Progressive death metal band Fallujah has released their second single, “Labyrinth of Stone,” from their highly anticipated sixth album, Xenotaph, set to drop on June 13 through Nuclear Blast Records.
Guitarist and founding member Scott Carstairs shared his excitement for the new track:
“‘Labyrinth of Stone’ is nearly six minutes of pure, mind-bending tech death and prog. From beginning to end, this track will blow you away. You’ve never heard Fallujah like this before. Get ready for one of the most intense songs and music videos we’ve ever created.”
Xenotaph is available for pre-order now in limited edition formats, including vinyl, CD, and cassette. Carstairs also expressed the band’s excitement about the album’s release, calling it “the most ambitious record” they’ve ever produced. With a blend of technical, dynamic, and progressive sounds, the album features a conceptual storyline exploring an otherworldly realm of existence after death.
“This is the most collaborative album we’ve made, with contributions from the entire lineup that have expanded our songwriting and highlighted everyone’s potential,” Carstairs added. “We’re excited to share this bold new phase in the band’s evolution.”
With Xenotaph, Fallujah aims to solidify their place as one of the most exciting death metal acts in America. The band’s latest album follows their successful 2022 release, Empyrean, which earned praise from outlets like Metal Injection, New Noise, and Guitar World. While the lineup remains strong from the previous album, the addition of guitarist Sam Mooradian (Inhale Existence) and drummer Kevin Alexander (Disembodied Tyrant) brings even more technical prowess to the group. Vocalist Kyle Schaefer, guitarist Scott Carstairs, and bassist Evan Brewer continue their journey with Fallujah as they push the boundaries of their sound.
Songs like “Kaleidoscopic Waves,” “Labyrinth of Stone,” and “Step Through the Portal and Breathe” exemplify the album’s new direction, showcasing Fallujah’s reinvigorated and re-imagined style.
The album was produced by Fallujah, with engineering by Dave Otero (Cattle Decapitation, Archspire) and Mike Low (Vitriol, Aborted) at Flatline Audio in Denver, Colorado, and Top Track Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Otero also mixed and mastered the album. The goal was to elevate the band’s sound, building on the success of Empyrean by adding depth and intensity, while maintaining the signature pace, songcraft, and euphonious leads Fallujah is known for.
In addition to the album’s release, Fallujah is set to hit the road again, having already previewed some of Xenotaph’s new material at live performances. Tracks like “The Obsidian Architect” have already caught the attention of fans, showcasing the band’s ever-evolving sound.
Xenotaph marks a significant step in Fallujah’s musical journey, a testament to their ongoing growth and forward momentum.
Xenotaph Tracklist:
In Stars We Drown
Kaleidoscopic Waves
Labyrinth of Stone
The Crystalline Veil
Step Through the Portal and Breathe
A Parasitic Dream
The Obsidian Architect
Xenotaph
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