It’s been four years since the release of Karnivool’s Sound Awake. There’s been lots of hype with their new LP, Asymmetry, and it is something that I have been looking forward to for quite some time. Fans may have already heard “We Are” and “The Refusal,” as the band released those in preparation of their third record’s arrival. Karnivool showcase their progressive rock roots and massive sound with tracks like “Aeons” and “The Last Few.” “Aum,” “Amusia” and “Asymmetry” display a new direction in the group’s style, and these instrumentals act as buffers between the chaotic tracks and the calm cuts. “Float” is a song that reminded me of vocalist Ian Kenny’s pop rock project Birds Of Tokyo. Clean guitar chords are picked as Kenny’s brilliant voice lays delicately on top.
“Alpha Omega” is an interesting number with two different halves. It begins with a Birds-esque feel, featuring clean guitars and Kenny’s voice stealing the show. Chaos then ensues in the last half, with the listener’s attention going to guitarists Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking’s brilliant chemistry and musicianship. “Nachash” was a track originally recorded during the Sound Awake sessions, but eventually taken off, reworked, and placed on Asymmetry. “Eidolon” and “Sky Machine” are two numbers that took me by surprise. “Eidolon” might be one of my favorite cuts by the band, featuring excellent backing vocals, melodic and rhythmic guitar parts, and a strong rhythm section.
Four years since Sound Awake, Karnivool brought a lot of experimentation to their new album. Asymmetry proves that they can write both heavy and lighter material, and experiment in different ways while maintaining their signature sound. As a Karnivool fan, this is just another album that shows how underrated they truly are.
In A Word: Massive
