Fallujah - Xenotaph (Album Review)

Fallujah - Xenotaph
Released: June 13, 2025

Lineup

Kyle Schaefer // Vocals 
Evan Brewer // Bass
Sam Mooradian // Rhythm Guitar 
Kevin Alexander // Drums
Scott Carstairs // Lead Guitar 

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‍Fallujah are a band that have thus far managed to sit just below the wide stream consciousness, establishing themselves across five previous albums of tight tech-death metal that’s been critically applauded. They shifted members prior to 2022’s Empyrean, with Kyle Schaefer (vocals) and Evan Brewer (bass) freshening up the lineup. Xenotaph marks another new chapter, with Fallujah welcoming Sam Mooradian (guitar) and Kevin Alexander (drums). Fans might be concerned what this instability means for the music but Xenotaph confirms these changes have re-energised the band and they’re kicking butt in every way. 

The new line up successfully navigates the space between melody and brutality. The ethereal prog intro of ‘In Stars We Drown’ lulls you in before the djent riffing and growls up the energy. Schaefer’s clean vox are incredible but it’s a short song, a teaser really, for what’s to come. ‘Kaleidoscopic Waves’ lays all the cards on the table, from duelling guitars to thundering double kicks. It’s got an incredible instrumental section that brings the album’s sci-fi concept to life. Schaefer’s lyrics tell the story of a narrator who finds himself awake post-death and meeting “the guide” who accompanies him through new worlds. Schaefer’s ability to convey the thoughts and feelings of the different characters is at the heart of the album, utilizing different vocal styles. 

The band are all in on the concept. The music stretches their technical style to include psychedelic passages alongside blackened death metal. It means songs like ‘Labyrinth of Stone’ and ‘The Crystalline Veil’ are a journey in themselves, as well as contributing to the LP’s overall concept and vibe. ‘A Parasitic Dream’ runs at three and a half minutes but packs a lot in - from synths to a bruising breakdown. The vocal effects add to the song’s urgency.

The guitar combination of Scott Carstairs and Mooradian wields impressive results any time they get to layer leads with rhythms. Carstairs is the through line to their past albums, but his soloing feels fresh thanks to different effects. He leads the way on ‘Step Through the Portal and Breathe’. The track sounds like traditional Fallujah but has a different edge. The intro to ‘The Obsidian Architect’ is air guitar stuff, with Mooradian’s chug complimented by the absolute clinic by the rhythm section. It’s another sprawling song with tempo changes that could rip skin from bone.

As for the closing song and title-track, ‘Xenotaph’ is more immediate and thunderous, giving Carstairs the chance to conjure melody from his fingers. 

Xenotaph isn’t quite the breakthrough I was hoping for but is a complex musical adventure that continues their progressive evolution. It proves Fallujah are masters of their craft and rewards fans as repeat listens reveal different layers to the narrative. There’s some hidden sonic gems too when you listen through headphones, which I recommend for immersing yourself in Xenotaph’s sci-fi world. 

Rating: 8/10
‍Xenotaph is out June 13 via Nuclear Blast Records. Pre Order here. 
Words by KJ Draven @kjdraven