San Jose’s Reptilian Arms are bringing new life to their earliest material with The Set EP, a revamped version of the band’s original demo that gives their raw beginnings a heavier, more fully realized sound. Scheduled for release on December 1, 2026, the upcoming collection revisits the foundation of the band while showcasing the uncompromising approach that continues to shape their music.
Formed in 2023, Reptilian Arms have carved out a sound that refuses to stay within the boundaries of a single genre. Describing themselves as a death-sludge outfit, the band pulls from an expansive range of heavy music, incorporating elements of death metal, sludge, thrash, black metal, crust, and stoner metal. With each member bringing their own influences and creative perspective into the songwriting process, the result is an unpredictable collection of sounds united by one common philosophy: keep it heavy and never limit the possibilities.
The Set EP revisits the band’s first release, The Set Demo, which was originally recorded live as a straightforward, no-frills demonstration of their material. This time around, those early compositions receive a complete overhaul, allowing the band to revisit their beginnings with the benefit of everything they’ve developed since. The EP was recorded, mixed, and mastered by District Recordings in San Jose.
Listeners can already get a taste of what’s coming through three previously released tracks: “Lie Awake,” “Slow Kill,” and “Proclamation of Fire.” The band has also shared a live performance video of “Lie Awake,” filmed at The Complex in San Francisco, offering a glimpse into the intensity they bring to the stage.
Beyond revisiting their earliest recordings, Reptilian Arms are already looking toward their next major undertaking. The band is currently developing its first full-length album, with recording sessions tentatively planned for mid-to-late 2027. They’re hoping the upcoming record will open doors to independent label partnerships, broader distribution, and opportunities to bring their music to festival stages.
More live performances are also on the horizon, with plans to expand beyond the Bay Area throughout 2027 and introduce audiences to both their established material and what’s still taking shape.
With The Set EP, Reptilian Arms aren’t simply dusting off an old demo. They’re revisiting the foundation of their sound, giving those original recordings the production and attention they deserve while continuing to push toward whatever comes next.
The Set EP arrives December 1, 2026.
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