Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
After more than a decade of silence, Perth’s progressive legends Karnivool finally return with their fourth studio album, “In Verses”. Set to drop on February 6 via Cymatic Records/Sony Music, this record ends a 12-year hiatus that followed the experimental legacy of “Themata“, “Sound Awake“, and “Asymmetry“. During this long wait, the band has clearly sharpened their tools, staying true to the meticulous, experimental spirit that fans have grown to adore.
This experience begins even before the first note hits; the album artwork immediately captures an avant-garde struggle between beauty and death, seasoned with a sharp, modern edge. That visual tension translates perfectly into the music, as the journey kicks off with a dreamy, ethereal intro that quickly shifts into a surge of unexpected power.
Throughout the record, the production is defined by sharp contrasts, where Ian Kenny’s soft, relatable vocals blend seamlessly with crushing guitars. Every sound effect is placed with such precision that the album feels like a “perfect math equation”—complex, yet undeniably right.
One of the most memorable moments arrives with “Drone.” The track provides a sense of “musical comfort food”; it’s so catchy and familiar that you’ll swear you’ve known it for years. This accessibility serves as the perfect gateway into the album’s deeper, more complex layers where, as you move through the ten tracks, the bass lines emerge as the album’s heartbeat—steady, supportive, and wrapping around the listener like a cozy, protective hug.
Thematic depth takes center stage in tracks like “Aozora.” Named after the Japanese word for “blue sky,” the song explores the complexities of the human condition and our collective desire to break free.
However, it is “All It Takes” that truly demands attention. The guitar riffs here are so visceral they evoke a primal urge to run for miles—as if the music itself is helping you free your soul from the planet and leave everything behind.
Ultimately, the level of detail in “In Verses” is mesmerising. Karnivool has managed to capture the intersection of beauty and sadness in a way that feels almost surreal—like a gentle breeze that gives you chills while remaining incredibly beautiful. It is an album designed for quiet moments and reflection, encouraging the listener to pause, breathe, and appreciate the finer details of life.
Tracklist:
1. Ghost
2. Drone
3. Aozora
4. Animation
5. Conversations
6. Reanimation
7. All It Takes
8. Remote Self Control
9. Opal
10. Salva
