German band Reptyle compel with a gothic-rock and post-punk vigor on their excellent new album – enveloping in its array of jangling guitars, moody vocals and atmospheric synths. Reptyle move seamlessly between brooding post-punk airs and eruptive rock force, propelled by commanding vocals. The release represents a continued success from the band, which formed in 1998 (early albums were on the Équinoxe label) and whose previous album “Decrypt the Void” came out in 2021.
“Spectre of Decline” opens the album with enjoyably eerie atmospheric allure, weaving choir-like chills and hazy synth pads into a gorgeous emergence of jangling guitars and post-punk rhythms. Sporadic doses of distortion provide a biting edge, fondly reminiscent of Chameleons UK in its ability to alternate between chilly post-punk spaciousness and fervent rock bursts. The matching vocal presence enthralls as well, debonair and foreboding in their tonal delivery — especially upon their emotive rise at the five-minute turn. Ensuing track “Never Complain” achieves a lovely atmospheric rock sound as well, cohesively melding twanging guitars and spacey synths with a brisk sense of momentum.
The album’s highlights are abundant, often featuring satiating structural developments that rouse from lusher intrigue into expressive ardor. The epic “Ultimate Negation” is an excellent example of such, stirring in both more subdued moments — like the thick bass and panting percussion interplay — and its concluding arsenal of gripping heart-onsleeve allure. “Reptile” is another standout, succeeding in its infectious pace and faultless guitar/synth interplay. Blazed Shades & Thorned Veils is a definitive overall success from Reptyle!
The bonus-CD features a remix by WHISPERS IN THE SHADOW, a cover by THE CHURCH, a live-recording and another two exclusive studio tracks!
Released January 2026 on Icy Cold.
Track Listing CD1:
1 Spectre of Decline
2 Never complain
3 Souls Damnation
4 Raging Somberness
5 Damascene
6 Gallow Watcher
7 Silence and the Cold
8 Ultimate Negation
CD2:
01 Never Complain (Whispers in the Shadow Remix)
02 Reptile (The Church - Cover)
03 Remix the Dead
04 Into her Desert - Live
05 Anyway Grateful (New Recording)
English