What do you get when you mix an array of delightful tastes that wickedly play out into a well-orchestrated band? One might say a Progressive Power Metal act that cuts through the middle ground with slashing guitar solos, technical drumming and memorable vocals. Yes, you guessed right...we have none other than the city of angels own WITHERFALL unleashing their own independent release titled "Nocturnes And Requiems.". The album speaks for itself, much like the title, for it is filled with its own touching brand of night music that produces its own metal musical atmosphere. Song compositions themselves would even make the phantom of the opera smile gleefully with amusement which brings us into the world of this classically induced group that sheds light into the present.

WITHERFALL captivates the metal music landscape with their unique sound that is a highway of technical complexities that formulate emotionally charged arrangements all the while offering their musical soul to the listener. What I mean by offering their musical soul to the listener? Songs "Act II" and "Finale" are perfectly crafted brief instrumentals that are stirringly obscure to which their placements between power driven songs is an interesting fix. One might think that this release is another guitar inspired band with their main focus is on the guitar work and not the rest of the group, this is far from the truth for WITHERFALL offer so much more than the average band of their genre.

Front man Joseph Michael's vocals whom have a broad spectrum ranging from IRON MAIDEN's Bruce Dickinson low tones to QUEENSRYKE's Jeff Tate emotional screams meets those of DREAM THEATER's James LaBrie gusto. Don't get me wrong, with the comparisons here but his approach gives much more to what others say about him for he is in a league all his own. Songs "Sacrifice" and "The Great Awakening" showcase his vibrancy that is poignant yet riveting making him an exclusive artist in his own right. Delivering that spice into this creative gumbo guitarist extraordinaire Jake Dreyer pushes the boundaries with extensive soloing that touches into technical classical inspirations that can be in contrast to ADAGIO's guitar wizard Stephan Forte. Each guitarist are masterminds in their craft but Dreyer leads a static frenzy of moving compositions that are captivating in their own way. Take for example song "End Of Time" begins with a fury of guitar chords that scream viciousness that give way to softer tones and back again into the flight of guitar symphonies. Sheer guitar militia that takes no prisoners but offers more with counterparts of two elements that shatter the rough exterior of the listener's ears.

Song "Portrait" showcases the powerful essence of bassist Anthony Crawford which displays a melodic twist toward the ending of the song which is a perfect blend to his rhythms. Crawford in his own right is a much sought after in demand bassist which his style is all around accommodating to all kinds of music playing with such artists as JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, KIRK WHALUM (smooth jazz artist) and drummer Virgil Donati. Crawford's notoriety is extensive as an artist himself and this just makes him another key ingredient to WITHERFALL. Last, but not least, drummer Adam Sagan whose creativity knows no bounds bestowed his immense talent unto the metal scene. Diverse in his abilities he shown through with various projects with CIRCLE II CIRCLE, WHITE EMPRESS and INTO ETERNITY, Sagan gave his all with his progressive skillfulness with being a part of WITHERFALL. Songs "What We Are Dying For" and "Nobody Sleeps Here" are a complete summation of his abilities as a drummer and yet more. Sadly, Sagan's career came to an end with his passing of cancer in December 2016 shortly before the release of "Nocturnes And Requiems." His talent with always be marked with vitality and this will live on through his recordings.

WITHERFALL's release can be described as a longing blend of originative material that awakens the listening senses with striking melodies that aim to please. Truly a great album of 2017. Intense work indeed!