Fallujah – Xenotaph

Metalcatto

I’ve been a Fallujah fan ever since Nomadic, then saw it grow with The Harvest Wombs, reach perfection with The Flesh Prevails (the remastered version that we reviewed, of course!), and finally fall into decadence and collapse with Dreamless and Undying Light. However, Empyrean was a return to form, so I’m honestly stoked to listen to Xenotaph—knowing full well the risk of getting all my hopes and dreams destroyed again is very real. But hey, I’m ready for the pain.

I’m probably going to get in trouble for saying this, but I feel two main things about this album: a) it mimics Rivers of Nihil’s evolution—but does it better, and b) this feels like The Flesh Prevails with clean vocals. You know how hard it is to make those not sound cringe in this mechanical, kind-of-Core sound? I mean, The Faceless tried and nearly died in the process. Maybe it just works here because of the absolutely overwhelming yet weirdly colorful density of Fallujah’s guitar and drumming cacophony, which somehow makes it all blend together better than it should. But hey, I’m not mad—for once.

Expect the absolute instrumental extravaganza Fallujah has built its name on. The violence mixed with the most ethereal moments. It’s like getting beaten up with a crowbar while you’re high on morphine. Don’t tell me you’ve never been assaulted under the influence of the magic powder. You’re missing something good! Anyway, as much cohesion and spectacular riffing as there is in Xenotaph, I can’t completely ignore its faults. And jeez, that hurts to admit, because I want this band to change the face of Metal so badly.

At first, I couldn’t point out anything terribly wrong with Xenotaph, aside from the robotic production that’s kind of a Fallujah trademark by now. If you can’t handle the loudness of a jet engine, you’re not ready for this. The issue is that the first half of the album is just so strong, it makes the second half fall short. Tracks like “Kaleidoscopic Waves” and “The Crystalline Veil” absolutely shine—but then the title track, “Xenotaph”, just doesn’t hit the same. (Also, screw all these song titles. What do they even mean?) And let’s be real: a Fallujah album without an unforgettable closer is a tough sell for me. But AITA for feeling that way?

Still, I’d risk saying Xenotaph is a solid addition to a catalog that’s seen everything—from the highest highs to full-on St. Anger levels of low. This one comfortably sits in the “great” territory, and maybe I’ll even return to it before the year ends. Fallujah keeps evolving, and while it could’ve stayed in its ambient Tech Death comfort zone, it’s chosen to be bold—the same way you should be when you call your crush. You’ll fail, but with dignity. And anyway, I’m just happy we can all act like Undying Light never happened.

Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Release date: 13 June 2025

Website: https://www.facebook.com/fallujahofficial/

Country: USA

Score: 4.0/5.0, but it wasn’t easy!