There comes along a band once in a while that just defies categorization and are so insanely good that you can’t believe that everyone does not know them. Karnivool are just that band.
This album was released back in 2013 and other than a single that was released in 2021, it was the last album that the band put out. Not the most prolific of bands I think you’d agree, but when they do release tunes they are of the most epic proportions. They are usually classed in reviews as progressive metal, and I guess that’s as close as you get with pigeonholing them. Think of Muse mixed with Radiohead and Tool, and you may have an inkling of what they sound like.
This is not an easy listen, you have to immerse yourself to go deep and devote the time to appreciate what is on offer here, but when it clicks nothing will come close. I guess my favourite track is Sky Machine, as I love the way the vocal harmonizes with the picked guitar line and that heavy almost funky drum groove.
Such a rewarding album and every time I play it, I find something different to obsess over. There are not many one off bands around and originality is hard to come by in an over crowded music scene, but Karnivool are out here by themselves.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
