Image: Allegaeon [Stephanie Cabral, Official Press Photo]
If you're into technical death metal but also appreciate melody and atmosphere alongside mind-bending guitar runs, Allegaeon are definitely a band worth checking out. Over the years, the Colorado-based group have developed a sound of their own: complex, progressive, and brutal, yet surprisingly catchy at times. With their latest album, The Ossuary Lens, Allegaeon also prove that even after seven studio albums, they're far from reaching the end of their musical evolution.
Who Are Allegaeon?
Allegaeon were formed in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2008 and blend elements of technical death metal and melodic death metal. They've been signed to Metal Blade Records since their early days and made a name for themselves in the scene with albums such as Fragments Of Form And Function (2010), Formshifter (2012), and Elements Of The Infinite (2014).
Throughout their career, the band have gone through several lineup changes. One particularly interesting development was the return of original frontman Ezra Haynes, who left the band in 2015 following Elements Of The Infinite and rejoined Allegaeon in 2022. On the latest album, he can be heard on a full-length record with the band for the first time in around ten years. It's a comeback that clearly does the band's sound good.
Between Technical Prowess, Melody, and Big Ideas
Allegaeon are definitely not a band for casual background listening. Their songs are packed with intricate guitar work, blistering drums, complex rhythms, and unexpected twists and turns. At the same time, they never get lost in technicality for its own sake: melodic leads, atmospheric passages, and symphonic elements ensure that their music also packs an emotional punch.
Frontman Ezra Haynes describes the band's style as “Melotech,” a blend of melodic and technical death metal. That's a pretty accurate description. If you want to get a first impression, be sure to check out “1.618,” “Proponent for Sentience III – The Extermination,” and “Of Beasts and Worms.” “The Swarm” and “Driftwood” also showcase just how impressively Allegaeon combine technical finesse with powerful melodies.
Lyrically, the musicians enjoy exploring topics such as science, philosophy, and science fiction. So there's plenty to discover beyond the usual genre clichés, too.
The Ossuary Lens: A New Chapter with a Familiar Voice
On April 4, 2025, Allegaeon released their seventh studio album, The Ossuary Lens. The record stands out not only because of Ezra Haynes' return but also because it marks an important step forward musically for the band. Guitarist Greg Burgess describes the album's evolution as a combination of the technical and progressive elements they've explored in recent years, complemented by symphonic and ambient influences.
The album's ten tracks explore different perspectives on death. It's not a traditional concept album, but a common thematic thread runs throughout the record. The Ossuary Lens was recorded with producer Dave Otero at his Flatline Audio studio in Denver – a collaboration Allegaeon have already enjoyed on several previous albums.
With songs like “Chaos Theory,” “The Swarm,” and “Dark Matter Dynamics,” the band deliver plenty of material for fans of sophisticated guitar work. At the same time, tracks like “Wake Circling Above” demonstrate that quieter, more atmospheric moments also have their place in the Allegaeon sound.
Who Should Check Out Allegaeon?
If you're into bands like Obscura, The Black Dahlia Murder, or Archspire, Allegaeon might be right up your alley. At first glance, they're probably not a band you'll fully wrap your head around after just one listen – but that's exactly what makes them so appealing: every subsequent spin reveals new details. The Ossuary Lens is a great starting point and a compelling reason to keep this band on your radar.
So, if you're in the mood for death metal with substance, variety, and plenty of power, you should definitely give Allegaeon a chance.
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