Review by Adam M on March 16, 2017.

Witherfall performs a nice mixture of progressive and traditional sounds. There is a heavy Symphony X and Nevermore undercurrent running through these tracks and it bolsters the sound.

These tracks have a heavy emphasis on the guitar licks and thankfully the guitar playing is interesting and grabs your attention. The vocals have that high-pitched aspect, but are also brought down to earth by a very nasal aspect that recalls the likes of Manilla Road. Overall, this band brings together a number of different styles into one mix for a compelling and drawn out affair.  While there is a darkness here that recalls Nevermore, there is also a progressive sheen that recalls the likes of Symphony X. The band puts the influences into a blender with their own unique aspect and makes something truly interesting. The songs have several twists and turns. See What We Are Dying For for an example of the changing nature of the band’s songwriting.

The entirety of the work is very ingenious, however. There are moments that the band changes the dynamics towards more gentle and allows the furious pace of some of these songs to relax. The guitar riffs are always compelling, no matter what direction the band is going in. Complementing this aspect is an atmosphere that has a wispy fantastical aspect to it. The overall mood of the album is thus created. There is even a theatrical element to the disc that recalls the likes of Mercyful Fate, but this takes a backseat to the progressive ideas the band incorporates.

Really, those seeking something progressive or traditional can’t go wrong with this disc as it does a number of things to spruce up both genres. Nocturnes and Requiems is always nicely structured in terms of songwriting and never overindulgent. It is simply an album that can’t be missed.

Rating: 8.2 out of 10