The first week sales numbers are coming in for "Curse of Autumn" and we are proud to let you know we charted at #20 in the German charts!

 

 

We also charted at #11 on the NACC Radio Charts!

 

Listen and order at

http://www.witherfall.com/merch

and

https://witherfallband.lnk.to/CurseOfAutumn/

Thanks to all our fans and friends. We cannot wait to celebrate with you all when the world resumes...

 

Angry Metal Guy

On third album, Curse of Autumn all this talent is on vivid display as the band rips through wild, adventurous prog-power anthems tailor-made for fans of Symphony X and Nevermore.

Sonic Perspectives
If you're not already following this band, start yesterday, because it's clear that they're going places.

MetalSucks

Their brand of progressive power metal has a granite-hard edge to it - more Amerithrash than Eurocheese. The emotional core remains intact even as the runtime pushes the hour mark.

Metal Injection

This is a band with the technical proficiency of Dream Theater but the aggression and bombast of 3 Inches of Blood.

GhostCult

Back with their third full-length release, Californian act Witherfall return with prog guns blazing... excess and pomposity are all part of the majesty of prog so just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Witherfall – The Other Side Of Fear (Teaser)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIbG9fCryeU

Be sure to subscribe as well!

 

Full video and song Coming Friday 1/15/2021 click below to watch/stream and get merch: https://www.witherfall.com/

 

Curse of Autumn out March 5th click here to Pre-save or stream

https://witherfallband.lnk.to/CurseOfAutumn/

 

Follow Witherfall

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

https://twitter.com/witherfall

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

https://open.spotify.com/artist/47pHmYTcbJ21gXnhKeZlOe

https://www.youtube.com/witherfall

 

 

 

Subscribe to our new Youtube Channel!~

Watch Future Tense on our channel!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp3MezN05hE&lc=UgwYamBsHfJqPu_24NB4AaABAg&feature=em-comments

p

 

 

 

Order new Patches Here:

 

https://bit.ly/35Q5h6S

 

 

Click Here to Watch the video

 

 

 

 

Support me on Patreon: https://bit.ly/33MZZYo

Get merch and news: http://www.josephmichaelofficial.com

Sanctuary Patches available here: https://bit.ly/35Q5h6S

WITHERFALL – Announced As Special Guest On Evergrey’s “Recharging Europe Tour 2021” 

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 

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 – 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 

 

 

 

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 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”: 

 

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...

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 
 

 

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!

 

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 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

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:

 

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.

 

 

                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