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First live performance of "In Torment", we think...was recorded professionally so the sound came pretty good
Our friend Nick Jones is really into furry animation and put this video together using flash.
Sin, performed live at the Whisky A Go Go
Drawing influence from such varied bands as A Perfect Circle, Evanescence, Type O Negative, Dead Can Dance, My Dying Bride, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, Wither has managed to capture the imagination of many in the region around their home town of San Diego, CA with energetic live shows and a style of vocally driven gothic metal that isn't afraid to fearlessly rock out as well as lay down dark atmospheres.
Wither sticks out, refreshingly different in the modern world of heavy music. While many bands in this genre put the focus on intensity or aggression, Wither focuses on delivering strong melodic vocals and profound lyrics framed by music that has hook, power, elegance and beauty. While it may not seem such a revolutionary idea, in the testosterone driven world of metal, elegance, to say nothing of beauty are rarely pursued so actively. Can metal rise above its tendency, and often self proclaimed goal of pounding the listener into submission or out the door? Can a Metal band possess a certain classiness? From their tasteful and sparing use of guitar solos, to lyrics nearly devoid of profanity and degradation, to a willingness to leave their distortion behind when the moment calls for it, Wither is proving it, show by show, and on their newest album, Breakthrough.
Rarely does an unsigned band have the fortune to assemble such a skilled team to create their record as Wither on Breakthrough. The project was over seen and mixed by producer Richard Carr, who made his name with recording and digital editing credits on albums by such metal greats as Rob Halford (on Crucible, Insurrection, and Resurrection) and Iron Maiden front man Bruce Dickenson (The Best of Bruce Dickenson). The powerful drum sound on the record was captured at American Studios by Platinum record engineer Bill Cooper (Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night). The final polish was put on Breakthrough when mastered by Bob Hata, whose mastering credits include Van Halens 1984 & Depeche Modes Violator among many other great records. The result is an album of solid artistry, grand vision and excellent production.
The club is dark, except for the stage, where a dramatic light show ebbs and pulses to slow, rumbling music that sounds like the score to an epic gothic movie. A large group of excited people are gathered at the front of the stage. The mood is thick. Theres a sense in the room that something very special is about to happen. The energy builds into excited cheering as five figures move on to the stage in near darkness and take up their instruments. A guitar weaves a mystic tune amidst the building intro. Then a bass guitar and drums join in at one precise moment as the sonic collage explodes into a powerful song. Wither has taken the stage.
The atmosphere is set, and this is what Withers fans have come to expect and love. Smoke rolls out as colored beams of light slice through the air and submerge the five in a war of dancing light and shadow. Theyve got the aura and onstage attitude of rock stars, but theres honesty in their rockn roll theatre. Thats really the heart of why so many have embraced this up and coming band. Wither is real people on a mission to create something out of the ordinary; a dream given life in a moment and shared around a dimly lit stage. They give everything they have from the first to the last note and that shows through. Its a reflection of the integrity this group is committed to in every aspect of their band, and their fans respect that.