Out now, some 13 years in the making, In Verses from Australia’s prog metal act Karnivool released through Cymatic Records/The Orchard.
In Verses was born out of relentless experimentation in their Perth studio with longtime collaborator Forrester Savell. It not only provides a fitting moment of reintroduction for long-time and casual Karnivool fans, but for newcomers, the new album could mark a gateway to a body of work built on an intense love for the craft.
Featuring ten tracks culminating in collective feelings of frustration, catharsis and a rediscovery of identity, the numbers themselves being: ‘Ghost’, ‘Drone’, ‘Aozora’, ‘Animation’, ‘Conversations’, ‘Reanimation’, ‘All It Takes’, ‘Remote Self Control’, ‘Opal’ and ‘Salva’.
Karnivool has also released a video for ‘Reanimation’, a track featuring a solo by UK guitarist extraordinaire Guthrie Govan. The track is the slower, darker counterpart to the sprawling ‘Animation’, with a warm, rich tone wrapped around lyrics that speak to feelings of isolation and dissonance.
‘Reanimation’ is the latest in a line of singles from the new album by the band. First came ‘Drone’ last summer, then accompanying the album announcement came ‘Aozora’, while Christmas time saw the epic ‘Opal’.
Commenting on two of those singles, Karnivool said: “‘Animation’ leans into new space found within the rhythm section. It holds the pulse of In Verses. Tight, detailed, tense. It reflects the frustration, the renewal, and the search for light that runs through the record, all while staying true to our sound,” and of ‘Drone’: “The sound of Karnivool entering a new era. A slow-cooked journey forged in the studio’s heat, where every note was tested and tempered. This track hums with the weight of vast Western Australian deserts, anchored by colossal rock riffs that could only come from our home. It’s both a reflection and a rebirth.”
Over the past 20 years, Karnivool has cemented its status as one of Australia’s most influential hard rock bands. The band’s approach to heavy and progressive music has delivered three acclaimed and platinum-certified records: Themata (2005), its groundbreaking follow-up, Sound Awake (2009), and ARIA award-winning #1 album Asymmetry (2013). RAMzine caught up with Ian Kenny and Mark Hosking at Download Festival 2024 to discuss the therapeutic nature of songwriting.
As one of the most vital forces in progressive music globally, Karnivool has spent the intervening years catering to their ever-expanding fanbase, playing everywhere from Melbourne to Moscow, Sofia to Sydney, Pune to Perth. Highlights include a sold-out show at London’s Roundhouse to 3,000 fans, gigs in South Africa, India, and Dubai, appearances at Download, Hellfest, and sold-out tours on home soil.
Now in 2026, In Verses is said to position Karnivool in their healthiest creative space to date.
Karnivool will be playing two UK dates this May, with support coming from Canadian instrumental progressive metal band Intervals.
KARNIVOOL & INTERVALS 2026 UK TOUR DATES
Thurs 14th May 2026 – Roundhouse, London UK
Fri 15th May 2026 – Academy, Manchester UK
