Album Review - Witherfall - A Prelude To Sorrow

Can a band be the next big thing and still unknown at the same time? If you exist in the world of technical/progressive metal, absolutely. Witherfall made a big splash with their debut record, but given the size of the pool we're dealing with, I wouldn't blame you if you hadn't heard about that. Their style of Nevermore-influenced metal blended technicality and drama, and was certainly one of the more talked about records from a new band in recent times. So it's only fitting their second record is hitting us now, as we are also seeing the release of Warrel Dane's final recordings right now. Sometimes circumstances work out in a funny way.

Putting aside the intro and outro tracks, the record is book-ended by ten-plus minute epics, which is an immediate challenge to the listener. "We Are Nothing" erupts in a flurry of notes, fingers grinding to execute the technical riffing. Those verses are work, and are used to balance the simple chords and melody of the chorus. Witherfall understands the importance of dynamics in songwriting, not getting caught up in their prowess. Ten straight minutes of them playing at the height of their abilities would simply be too much. Having the melodies, and the break with acoustic guitars, is what lets the length stretch out without stretching our patience.

As you would expect from an album centered on death, the mood of the record is dark. The low-tuned guitars are justified by that, as opposed to existing simply because someone thinks they are 'heavier'. But what sets Witherfall apart from the majority of bands with such proficiency is their ability to craft memorable moments and melodies into their songs. Every song manages to slow down enough for Joseph Michael to have a moment to use his voice to wring the emotion from the track. Whether in his lower register, or layering in some higher shrieks, he anchors the music, and conveys the sorrow they are feeling.

The comparisons between Witherfall and Nevermore are hardest to put aside in the early moments of "Shadows", where the riffs circle around themselves like Jeff Loomis' best work, and Michael's voice captures the mania of Warrel Dane's roar. That band is regarded as legendary, so following in their spirit is by no means a bad thing. In a way, Witherfall fills the hole that now exists where that band once did.

I complain often about rock and metal sounding too dark, which I do because there is no reason for every song to be played in Drop-A tuning with all the treble stripped out of the sound. Witherfall is darkness done right, where the sound fits the message. You can feel what they are selling, and that is a key to making this album work. But what makes this a winner is the songwriting. Witherfall has picked up the mantle of Nevermore, and they are carrying on with respect... and talent. "A Prelude To Sorrow" is an album that has a little bit of everything, is challenging, but ultimately satisfies on multiple levels.