Feature: REPTYLE Decodes ‘Blazed Shades & Thorned Veils’
What was the creative process like for this particular album?
Slash: The creative process was quite simple, because nearly half of the songs were already written when our latest album ‘Decrypt the void’ was released. They just had to be polished a bit, which took us some time, therefore we couldn't put it out as soon as we would have wanted.
Was there any challenge that you encountered while making 'Blazed Shades & Thorned Veils?'
Keule: Yes. Life is a challenge, and making music too. As with all our albums, there were “problematic songs” that didn`t fully satisfy us. On the new album that was “Damascene,” which we`d been playing live for years but felt something was missing. We rewrote the song entirely in rehearsal until everyone was happy. Now for me it´s one of the best tracks of the new album.
Can you talk about any standout tracks on the album and what makes them special to you?
Keule: General - Nearly every track has something special, and favorites vary by band member and mood. “Never complain” stands out as a strong candidate with high hit potential (and is already played regularly in Gothic Clubs). For darker moods, I´m especially drawn to “Raging somberness” and “Spectre of Decline.”
What has been the most memorable experience or achievement in your music career so far?
Slash: Amongst the most enjoyable achievements we surely have to mention the Festival Gigs sharing the bill with some of our Idols and of course the overwhelming experience to spin your first own vinyl record at home.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
Slash: I personally draw the most inspiration from music of other genres like listening to the Doors' LA Woman alone at night or watching old movies with a bottle of rum. Cliché maybe, but nevertheless a source for creativity to me.
Tell me about the wildest song you’ve ever written but never published?
Keule: About 7-8 years ago I would probably have said “Summer`s Fading,“ which was the opener for our very first gig back in 1999. We never finished the song to our satisfaction, so after playing it in a few more sets, it got lost. In 2019 I “remembered“ it again, tweaked the structure, and we worked very hard on it during rehearsals. Then, in 2021, the song became the title track of our latest album ‘Decrypt the void,’ and it´s surely one of the best tracks we`ve ever recorded. Sometimes it just takes time.
'Blazed Shades & Thorned Veils' is coming out on November 25th, 2025.
