On 6 December 2016 our friend and original Witherfall Drummer Adam Sagan, (Circle II Circle, Into Eternity) passed away at 36 after a hard fought battle with Lymphoma. Along with many that knew Adam, Jake and I were beside ourselves with Grief. Vintage was inspired by the Wine bar that nestled itself much to conveniently near the studio at which we wrote. We had a photo shoot scheduled and Adam was set to get on a plane to LA from his home in Minnesota, but having massive pains in his midsection was diverted to a hospital. He missed the plane and soon we received a call from him revealing his cancer diagnosis. That is the reason there are no band photos of the original lineup. Jake and i looking to drown our despair in a few bottles of wine, made our way to “Vintage”. We sat for hours talking about Adam and what may lie ahead. The first lines in the song “A solitary light, not a soul around us” are quite literal. As we sat outside at our table with a single candle adding the atmosphere we watched the people passing by and contemplated the future.
Moving on to 2024, Witherfall as a live band was becoming very formidable. We decided to start taking tour offers and thus embarked on our first headline tour of Europe (after an epic stint supporting Angra). We were so taken aback by the outpouring of love for our music. You were all there singing along to every word. Screaming back every molody. Humming every Riff. We had a blast tearing through over an 75 minutes of music including both new and older songs in our discog. The highlight every night however was “VINTAGE”. This song obviouosly touched the fans as much as it affected ourselves. People were literally crying at the finale of the song. “Travel On My Friend”… We dedicated the song to Adam Every night.
Over the years we have received many fan letters,emails and correspondance detailing how this song helped them with their own loss. So on this 8th anniversary of the passing of Adam, we decided to let some of the fans have their own tribute in the form of a redux video. We hope you all have a blessed holiday and remember life is short.
Just in time for the start of their European Tour, Los Angeles-based dark melodic metal outfit WITHERFALL are happy to share “Echoes” – a special hidden track attached to the Deluxe Version of their recently released fourth album “Sounds Of The Forgotten”, including a brand new music video.
“Echoes” is also available on Vinyl – it is hidden on side D of all of the USA/EU Vinyl Versions.
The band comments: “Today we embark on our support tour with Angra and after we will play our first Headline tour in Europe Starting in Athens! While we are excited to see you all, We are still not finished unveiling the ‘Sounds of the Forgotten’. For those curious about all things vinyl you may have noticed a groove on side D containing a hidden song. This curiosity is ‘Echoes’. While we were securing the track listing for SOTF we realized that we had recorded too much material for the record to have the flow of the album that we wanted the listener to experience. However this was not a throw away song and hence we had the idea of including it as an Easter egg on the Vinyl version, a special nod shared amongst fans that might just bring back ancient ritual of bonding over vinyl collecting. Now that track is available via the Deluxe Digital Release of ‘Sounds Of The Forgotten’. Enjoy the marriage of consonance and dissonance that is ‘Echoes’.”
Catch Witherfall live on one of the following tour dates:
Witherfall was formed in Los Angeles in 2013. Joseph Michael (also of Sanctuary fame) and Jake Dreyer (ex-Iced Earth/Demons & Wizards) built their new band around drummer Adam Sagan (RIP) and accomplished bassist Anthony Crawford (Allan Holdsworth, CHON). Since then, the group have released three highly regarded albums: Nocturnes and Requiems (2017), A Prelude to Sorrow (2018), and Curse of Autumn (2021) and an ep Vintage (2019). Not one to cut corners, Witherfall enlisted famed drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson) on Curse of Autumn, ensuring the foundations of singles “As I Lie Awake,” “The Other Side of Fear,” and “The River” were second to none. On the upcoming album, Minnemann returns to the fold with an album-only appearance, while drummer Chris Tsaganeas (Wax Owls) and multi-instrumentalist Gerry Hirschfeld (Willie Nelson) Witherfall’s newest permanent members.
Every Witherfall album is a defining moment. From the moment Nocturnes and Requiems thundered across metaldom to the group’s wine endeavors (Tempest Red Blend) with Charlie & Echo Winery, their video collaboration with Cig Neutron (Devil’s Workshop) on “The Other Side of Fear,” a beer partnership with Adroit Theory Brewing Company (Shadows Black IPA), and custom Funko Pop set, Michael and Dreyer have made Witherfall their mission. The journey to this point hasn’t been without toil and upheaval. Determination, however, is the key.
Witherfall are guitarist/songwriter Jake Dreyer, vocalist/songwriter Joseph Michael, bassist Anthony Crawford, drummer Marco Minnemann (recording only), drummer/percussionist Chris Tsaganeas, and keyboardist Gerry Hirschfeld.
DeathWave Records was created by Witherfall headmen Joseph Michael and Jake Dreyer as a vehicle for their music and other projects. Look for more exciting and trailblazing releases from DeathWave Records in the future.
As Melodic Prog/Metal band WITHERFALL kick off the first of many European live shows at Candelabrum Metal Fest this week, Los Angeles-based dark melodic metal outfit WITHERFALL are happy to unveil the music video for their version of “Kings and Queens” – originally written and recorded by Aerosmith off their 1977 album Draw the Line.
“We really wanted to capture the songs subject matter on this video”, explains the band. “Given today’s charged political climate and the discontent on all sides with our civil servants, the world is surely having another Marie Antoinette moment… ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ – Kings and Queens and Guillotines indeed.”
Video Credits Bradford L Cooper – Cinematography & Editing Alex Velasco – Second camera & additional lighting
“Kings and Queens” follows on the heels of Witherfall’s much lauded fourth album “Sounds Of The Forgotten”, which came out in May 2024. Soon, the band will present their music live on stage in Europe. Find all announced dates below:
WITHERFALL – Concerts 2024: 08.09.2024 – (MX) León, Candelabrum Fest 11.09.2024 – (ES) Madrid, Sala Revi Live 12.09.2024 – (ES) Mos, Sala Rebullón 14.09.2024 – (DE) Püchersreuth, Storm Crusher Festival
WITHERFALL HEADLINE with support: Mystery Blue presented by Rock Hard, Metal.de, Powermetal.de & Dragon Productions 05.11.2024 – (GR) Athen, Piraeus Club Academy 07.11.2024 – (BE) Diest, Hell 08.11.2024 – (DE) Bochum, Trompete 09.11.2024 – (DE) Kassel, Goldgrube 10.11.2024 – (DE) Frankfurt, Nachtleben 14.11.2024 – (DE) Osnabrück, Bastard Club 15.11.2024 – (DE) Hamburg, Bambi Galore 16.11.2024 – (NL) Arnhem, Willemeen (+Signum Regis) 17.11.2024 – (NL) Zoetermeer, De Boerderij (+Signum Regis)
Sounds Of The Forgotten Credits Produced by Zeuss, Joseph Michael & Jake Dreyer All Songs by Joseph Michael Furney & Jacob D Dreyer Published by NOCTURNES AND REQUIEMS (A.S.C.A.P) Release label DeathWave Records
Witherfall was formed in Los Angeles in 2013. Joseph Michael (also of Sanctuary fame) and Jake Dreyer (ex-Iced Earth/Demons & Wizards) built their new band around drummer Adam Sagan (RIP) and accomplished bassist Anthony Crawford (Allan Holdsworth, CHON). Since then, the group have released three highly regarded albums: Nocturnes and Requiems (2017), A Prelude to Sorrow (2018), and Curse of Autumn (2021) and an ep Vintage (2019). Not one to cut corners, Witherfall enlisted famed drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson) on Curse of Autumn, ensuring the foundations of singles “As I Lie Awake,” “The Other Side of Fear,” and “The River” were second to none. On the upcoming album, Minnemann returns to the fold with an album-only appearance, while drummer Chris Tsaganeas (Wax Owls) and multi-instrumentalist Gerry Hirschfeld (Willie Nelson) Witherfall’s newest permanent members.
Every Witherfall album is a defining moment. From the moment Nocturnes and Requiems thundered across metaldom to the group’s wine endeavors (Tempest Red Blend) with Charlie & Echo Winery, their video collaboration with Cig Neutron (Devil’s Workshop) on “The Other Side of Fear,” a beer partnership with Adroit Theory Brewing Company (Shadows Black IPA), and custom Funko Pop set, Michael and Dreyer have made Witherfall their mission. The journey to this point hasn’t been without toil and upheaval. Determination, however, is the key.
Witherfall are guitarist/songwriter Jake Dreyer, vocalist/songwriter Joseph Michael, bassist Anthony Crawford, drummer Marco Minnemann (recording only), drummer/percussionist Chris Tsaganeas, and keyboardist Gerry Hirschfeld.
DeathWave Records was created by Witherfall headmen Joseph Michael and Jake Dreyer as a vehicle for their music and other projects. Look for more exciting and trailblazing releases from DeathWave Records in the future.
Los Angeles-based dark melodic metal outfit Witherfall are proud to release their new album “Sounds Of The Forgotten”, out since May 31st.
As CDs and vinyls are on their way to the band’s fans homes, Witherfall also proudly present a new music video for the album’s title track “Sounds Of The Forgotten”. Watch below.
“What started out as a dreamy acoustic guitar passage turned into an epic arena rock-metal-prog anthem.”, Witherfall explain about the song. “Another nod to our darker influences from the 90s including bands like Type O Negative and Alice In Chains. This track was the inspiration for the theme of the album cover. The dark and majestic Purple can almost be heard in the somber waterway that leads our tragic figure downstream to the glowing moon. Please post your thoughts online regarding the album. it took many months and much of our sanity to bring this work to you. We hope you enjoy it. Until the next one…”
Fans eager of getting their hands on Witherfall’s new opus, who haven’t preordered yet, please also note the band’s following remark: “Due to the higher-than-expected demand for “Sounds Of The Forgotten” some outlets may be temporarily out of stock/sold out. The release date has not changed. Please reserve your copy asap at your favorite outlet. This only affects the European markets the album is still available in the USA via http://www.witherfall.com/merch.”
Previously Witherfall have already released the singles “Insidious”, “Ceremony Of Fire”, “Where Do I Begin”, “What Have You Done?”, “When It All Falls Away”, “Kings And Queens”, “They Will Let You Down” and “Opulent”.
Tracklist 1. They Will Let You Down 2. Where Do I Begin 3. A Lonely Path 4. Insidious 5. Ceremony Of Fire 6. Sounds Of The Forgotten 7. Aftermath 8. When It All Falls Away 9. Opulent 10. What Have You Done
The first few select concerts in support of “Sounds Of The Forgotten” have just been announced: 07.09.2024 – (MX) Léon De Los Aldama, Candelabrum Metal Fest 11.09.2024 – (ES) Madrid, Sala Silikona (first time live in Spain!) 12.09.2024 – (ES) Pontevedra, Sala Rebullón 13.09.2024 – (DE) Püchersreuth, Storm Crusher Festival 01.11.2024 – (FR) Toulouse, Ready For Prog? Festival
Witherfall will also be accompanying Angra on their European Tour in October/November 2024.
27.10.2024 – Seville (ES) Sala Custom 29.10.2024 – Vitoria/Gasteiz (ES) URBAN ROCK Concept 29.10.2024 – Barcelona (ES) Sala Boveda 31.10.2024 – Rorschach (CH) Industrie36 – Kulturfabrik Rorschach 01.11.2024 – Colmar (FR) Le Grillen 02.11.2024 – Toulouse (FR) Ready For Prog? Festival 03.11. 2024 – Marseille (FR) Cherrydon 05.11. 2024 – London (UK) The Underworld Camden
“We found ourselves writing really depressing, melancholy songs about how just disappointed we were with all the work we put into Curse of Autumn and then going through the pandemic,” says frontman/songwriter Joseph Michael about the record. “Before that, we thought nothing was going to stop us. Then, something did. We felt a bit defeated. So, that’s how Sounds Of The Forgotten started. But we got out of that quickly. The songs we ended up writing were empowering. We have songs with negative emotions, but the overarching theme is moving forward and perseverance. That’s the epitome of Sounds Of The Forgotten.”
Many factors influenced and inspired Witherfall’s approach to “Sounds Of The Forgotten”. The album color theme conveys another side to Witherfall’s fourth-album distress. Often associated with ambition, power, and regality, the Blake Armstrong (In Flames, Megadeth, Kataklysm, Harry Potter, Wednesday) cover art provides a view into and a visual counter to the music on “Sounds Of The Forgotten”.
Order the album on Vinyl/CD and/or pre-save it digitally here:
Witherfall was formed in Los Angeles in 2013. Joseph Michael (also of Sanctuary fame) and Jake Dreyer (ex-Iced Earth/Demons & Wizards) built their new band around drummer Adam Sagan (RIP) and accomplished bassist Anthony Crawford (Allan Holdsworth, CHON). Since then, the group have released three highly regarded albums: Nocturnes and Requiems (2017), A Prelude to Sorrow (2018), and Curse of Autumn (2021) and an ep Vintage (2019). Not one to cut corners, Witherfall enlisted famed drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson) on Curse of Autumn, ensuring the foundations of singles “As I Lie Awake,” “The Other Side of Fear,” and “The River” were second to none. On the upcoming album, Minnemann returns to the fold with an album-only appearance, while drummer Chris Tsaganeas (Wax Owls) and multi-instrumentalist Gerry Hirschfeld (Willie Nelson) Witherfall’s newest permanent members.
Every Witherfall album is a defining moment. From the moment Nocturnes and Requiems thundered across metaldom to the group’s wine endeavors (Tempest Red Blend) with Charlie & Echo Winery, their video collaboration with Cig Neutron (Devil’s Workshop) on “The Other Side of Fear,” a beer partnership with Adroit Theory Brewing Company (Shadows Black IPA), and custom Funko Pop set, Michael and Dreyer have made Witherfall their mission. The journey to this point hasn’t been without toil and upheaval. Determination, however, is the key.
Witherfall are guitarist/songwriter Jake Dreyer, vocalist/songwriter Joseph Michael, bassist Anthony Crawford, drummer Marco Minnemann (recording only), drummer/percussionist Chris Tsaganeas, and keyboardist Gerry Hirschfeld.
DeathWave Records was created by Witherfall headmen Joseph Michael and Jake Dreyer as a vehicle for their music and other projects. Look for more exciting and trailblazing releases from DeathWave Records in the future.
Los Angeles-based dark melodic metal outfit WITHERFALL are proud to present their new single “They Will Let You Down”, taken from their upcoming album “Sounds Of The Forgotten” (out May 31st).
“‘They Will Let You Down’ is Dark Melodic Progressive Metal. Knowing this song would be the opener Zeuss and Joseph decided to make sure to wave the flag of traditional metal right off the bat with a shining high note of falsetto madness.The Pre-chorus is Anthemic and almost Hopeful:
‘Life is too short to quibble over trivial things We only have one chance to show what we will bring So many people only live to count what they’ve got Until the bitter truth shows them what they have not’
The composition is a showcase of a variety of our heavier influences. A stark contrast to the previous single ‘When it all Falls Away’. The lyrics deal with people in our lives that do not live up to reasonable expectations. The Chorus embracing isolation in an ever decaying world. “Embrace The Silence, They Will Let You Down”
Previously Witherfall have already released the singles “Insidious”, “Ceremony Of Fire”, “Where Do I Begin”, “What Have You Done?”, “When It All Falls Away” and “Kings And Queens”.
All singles will be included on Witherfall’s upcoming fourth studio album “Sounds Of The Forgotten”, which will arrive on May 31st, 2024 via the band’s own label DeathWave Records.
The first few select concerts in support of the record have just been announced: 07.09.2024 – (MX) Léon De Los Aldama, Candelabrum Metal Fest 11.09.2024 – (ES) Madrid, Sala Silikona (first time live in Spain!) 12.09.2024 – (ES) Pontevedra, Sala Rebullón 13.09.2024 – (DE) Püchersreuth, Storm Crusher Festival
Los Angeles-based dark melodic metal outfit Witherfall are proud to present their new single “When It All Falls Away”, taken from upcoming album “Sounds Of The Forgotten” (to be released May 31st). The track is accompanied by an emotional music video, unfolding a tragic love story.
“When It All Falls Away is reflective of our deep love of 70s Rock bands”, Witherfall comment. “Back when the lines between Rock/Prog/R&B were a bit blurry. The song is a dreamy meditation on the subject of loss. Whether it be relationships or life itself the song is about the emptiness that settles in when things are at an end. The title is also a nod to the band name “WITHERFALL” which is meant to be quite literal. The song features many vintage elements such as a 12 string acoustic, Hammond Organ, Roland Chorus amps, Leslie Speakers and other various toys we had at our disposal while recording at Big Blue North.”
Previously Witherfall have already released the singles “Insidious”, “Ceremony Of Fire”, “Where Do I Begin” and “What Have You Done?”.
All singles will be included on Witherfall’s upcoming fourth studio album “Sounds Of The Forgotten”, which will arrive on May 31st, 2024 via the band’s own label DeathWave Records.
The first few select concerts in support of the record have just been announced: 07.09.2024 – (MX) Léon De Los Aldama, Candelabrum Metal Fest 11.09.2024 – (ES) Madrid, Sala Silikona (first time live in Spain!) 12.09.2024 – (ES) Pontevedra, Sala Rebullón 13.09.2024 – (DE) Püchersreuth, Storm Crusher Festival
“Sounds Of The Forgotten” Tracklist 1. They Will Let You Down 2. Where Do I Begin 3. A Lonely Path 4. Insidious 5. Ceremony Of Fire 6. Sounds Of The Forgotten 7. Aftermath 8. When It All Falls Away 9. Opulent 10. What Have You Done
“We found ourselves writing really depressing, melancholy songs about how just disappointed we were with all the work we put into Curse of Autumn and then going through the pandemic,” says frontman/songwriter Joseph Michael about the record. “Before that, we thought nothing was going to stop us. Then, something did. We felt a bit defeated. So, that’s how Sounds Of The Forgotten started. But we got out of that quickly. The songs we ended up writing were empowering. We have songs with negative emotions, but the overarching theme is moving forward and perseverance. That’s the epitome of Sounds Of The Forgotten.”
Many factors influenced and inspired Witherfall’s approach to “Sounds Of The Forgotten”. The album color theme conveys another side to Witherfall’s fourth-album distress. Often associated with ambition, power, and regality, the Blake Armstrong (In Flames, Megadeth, Kataklysm, Harry Potter, Wednesday) cover art provides a view into and a visual counter to the music on “Sounds Of The Forgotten”.
Witherfall was formed in Los Angeles in 2013. Joseph Michael (also of Sanctuary fame) and Jake Dreyer (ex-Iced Earth/Demons & Wizards) built their new band around drummer Adam Sagan (RIP) and accomplished bassist Anthony Crawford (Allan Holdsworth, CHON). Since then, the group have released three highly regarded albums: Nocturnes and Requiems (2017), A Prelude to Sorrow (2018), and Curse of Autumn (2021) and an ep Vintage (2019). Not one to cut corners, Witherfall enlisted famed drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson) on Curse of Autumn, ensuring the foundations of singles “As I Lie Awake,” “The Other Side of Fear,” and “The River” were second to none. On the upcoming album, Minnemann returns to the fold with an album-only appearance, while drummer Chris Tsaganeas (Wax Owls) and multi-instrumentalist Gerry Hirschfeld (Willie Nelson) Witherfall’s newest permanent members.
Every Witherfall album is a defining moment. From the moment Nocturnes and Requiems thundered across metaldom to the group’s wine endeavors (Tempest Red Blend) with Charlie & Echo Winery, their video collaboration with Cig Neutron (Devil’s Workshop) on “The Other Side of Fear,” a beer partnership with Adroit Theory Brewing Company (Shadows Black IPA), and custom Funko Pop set, Michael and Dreyer have made Witherfall their mission. The journey to this point hasn’t been without toil and upheaval. Determination, however, is the key.
Witherfall are guitarist/songwriter Jake Dreyer, vocalist/songwriter Joseph Michael, bassist Anthony Crawford, drummer Marco Minnemann (recording only), drummer/percussionist Chris Tsaganeas, and keyboardist Gerry Hirschfeld.
DeathWave Records was created by Witherfall headmen Joseph Michael and Jake Dreyer as a vehicle for their music and other projects. Look for more exciting and trailblazing releases from DeathWave Records in the future.
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