Layer structures for RF filters can be fabricated using rare earth oxides and epitaxial aluminum nitride, and methods for growing the layer structures. A layer structure can include an epitaxial crystalline rare earth oxide (REO) layer over a substrate, a first epitaxial electrode layer over the crystalline REO layer, and an epitaxial piezoelectric layer over the first epitaxial electrode layer. The layer structure can further include a second electrode layer over the epitaxial piezoelectric layer. The first electrode layer can include an epitaxial metal. The epitaxial metal can be single-crystal. The first electrode layer can include one or more of a rare earth pnictide, and a rare earth silicide (RESi).