Label: Nuclear Blast
Genre: Technical Death Metal
Release Date : June 13th, 2025
Line Up:
Kyle Schaefer | Vocals, Programming
Scott Carstairs | Guitars
Sam Mooradian | Guitar
Evan Brewer | Bass
Kevin Alexander | Drums
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
This California-based quartet has been pushing the boundaries of technical death metal since their formation. Their discography showcases a consistent evolution in sound, beginning with 2011’s “The Harvest Wombs,” followed by “The Flesh Prevails” (2014), which gained significant attention for its atmospheric approach to extreme metal. “Dreamless” (2016) marked a creative peak with its blend of brutality and ethereal elements, while “Undying Light” (2019) explored cleaner vocal territories. Their fifth effort, “Empyrean” (2021), demonstrated their continued refinement of progressive songwriting before leading to this latest chapter.
“Xenotaph” represents the group’s sixth studio statement, featuring eight meticulously crafted compositions that showcase their technical prowess. Scott Carstairs remains the creative constant through various lineup changes, with bassist Evan Brewer and drummer Kyle Schaefer returning from previous recordings. Guitarist Moordiam, who joined in 2023, makes his recording debut with the band on this release.
The album’s opening moments establish an introspective foundation through atmospheric vocals and ambient textures that maintain their contemplative essence even as intensity builds. This refusal to be confined by genre conventions immediately signals the band’s sophisticated approach.
Several mid-album tracks deliver the intricate arrangements that will captivate enthusiasts of complex extreme music. These compositions weave together harsh vocal passages with melodic instrumental sections, seamlessly transitioning between cinematic passages and explosive moments while showcasing elaborate fretwork alongside dynamic vocal performances.
“Mindless Omnipotent Master” stands out as a particularly crushing statement, featuring some of the album’s most relentless passages while maintaining the melodic sensibilities that define the band’s approach. The track demonstrates their ability to balance technical complexity with memorable songwriting.
“Embrace Oblivion” offers a different perspective, exploring darker atmospheric territories with haunting clean vocals that contrast beautifully against the heavier instrumental backdrop. This composition showcases the band’s range and willingness to experiment with dynamics and mood.
The musicians consistently push creative boundaries while avoiding self-indulgent excess. Certain tracks test these limits across extended durations of densely packed musical ideas, while others condense the group’s artistic vision into more focused atmospheric journeys.
“Sanctuary of the Wretched” emerges as another highlight, presenting dystopian soundscapes that represent a pivotal album moment, balancing beautiful harmonic content against crushing sonic intensity. This brooding composition exemplifies the band’s ability to create challenging yet accessible material.
The album concludes with its namesake track—a seven-minute demonstration of instrumental mastery that perfectly encapsulates the ensemble’s ability to merge melodic sophistication with devastating heaviness. This closing statement serves as both culmination and synthesis of everything preceding it.
“Xenotaph” succeeds as both an aggressive metal statement and a display of musical intelligence, featuring devastating passages alongside thoughtful interludes that simultaneously challenge and captivate listeners. The resulting sonic delivery demands attention while rewarding repeated exploration, creating an experience that maintains its appeal long after initial contact and solidifies the band’s position among progressive death metal’s elite practitioners.
Written by: Shadow Editor
Ratings: 9/10
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