Fallujah - Xenotaph (2025) Hi-Res

Fallujah’s Xenotaph (2025) continues the band’s evolution in progressive and technical death metal, combining brutal heaviness with ambient and melodic sophistication. The album is seen as a natural successor to Empyrean (2022), reinforcing their signature style with a refined production and a more expansive compositional approach.

Critics note the album’s successful balance between aggression and atmosphere. MetalSucks praises its ability to “masterfully blend chaos and calmness,” highlighting passages where brutal riffs and serene interludes complement each other. Boolin Tunes points out a move toward more mid-paced, progressive structures while retaining technical intricacy, describing the record as “less frenetic, more spacious,” but still “dense with detail.”

Lambgoat calls Xenotaph “a triumph of creative exploration,” commending its use of ambient textures alongside powerful instrumentation. Metal Epidemic notes the album’s “polished aggression,” particularly in longer tracks that develop emotional and technical narratives. Vocals, both harsh and clean, are highlighted across multiple reviews for their emotional range and dynamic presence.

Fan reception has also been overwhelmingly positive. Reddit users describe it as one of Fallujah’s strongest releases to date, emphasizing its atmospheric depth and compositional maturity. While some critics, like Nine Circles, question its long-term memorability compared to earlier experimental works, most agree it’s a compelling addition to Fallujah’s discography.