I would argue that the world of progressive metal, especially that of the death metal variety, is in an odd position with there always being some new talent coming out of the woodwork to offer some new vision of what the sound can still become yet simultaneously the style is inundated by names that aren’t able to really do it any real justice. The bar is quite high when it comes to what it takes to really stand out in a style that’s as flashy as it is all-encompassing with everyone involved needing to be in top form just to bring forth something that stands out in amongst the competition. It can be quite some time before listeners are given something that actually offers us a glimpse of what the sound can still be in its current form. While there have been a few notable efforts to do such in recent times, the return of Fallujah is the monsoon that ends the drought this style has long suffered.

This is one of those bands that is synonymous with what the sound has always been able to bring forth in the right hands, but that doesn’t always mean that Fallujah capitalizes on everything that progressive death metal can have to offer. They’re a staple name in every right for a laundry list of damn good reasons, yet the band has always been growing even with some of its past highs of the sort that are simply intoxicating to become one with. As such, growth is inevitable so long as Fallujah stuck to their guns and proceeded onward. With all that they’ve accomplished within their sensational sixth album, I think there’s an argument to be had here that “Xenotaph” is the best that Fallujah has sounded in a long time. Vast, sweeping it is repertoire of craftsmanship, a deep understanding of the style, and experience across many efforts that has led Fallujah to where they are now, these eight tracks see Fallujah take to the great heights and captivating depths that many have associated the band with. Taking inspiration from the Dune franchise, this is a creation laced with gorgeous science fiction that revels in its own brand of psychedelia that all come together brilliantly in a form of progressive death metal that takes the style’s name very seriously – winding and ethereal but nonetheless exceeding intense and brutal at times. This is a work that delights in its smallest moments and knows precisely how to provide a bombastic explosion of power in all that it has to offer. “Xenotaph” leaves nothing on the table nor does Fallujah drop the ball once across the whole of this 42-minute demonstration of mastery.

Where many others have failed to come up to the plate and offering something that people can really sink their teeth into, Fallujah delivers a work that could very well become known as career-defining for what it is, what it dares to be, and what it represents. “Xenotaph” is indicative of the potential that progressive death metal always contains. It’s only fitting that Fallujah would be the one to deliver it in all of its exquisite detail.

“Xenotaph” releases on June 13th via Nuclear Blast Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Xenotaph” on Bandcamp here or via YouTube below.

LIKE Fallujah on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Fallujah on Instagram here.