Of the many bands that have come out of the rising world of technical and progressive death metal, there has always been an elite list that has managed to scratch the itch of those who are always looking for real glory and prowess out of the style even as the scene finds itself bursting at the seams with talent new and old that are anything but unnoteworthy. As a real titan of the sound, Fallujah has been a name to know for several years now. Their last few releases have been considered as damn near essential for the entire sound by many who have found themselves lost in the talent and power that Fallujah has always commanded, even if there were more than a few that couldn’t quite get into it. For their newest creation though, it’s here that we find Fallujah in a unique state that’s both a return to form and a tremendous step forward.

When the world saw the release of “Undying Light” three years ago, it was clear that many has mixed opinions about the direction the band was going after a change in vocals and moving from a quintet to a quartet, but talent doesn’t move idly without intent. Time moved forward. More changes happened with virtually the entire line-up changing, but it was clear that the vision of Fallujah had not left the band with each member clearly impassioned by the banner they found themselves under with the opportunity to do it justice all but immense in all of its weight on their shoulder. With the very reality of “Empyrean”, it should ring clear to whoever listens that they did not fail in any capacity. Rather, they’ve only furthered the very glory of the band. Such internal shifting can truly make or break a band’s spirit, but it’s clear that the will of Fallujah is not something to be taken lightly as it’s with these ten tracks sprawling over 50 minutes that these musicians should find themselves more than pleased with the creation that they’ve made with the power, emotion, diversity, and tenacity of “Empyrean” making the very soul of the creation all but irresistible to fans new and old. It’s in this effort that we’re able to witness Fallujah make the next crucial step in its transformation. To what or where that takes us in the future I have no idea, but should it be even a shadow of what was brought to the table for “Empyrean”, then I can’t help but feel like it will be more than worth sticking around for.

A band like this with more than a few line-up changes is a real sight to behold in my eyes given the name has endured many changes and hardships, but still manages to rise above and deliver excellence the likes of which only does further justice for its name and the style it represents. It can be argued either way as to whether or not “Empyrean” stands as of the more fascinating creation of Revocation like “The Flesh Prevails”, but there is no way to deny that these tens songs are anything less than expected for the likes of Fallujah with all of them doing more than enough proof that this band is one that is not to be denied then or now.

“Empyrean” releases on September 9th via Nuclear Blast Records!

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