # 
3/8 Los Angeles, CA - Belasco Theater # 
3/9 San Diego, CA - House of Blues # 
3/10 Anaheim, CA - Parish @ House of Blues # 
3/11 Phoenix, AZ - The Pressroom # 
3/13 San Antonio, TX - Aztec Theatre # 
3/14 Dallas, TX - House of Blues # 
3/15 Houston, TX - House of Blues # 
3/16 New Orleans, LA - Parish @ House of Blues # 
3/17 Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade # 
3/18 Charlotte, NC - Underground # 
3/19 Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage # 
3/21 Wilmington, DE - The Queen # 
3/22 New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre # 
3/23 Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall # 
3/24 Quebec City, QC - Imperial Bell # 
3/25 Montreal, QC - Corona Theater # 
3/26 Toronto, ON - Phoenix Theater # 
3/27 Cleveland, OH - Cambridge Room @ House of Blues # 
3/28 Detroit, MI - St. Andrew’s Hall # 
3/29 Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge # 
# with Iced Earth & Kill Ritual 

Tickets and further details can be found at

SANCTUARY recently released the official prequel to 1988's classic debut "Refuge Denied", "Inception", which showcased several previously lost recordings from their 1986 studio session that have now been restored, remixed and remastered by Chris "Zeus" Harris (Queensryche). 

Formed in 1985, the band were signed to Epic Records with the help of Megadeth guitarist Dave Mustaine and released two records, "Refuge Denied" (1988) and "Into The Mirror Black" (1989) which saw them perform with the likes of Megadeth, Fates Warning, Warlock and Death Angel. The band disbanded in 1992 as members Warrel Dane (vocals) and Jim Sheppard (bass) went on to form the highly successful metal act Nevermore with acclaimed guitarist Jeff Loomis. SANCTUARY reunited nearly 25 years later in 2010 and appeared at several festivals worldwide before returning to the studio to record their acclaimed full-length comeback album "The Year The Sun Died" for Century Media Records in 2014. 

Warrel Dane tragically passed away on December 13, 2017 due to a heart attack while recording his second solo album in São Paulo, Brazil.

 

So... Witherfall not being a band to do anything conventional, we proudly announce our first show. In international waters no less. This will be the bands first show and the first time fans will get to see this lineup in the flesh...

"Please welcome Witherfall on board 70000tons OF METAL 2018, The Original, The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise! Featuring current and former members of #IcedEarth and #WhiteWizzard, these shred-tastic maniacs will entrance you and 2,999 Sailors from around the globe with two hard-hitting sets of pure Heavy Metal! "

Just under one month before we embark on this journey... will you be with us as we make our way to #GrandTurk, our Caribbean "I"sland Dream Destination?

 

 

Witherfall is from L-R Anthony Crawford (Bass) Jake Dreyer (Guitar) Joseph Michael (Vocals/Keyboards) Fili Bibiano (Guitar) Steve Bolognese (drums)

Click Here to purchase the Debut Album "Nocturnes and Requiems" in the US:

http://www.witherfall.com/merch use code THANKYOU10 for a discount!

Click Here to for purchases outside the US: http://smarturl.it/WitherfallNAR

Japanese Fans: https://www.amazon.co.jp/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B01N093ZWY?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Witherfall&index=digital-music&search-type=ss

 

 

 

 

Witherfall new lyric video released 

US dark melodic metal up-and-comers WITHERFALL have released a brand-new lyric video for the track “The Great Awakening”, song #6 on their debut album “Nocturnes And Requiems” (released in Europe on October 6th), which received raving reviews by international media for being one of the most outstanding progressive metal releases of recent times. 

Watch “The Great Awakening” here: 

https://youtu.be/eH-0wypDRno 

 

 

“… a tremendously epic sound, reflecting early Nevermore as well as Fates Warning and the “Conspiracy” era of King Diamond.” 

ROCKS – 5,5/6 points 

“… dark power-prog, reminding on bands like Crimson Glory and Queensrÿche.” 

Rock Hard – 8,5/10 points 

“…an epochal, truly progressive power metal masterpiece, full of vigour, darkness and energy” 

DEAF FOREVER – 9,5/10 points (soundcheck #2) 

“Rounded up by a strong production and a beautiful cover artwork by Kristian Wåhlin, 

WITHERFALL present an absolute progressive metal highlight.” 

LEGACY – 13/15 points 

“A highly ambitious debut album, done by real professionals.” 

RockIT – 9/10 points 

“Fans of virtuoso guitar playing and bands such as Savatage, 

Dream Theater, Symphony X or Into Eternity should check this out!” 

Metal Hammer – 5/7 points 

WITHERFALL are currently writing new songs for the release of their second album, roughly scheduled for autumn/winter 2018. Stay tuned for more info on the recording process and new live activities! 

“Nocturnes And Requiems” tracklist: 

1. Portrait (6:36) 

2. What We Are Dying For (6:54) 

3. Act II (0:54) 

4. Sacrifice (8:59) 

5. The Great Awakening (3:24) 

6. End Of Time (9:36) 

7. Finale (1:49) 

8. Nobody Sleeps Here… (8:49) 

WITHERFALL line-up: 

Joseph Michael – vocals/Keyboards 

Jake Dreyer – guitars 

Anthony Crawford – bass 

Fili Bibiano – guitars 

Steve Bolognese – drums 

Order WITHERFALL CDS/VInyl/Merch online: 

USA: 

https://www.witherfall.com/merch 

Worldwide: 

http://smarturl.it/WitherfallNAR