Karnivool : "In Verses"

Austrailia's Karnivool have been around for almost 30 years, but this is their fourth album, meaning they are very calculated and meticulous when writing and producing music. Which can be heard on this album. They are not prog in the sense that there is a ton of guitar solos, but subtly shifting arrangements with djent like times changes bubbling up under anthemic rock songs that are also very moody and melodic. The second song has a little more groove. They are obviously influenced by Tool to some extent, and thankfully not trying to be Dream Theater. 

The nuanced tenor of their vocalist is supple and slides gracefully up into its higher register on the chorus. The guitars carry enough punch to appeal to metal fans, but I would not call these guys a metal band unless something takes a dramatic shift midway into the album. They seem less metal-adjacent than Porcupine Tree, who had the Opeth connection to draw on. There are some formulas in place when it comes to their songwriting, but it works well, so I won't complain about them. "Animation" is the catchiest song thus far, which says alot as they write in a very hooky fashion for a prog band. "Conversations " blends pop vocals with what A Perfect Circle does in an effective manner.

"Reanimation" feels like the aftermath of " Animation", more nuanced with room to show off the singer's voice to a greater extent.  There is a grittier groove that drives "All it Takes". In many ways, these guys also remind me of Pain of Salvation. But on a song like "Remote Self Control," you can hear the Rush influence. Lyrically, there seems to be a similar theme of self-control, mental health, and perhaps a struggle with addiction that is revisited on the ballad "Opal." The last song finds the bass line getting it moving. These guys are making this kind of prog mental relevant in a thoughtful manner that doesn't rely on shred. I will round it up to a 10.

pst66