Joseph Michael Music

In support of their new album “Escape Of The Phoenix” via AFM Records on February 26th 2021 Swedish progressive metal band EVERGREY will be hitting the road for an extensive tour throughout Europe in 2021.

As special guest EVERGREY invited no less than dark melodic heavy metal juggernaut from Los Angeles WITHERFALL. Bringing along their third opus “Curse Of Autumn” (to be released March 5th, 2021 via Century Media Records), the quintet are blazing new trails and weaving new tales, offering a genuine metal classic with an expressive song-writing and a refined and perfectionized sound of their distinguished and musically-adept dark melodic heavy metal.

Opening support comes from the Modern Metal quintet DUST IN MIND, one of the most up and coming French bands today.

EVERGREY Front-man Tom Englund states: "We are really happy to announce a tour of Europe next fall and let's all hope that the world is in a better place by that time so we get to see all you lovely people again!“

WITHERFALL comment: “After a long and tense year WITHERFALL are extremely happy to announce the very first tour dates in support of our soon to be released Album ‘Curse of Autumn’ as special guests with the brilliant Evergrey. We look forward to seeing all of our European friends and are excited to make some new ones in these new and uncharted waters.”

Rock Hard, Eclipsed, MusiX and metal.de present:

Recharging Europe Tour 2021

EVERGREY

+ special guest: WITHERFALL

+ DUST IN MIND

08.10.21 (DE) Oberhausen - Resonanzwerk

09.10.21 (GB) London - 229 venue

10.10.21 (GB) Nottingham - Rescue Rooms

11.10.21 (GB) Bristol - The Fleece

12.10.21 (GB) Manchester - Academy 3

13.10.21 (GB) Newcastle - St Dom’s Social Club

14.10.21 (GB) Glasgow - Cathouse

15.10.21 (IE) Dublin - Voodoo Lounge

16.10.21 (GB) Birmingham - The Asylum 2

17.10.21 (NL) Leiden - Gebr. De Nobel

19.10.21 (DE) Stuttgart - Im Wizemann Club

20.10.21 (DE) Hamburg - Bahnhof Pauli

21.10.21 (DE) Berlin - Columbia Theater

22.10.21 (NL) Eindhoven - Dynamo

23.10.21 (BE) Vosselaar - Biebob

24.10.21 (DE) Mannheim - 7er Club

25.10.21 (DE) Nürnberg - Hirsch

26.10.21 (DE) Lindau - Club Vaudeville

27.10.21 (DE) Munich - Backstage Halle

29.10.21 (DE) Aschaffenburg - Colos-Saal

30.10.21 (DE) Andernach - Live Club

31.10.21 (CH) Luzern - Schüür

01.11.21 (FR) Colmar - Le Grillen

02.11.21 (FR) Lyon - CCO Villeurbanne

03.11.21 (ES) Barcelona - Boveda

04.11.21 (ES) Madrid - Shoko

05.11.21 (ES) Pamplona - Totem

06.11.21 (FR) Toulouse - L'Usine

07.11.21 (FR) Paris - Petit Bain

WITHERFALL have already released 3 songs taken from “Curse Of Autumn”. Don’t miss the cinematic video for “As I Lie Awake” that was directed by Zev Deans (Ghost, Behemoth…): https://youtu.be/KFbrq-n17Gs

Make sure to check out as well:

“Another Face (Lyric Video)”: https://youtu.be/jUDgiOskP0g

“The Last Scar (Visualizer Video)”: https://youtu.be/qybjieZibRU

“Curse Of Autumn” will be available as Ltd. CD Digipak, a luxurious Gatefold 2LP that is coming with a poster and etching on Side D as well as Digital Album. Click here for preorder options including coloured vinyl: https://witherfallband.lnk.to/CurseOfAutumn/

(photo by Stephanie Cabral)

WITHERFALL are:

Joseph Michael - Vocals/Keyboards (also in Sanctuary)

Jake Dreyer - Acoustic and Electric Guitars (also in Iced Earth/Demons & Wizards)

Anthony Crawford - Bass (Chon, Shalmor, Allan Holdsworth, Justin Timberlake, Kirk Whalum…)

Marco Minnemann - Drums (The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson, Tony Levin, Jordan Rudess, Necrophagist…)

Alex Nasla - Live Keyboards

Follow WITHERFALL:

https://www.witherfall.com/

https://www.facebook.com/witherfall

https://www.instagram.com/witherfallofficial/

https://twitter.com/witherfall

https://www.youtube.com/witherfall

Click Here to buy merch/cds/vinyl etc

Witherfall release new single "Another Face”, off their new album “Curse Of Autumn” out March 5, 2021

“Another Face” is the third single taken from “Curse Of Autumn”, the upcoming album from Los Angeles-based dark melodic metallers WITHERFALL. Helmed by vocalist/keyboardist Joseph Michael (Sanctuary), guitarist Jake Dreyer (Iced Earth), bassist Anthony Crawford (Chon), and drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats), WITHERFALL’s new configuration aligns the brightest stars.

WITHERFALL enlisted Bradley Cook (Slash) to track the drums at Doghouse Studios and Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth/ Demons & Wizards) to produce (with Michael/Dreyer) at Independence Hall. Jim Morris (Savatage) engineered and mixed, while Tom Morris (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) mastered at Morrisound Recording. Adorned by a striking Kristian Wåhlin cover and supported by a visually stunning Zev Deans (Ghost, BEHEMOTH!…) video for “As I Lie Awake,” the “Curse of Autumn” is peak WITHERFALL.

Stream and Pre-order here

https://witherfallband.lnk.to/CurseOfAutumnID

Watch The Video for "As I Lie Awake"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFbrq-n17Gs

For your Consideration Witherfall - I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty Cover)

Witherfall - I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty Cover) is up for Grammy Consideration this year for Best Rock Performance at the 62nd Grammy Awards! If your a voting member head over to your portal and vote: https://bit.ly/2SKMT7F

If Video Doesn't Play Click Here:

Listen on Spotify here:

Buy The CDS/Shirts/Vinyl here

Sanctuary Into The Mirror Black 30th Year Anniversary Edition

SANCTUARY – to release 30th Anniversary Edition of “Into The Mirror Black” on October 9th, 2020. Presales are available now!

Pre-order your copy on CD or vinyl now: https://sanctuary.lnk.to/IntoTheMirrorBlack30Anniversary

Into the Mirror Black T-shirts can also be found at http://www.Sanctuaryofficial.com

“Into The Mirror Black”, originally released in 1990, is a truly special, much revered metal record, which received massive critical acclaim back when it came out and is still loved dearly to the very day.

Its gloomy atmosphere and thought-provoking lyrics, its brilliant mix borderlining heavy and thrash metal, its stellar guitar work and the expressive vocals of the one and only Warrel Dane (R.I.P.) are just some of the reasons why this record stood the test of time.

In 2020, “Into The Mirror Black” celebrates its 30th anniversary and while the plans to commemorate this event live with current singer Joseph Michael (Witherfall) had to be postponed, these limited triple vinyl and double CD deluxe editions created with guitarist Lenny Rutledge, honour the timeless grandeur of “Into The Mirror Black” extremely well and will be released through Century Media Records as strictly limited formats on October 9th, 2020.

Lenny Rutledge comments:

“We are so excited to finally be releasing this special edition of “Into The Mirror Black”! The remaster of the original songs sounds awesome and the 1990 “Black Reflections” live concert is finally going to be released in all its authentic live glory. The live material was mixed and mastered by Zeuss and is presented as recorded. No re-recordings or overdubs. Look for Sanctuary on tour in Fall of 2021 playing the entire “Into The Mirror Black” set. We cant wait to bring the live show to Europe, USA and South America in 2021.”

The album was carefully remastered by Zeuss (Queensrÿche, Iced Earth, Overkill) to make it sound a bit fuller and heavier without losing the original feel and the extra tracks are real gems for SANCTUARY devotees: Three previously unreleased studio demos (incl. ‘I’m Insane’) and an entire, newly mixed 10-track live album from 1990, which was only partially released on a rare promo-EP. “The concert from 1990 is a total snapshot in time,” says Zeuss, “when the band was at its peak. It’s captured before the initial breakup which led to Warrel and Jim forming Nevermore. Hearing it brought me right back to the first time I personally saw them.”

Apart from its sonic treasures, this new edition also offers tons of rare and previously unpublished photos as well as liner notes from Lenny Rutledge and bassist Jim Sheppard, who share memories, good and bad, tour stories and give insight into the creation of this opus resulting in a companion release to 2017’s “Inception”.

“Into The Mirror Black (30th Anniversary Edition)” will be released as limited LP edition containing three 180 gram vinyls housed in a widespined Gatefold sleeve and includes an 8-page LP-sized booklet, and the 2CD format comes in a digipak and slipcase packaging.

The tracklisting is below:

DISC 1 (60:53)

1. Future Tense (5:07)

2. Taste Revenge (5:03)

3. Long Since Dark (5:06)

4. Epitaph (6:03)

5. Eden Lies Obscured (5:23)

6. The Mirror Black (5:06)

7. Seasons of Destruction (4:51)

8. One More Murder (4:20)

9. Communion (5:38)

10. Future Tense (Demo 1989) (5:16)

11. I Am Insane (Demo 1989) (4:04)

12. Mirror Black (Demo 1989) (4:56)

DISC 2 (49:26)

1. Eden Lies Obscured (Live 1990) (5:15)

2. Seasons of Destruction (Live 1990) (5:01)

3. Die For My Sins (Live 1990) (4:05)

4. Future Tense (Live 1990) (5:15)

5. White Rabbit (Live 1990) (5:37)

6. Taste Revenge (Live 1990) (5:09)

7. Long Since Dark (Live 1990) (5:08)

8. Sanctuary (Live 1990) (4:25)

9. One More Murder (Live 1990) (4:13)

10. Battle Angels (Live 1990) (5:18)

The “Into The Mirror Black (30th Anniversary Edition)” will be also available as limited lilac vinyl (200 copies, exclusively available through www.cmdistro.de) and limited grey vinyl (300 copies).

Pre-order your copy on CD or vinyl now: https://sanctuary.lnk.to/IntoTheMirrorBlack30Anniversary

Line-up (on this recording):

Warrel Dane - Vocals

Lenny Rutledge - Guitars

Sean Blosl - Guitars

Jim Sheppard - Bass

Dave Budbill – Drums

Line-up (current):

Joseph Michael - Vocals

Lenny Rutledge - Guitars

George Hernandez - Bass

Dave Budbill – Drums

SANCTUARY online:

www.sanctuaryofficial.com

New Witherfall Clip

A sneak peak into the latest Witherfall Production can be watched here... Special guest producer announcement soon!

https://youtu.be/HRlQP3ZAKXc

A special gift will be given to anyone that pre-orders the new album package from now until July 31st... Only 1000 will be available. Order now at

http://www.witherfall.com

Witherfall Tempest Red Blend Wine Now Available

WITHERFALL ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE TEMPEST RED BLEND WINE

BAND IN THE STUDIO RECORDING NEW ALBUM

(Los Angeles, CA – March 30, 2020) – US dark melodic metal act WITHERFALL announce Tempest Red Blend wine. The band partnered up with one of their favorite California wineries, Carlie & Echo, to bring fans their very own limited edition red blend. The wine will be shipping starting May 1st and is available for purchase HERE.

“With the amount of red wine that various members of Witherfall consume on a daily basis, it is only fitting that we partnered up with one of our favorite California Wineries Charlie & Echo to introduce our very own Witherfall ‘Tempest Red Blend’. Witherfall vocalist Joseph Michael met with Charlie & Echo chief Eric Van Drunen during an event and sampled some of the wines,” states Witherfall about the announcement. During these apocalyptic times, with everyone now shuttered inside, the best way we can think of to cope and escape the madness is to become comfortably numb with a nice bottle of ‘Tempest Red Blend’ accompanied by attractive company and your favorite Witherfall tracks spinning in the background.”

"I was instantly in love with the dark variety of reds i sampled. They perfectly matched my palate. We spoke for a few months and finally we are able to bring you this collaboration,” states Witherfall frontman Joseph Michael.

"We were thrilled when Witherfall approached us about teaming up on a wine, and we're really pleased with the Tempest Red Blend that we've created. A blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Nebbiolo and Zinfandel, it exudes depth, complexity and richness, while maintaining a melodic vibrancy. The wine was made completely naturally from a vineyard farmed using only organic methods, so there's an honesty to it that I think reflects the values of the music,” states Charlie & Echo winemaker, Eric Van Drunen.

Witherfall is currently back in the studio working on their new album. Stay tuned for more details on the band’s forthcoming third full-length album by following the band on socials.

Vintage, Witherfall’s recent EP, was released Spring 2019 to much anticipation from the metal world. Vintage includes acoustic interpretations of tracks from the band’s previous acclaimed releases A Prelude to Sorrow and Nocturnes and Requiems. It also includes covers of Helloween’s “A Tale That Wasn’t Right” and Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down”. Vintage is available to stream and purchase HERE.

WITHERFALL is Joseph Michael (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards), Jake Dreyer (Guitars), Anthony Crawford (Bass), Alex Nasla (Keyboards), and Bruno Valverde (Live Drums).

Purchase/Stream A Prelude To Sorrow:

Purchase/Stream Nocturnes and Requiems

Watch “Ode To Despair”:

Watch “Vintage”:

RIP Paul Sternquist

Today i learned that one of my oldest and dearest friends passed away from cancer. Paul was one a kind. Some how managing to be both curmudgeon yet good spirited at the same time. Paul was one of the first people i met when i came back to Los Angeles in the mid 2000's we played in a few ridiculous cover bands. In 2007 he joined my psuedo-goth prog band Midnight Reign...

I'm most proud of this song We wrote together while working on his 2nd Solo CD... His solo is really special on this one.

Anyone that knows me, knows that i have little time for friends and zero time for acquaintances... I can count on my left hand my great friends... Paul was one of them. I love and will miss him. Travel on...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaYNWI0p9nA

RIP Paul Sternquist

Paul is survived by his wife and co-curmudgeon Teresa Sternquist. Per his wishes she will have him cremated. If you'd like to contribute the Cancer fund is still up and taking donations to pay for this final expense.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/paul-sternquist-cancer-fund

His cremation expenses are due today and anything that you can do helps...

Former and Current Members of Nevermore, Sanctuary & Witherfall Cover Savatage

Joseph Michael (Witherfall, Sanctuary) Van Williams (ex-Nevermore, Ghost Ship Octavious), Anthony Crawford
(Witherfall, Chon), Joey Concepcion (Sanctuary, Jasta), Alex Nasla (Witherfall) and Will Wallner (White Wizzard)
have collaborated on an epic recreation of the Savatage Song "Chance". The Song includes all of the Vocal insanity
of the original and more. The song is set for a digital release July 18th, 2019.

Right now Joseph Michael is out with SANCTUARY performing it's 1988 debut album, "Refuge Denied", in its entirety on
the band's upcoming North American tour. The trek will kick off on July 11 in Atlanta and conclude on August 17 in
Seattle. Support on the tour will come from GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS, the band featuring former NEVERMORE drummer
Van Williams.

"It is with great pleasure that we can finally announce that SANCTUARY are officially continuing on," the group said in a
statement.

"This small string of U.S. dates will serve as the starting point of many more things to come.
"To celebrate the deep history of the band and the connection the fans have with us, we will perform 'Refuge Denied' in its
entirety, along with other popular songs. Along for this journey, GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS will be joining us.
"2019 will be an exciting year."
Tour dates:

Jul. 11 - Atlanta, GA - Basement
Jul. 12 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
Jul. 13 - Frederick, MD - Cafe 611
Jul. 14 - Brooklyn, NY - Saint Vitus Bar
Jul. 16 - Somerville, MA - Once Ballroom
Jul. 17 - Pittsburgh, PA - Crafthouse
Jul. 18 - Cincinnati, OH - North Side Yacht Club
Jul. 19 - Indianapolis, IN - Black Circle Brewery
Jul. 20 - Detroit, MI - Sanctuary
Jul. 21 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
Jul. 27 - HOA Germany
Aug. 09 - Alcatraz Festival
Aug. 16 - Portland, OR - Bossanova Ballroom
Aug. 17 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Sept. 04 - Atlanta, GA ProgPower USA

Download the Song HERE:

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82wrBg39TSs&feature=youtu.be

New Sanctuary Song and Shirt

So, the new Sanctuary album is coming together. We are in rehearsals for our East Coast tour and some festival dates in Europe as well. Here is the artwork that is featured on a T-Shirt at http://www.SanctuaryOfficial.com

The artwork features Lyrics to the new Sanctuary song "Not Of The Living" Details coming soon...

Get Yours now!

Joseph Michael(WItherfall) To Perform Entire Refuge Denied Album with Sancutary

Photo by Neil Lim Sang

SANCTUARY – return to Europe for special festival shows and discuss future plans in new video

On December 13th, 2017, Warrel Dane, the legendary lead singer of Sanctuary and Nevermore passed away while recording his posthumously released studio album “Shadow Work”. At that time, Sanctuary had already confirmed and announced a US tour supporting Iced Earth in February/March 2018 and while shocked by Warrel Dane’s passing, decided to turn it into a tribute to his legacy with exceptionally talented Witherfall vocalist Joseph Michael. Performing tracks from 1988’s “Refuge Denied”, 1990’s “Into the Mirror Black” and 2014’s “The Year the Sun Died”, Joseph Michael delivered a stunning performance and received very positive feedback from the fans attending the shows. Remaining founding members Lenny Rutledge (guitars) and Dave Budbill (drums) ultimately made the decision to continue with Sanctuary and new singer Joseph Michael not only as a live act, but also compose and record a new album, which is currently expected to surface in 2020.

Now, the band has confirmed two European festival shows this summer and will tour North America in July performing the entire “Refuge Denied” album as Lenny Rutledge explains:

“Sanctuary are looking forward to playing two special festival shows in Europe this summer in addition to our commemorative “Refuge Denied” dates in the US where we will perform our classic debut album in full. If you’re an old school Sanctuary fan or a fan of classic metal, you don’t what to miss this run of dates! Joseph Michael (Witherfall) is the new singer of Sanctuary and we will be playing songs from all 3 albums but focusing on the earlier material. Come check out the return of Sanctuary!”

Lenny Rutledge and Joseph Michael reveal more about Sanctuary’s future in this new video:

https://youtu.be/GNIVfSiOENA

While the new album is still months away, Sanctuary will continue to perform live as Joseph Michael enables the group to do intense old school sets including the soaring vocals and high screams, fans know and love on albums such as “Refuge Denied” and “Into the Mirror Black”. Sometimes, great triumph comes from great tragedy, and this sounds true in regards to Sanctuary!

SANCTUARY live 2019

2019 North American tour - Performing all of “Refuge Denied”!

With special guests: Ghost Ship Octavius

July 11 Atlanta, GA - Basement

July 12 Chapel Hill, NC – Local 586

July 13 Frederick, MD – Cafe 611

July 14 Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus Bar

July 16 Somerville, MA – Once Ballroom

July 17 Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse

July 18 Cincinnati, OH – North Side Yacht Club

July 19 Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle Brewery

July 20 Detroit, MI – Sanctuary

July 21 Chicago, IL – Reggies

August 16 Portland, OR – Bossanova Ballroom *

August 17 Seattle, WA – El Corazon *

* only SANCTUARY performing

Tickets and merch available at https://www.sanctuaryofficial.com/home

2019 European festival shows:

25. - 27.07.2019 Brande-Hörnerkichen (DE) Headbangers Open Air

10.08.2019 Kortrijk (BE) Alcatraz Festival

Latest release:

SANCTUARY “Inception” (Remixed & Remastered 1986 Demos) http://smarturl.it/SanctuaryINCEPTION

Also check out:

WARREL DANE “Shadow Work” https://warreldane.lnk.to/ShadowWorkID

WITHERFALL “A Prelude To Sorrow” https://witherfallband.lnk.to/APreludeToSorrow

WITHERFALL “Vintage – EP” https://witherfallband.lnk.to/vintageID

Happy New Years

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

Joseph Michael(WItherfall) Official Vocalist of Sanctuary

Sanctuary founding guitarist/songwriter gives an interview with Decibel Magazine regarding the future of Sanctuary and new Vocalist Joseph Michael..

https://bit.ly/2SOaEJY

Watch a clip from the Iced Earth/Sanctuary tour earlier this year...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTBeW1-x3X0&start_radio=1&list=RDcTBeW1-x3X0&t=5

listen to more and get more info at:

WITHERFALL New Album “A Prelude To Sorrow” Out Today via Century Media

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

WITHERFALL – to release new studio album “A Prelude To Sorrow” on November 2nd!

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 Long Walk Home" now

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

SANCTUARY Plays First Show With WITHERFALL Singer JOSEPH MICHAEL

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 ...

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

Jake Dreyer & Joseph Michael on Tour with Iced Earth and Sanctuary (Warrel Dane Tribute)

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

Jake Dreyer & Joseph Michael on Tour with Iced Earth and Sanctuary (Warrel Dane Tribute)

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

Witherfall Premiere Video For Portrait via Decibel Magazine

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 (Witherfall)

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.

Witherfall Welcomes New Drummer Steve Bolognese (Ex-Into Eternity)

WITHERFALL new live members announced, album out in Europe on October 6th

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

WITHERFALL present an absolute progressive metal highlight.”

13/15 points LEGACY

US dark melodic metal shooting stars WITHERFALL have completed their line up for live activities. After the tragic demise of founding member Adam Sagan, who passed away right before WITHERFALL’s debut album “Nocturnes And Requiems” was ready for release, WITHERFALL have taken a well-deserved break of some few months for drumming auditions, finding a replacement for Adam in the highly talented Steve Bolognese, who by strange coincidence replaced Adam Sagan after his departure from the Canadian progressive power/death metal heroes Into Eternity.

"This is indeed a bitter sweet statement to announce, on one end we are happy to have found a replacement for our late drummer Adam Sagan. On the other side of the coin, we had to find a replacement for Adam. We went through a long period of searching for the right drummer to carry on Adam‘s contributions to Witherfall. With Steve Bolognese we knew from our first rehearsal and assorted meetings that he was the right fit. Not only does Steve pay respect to the drum parts that Adam recorded on "Nocturnes and Requiems". Steve also shares with Adam an impressive writing ability when it comes to composing his drum parts while we are in the pre-production stages for the follow to "Nocturnes and Requiems". We have also been putting in grueling hours getting our live show dialed in. Expect Witherfall touring announcements very soon." – Witherfall

Steve Bolognese comments:

„I am excited to announce that I have recently joined Century Media Recording Artist Witherfall. As happy as I am to be part of such an incredible band, there are tragic circumstances surrounding the situation, as many may know. Original Witherfall drummer Adam Sagan was a friend of mine. Adam was the original drummer and passed away last year during the final stages of production. Sagan and I both played drums with Into Eternity as well as sharing a lot of the same friends, including Jake and Joseph. Adam would come out to see Into Eternity play every time we came through Minnesota. He remained a great friend. Witherfall was Adam's band along with Jake and Joseph. They formed it. I am going to do my best to carry on with it the way Adam would have wanted. Adam Sagan was an amazing talent and he didn't make "Nocturnes and Requiems" an easy record to learn to play on drums, but I am going to do my best. Adam Sagan is truly missed by all. See you all on the road soon!“

Watch Steve’s drum playthrough video of the song “What We Are Dying For” here:

https://youtu.be/U0G7AoaUfZg

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

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

METAL HAMMER

WITHERFALL have also just announced Fili Bibiano as a second guitar player in the line-up and are ready to return back on stage! Watch out!

WITHERFALL’s critically acclaimed debut album “Nocturnes And Requiems”, released in the US earlier this year, will be finally available in Europe on October 6th as limited CD Digipak (with three stickers), deluxe LP (with gatefold sleeve, poster and the entire album on CD) and digitally.

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

9,5/10 points DEAF FOREVER

“Nocturnes And Requiems” can be pre-ordered from the dealer of your choice or directly at CM Distro:

http://www.cmdistro.de/Artist/Witherfall/1871?Page=1&PageSize=25&Sort=13

Or in The US visit http://www.witherfall.com/merch

„WITHERFALL play dark US power/progressive metal, with strong compositions and

flawlessly executed. Fans should definitely take a listen!”

ROCK HARD

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 --- LAST COPIES

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

Fili Bibiano – guitars

Steve Bolognese – drums

WITHERFALL online:

https://www.facebook.com/witherfall/

https://www.witherfall.com/

Century Media Records online:

www.centurymedia.com

www.youtube.com/centurymedia

www.twitter.com/centurymediaeu

www.facebook.com/centurymedia

http://gplus.to/centurymedia

Century Media webshop:

www.cmdistro.com

Dead Girls Don't Say No available for streaming

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