"Break the mold
Let's shake the ground
Wreak havoc"
I saw these guys live on their recent European tour and as the hours led up to it, I became more and more excited. Perhaps because I've liked Karnivool for a number of years, and since they are from Australia, thought it unlikely that I'd see them. I don't even remember how I got into them, possibly something to do with Cog (which I've reviewed previously). They also seemed to be in the exact opposite place that I was when they came to tour North America and Europe, but we finally ended up in the same city! They fucking killed it, tons of energy and the crowd (to my great surprise) was going crazy singing and dancing. I was pretty shocked to hear most of the club sing along to a song from their first full length album: 2005's Themata. Karnivool is five guys from Perth, Australia, which consists of Ian Kenny on vocals, Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking on guitar, Jon Stockman on bass guitar, and Steve Judd on drums. Though touring somewhat relentlessly in their home country, it took a few years for them to crack out of that and into the rest of the world. All of a sudden I was hearing about a US tour and a special release date for their 2009 album Sound Awake. This, of course was great news to me since I had liked them before that. It seems that Karnivool is making a name for themselves on the other side of the world. And with this year's Asymmetry out for the masses to consume, they continue their push forward.
Upon first listen I definitely liked this album, but it actually took several for me to really fall in love with it, and when I did I fell hard. It is more challenging than the band's previous releases, but that only makes it more rewarding. Where Sound Awake had long songs, I felt a couple of them went on too long with not much gain, Asymmetry keeps them concise, even 7-8 minute tracks are fully worthwhile. Karnivool seems to have grown and come into their own with this album, at least it shows immensely on it.
The album begins with a somewhat ambient track 'Aum', which slowly brings your ears to the surface before beginning with the first proper track. As 'Nachash' opens, the music swells and crests, and though it doesn't tear into you, it easily sets the tone for the rest of the record. 'We Are', the album's single, is indeed a standout track. It has a chorus that sticks in your head and won't leave. But just because it's catchy doesn't mean it leaves behind its complexity. After 'We Are' comes to a quieter close, now is where Karnivool unexpectedly rip into you with 'The Refusal'. Here Kenny is practically screaming at you, we hear the almost fed up anger in his voice. Part like he's given up, and part like he is still hopeful for a future. The song changes between roaring vocals and softer, almost speak-singing lyrics. The album continues along the same lines we hear at the beginning, not to say it sounds the same, but the mood is relatively constant. I see this as an asset however, giving Asymmetry cohesion (perhaps an oxymoron here). Every song is quite strong in my opinion. Including the last full track 'Alpha Omega', though clocking in at almost 8 minutes there isn't a moment wasted to get the idea and message across. Though the mood is quieter, it makes the lyrics more powerful for the listener. When Kenny, with all his conviction, tells you repeatedly: "This ain't no ordinary life" - you believe him.And though his lyrics don't always shine with incredible beauty, they ring true, something that should also be praised.
Though classified as progressive metal, Karnivool has an extra kick in their step that you don't hear from some other bands in the genre. They form together well, and though Kenny's voice is the leader in the dance, the members ebb and flow perfectly with their instruments. Strong songs make for a great album, and that is what Asymmetry is. It shows no weakness at any point and takes the listener on a worthwhile journey.You can feel the singing and instruments playing around you as you listen, this album has depth to it. An excellent third full-length by this Australian band. I'm almost too engrossed in this to even wonder what's next for Karnivool.
Upon first listen I definitely liked this album, but it actually took several for me to really fall in love with it, and when I did I fell hard. It is more challenging than the band's previous releases, but that only makes it more rewarding. Where Sound Awake had long songs, I felt a couple of them went on too long with not much gain, Asymmetry keeps them concise, even 7-8 minute tracks are fully worthwhile. Karnivool seems to have grown and come into their own with this album, at least it shows immensely on it.
The album begins with a somewhat ambient track 'Aum', which slowly brings your ears to the surface before beginning with the first proper track. As 'Nachash' opens, the music swells and crests, and though it doesn't tear into you, it easily sets the tone for the rest of the record. 'We Are', the album's single, is indeed a standout track. It has a chorus that sticks in your head and won't leave. But just because it's catchy doesn't mean it leaves behind its complexity. After 'We Are' comes to a quieter close, now is where Karnivool unexpectedly rip into you with 'The Refusal'. Here Kenny is practically screaming at you, we hear the almost fed up anger in his voice. Part like he's given up, and part like he is still hopeful for a future. The song changes between roaring vocals and softer, almost speak-singing lyrics. The album continues along the same lines we hear at the beginning, not to say it sounds the same, but the mood is relatively constant. I see this as an asset however, giving Asymmetry cohesion (perhaps an oxymoron here). Every song is quite strong in my opinion. Including the last full track 'Alpha Omega', though clocking in at almost 8 minutes there isn't a moment wasted to get the idea and message across. Though the mood is quieter, it makes the lyrics more powerful for the listener. When Kenny, with all his conviction, tells you repeatedly: "This ain't no ordinary life" - you believe him.And though his lyrics don't always shine with incredible beauty, they ring true, something that should also be praised.
Though classified as progressive metal, Karnivool has an extra kick in their step that you don't hear from some other bands in the genre. They form together well, and though Kenny's voice is the leader in the dance, the members ebb and flow perfectly with their instruments. Strong songs make for a great album, and that is what Asymmetry is. It shows no weakness at any point and takes the listener on a worthwhile journey.You can feel the singing and instruments playing around you as you listen, this album has depth to it. An excellent third full-length by this Australian band. I'm almost too engrossed in this to even wonder what's next for Karnivool.
