After a series of false starts, obstacles and logistical complications, Australian progressive rock/metal monolith Karnivool, finally returns with its long-awaited fourth work, In Verses. After nearly thirteen years between drinks, the clever quartet, from the far reaches and musical hub of Perth, Western Australia, makes a welcome return for prog lovers and long-time fans of the veteran band, which blossomed from crunchy alt metal and nü flavors into a respected progressive band across three previous high-quality LPs. From the clever orchestrations and blockbuster hooks of 2005’s Themata, to the fully realized, complex Tool-isms and evolving textures of the stunning second record Sound Awake (2009), to the rawer, more experimental hue of 2013’s Asymmetry , Karnivool‘s discography is sparse but undeniably excellent.
“Approading In Verses” seems a little strange at first. Karnivool‘s odd decision to gradually release half the album’s songs over several months lends a familiarity to those without the will to resist temptation, ensuring that many of the songs are well-lived before they give their full attention to the whole work. Take, for example, the stormy rhythmic drive and immediately satisfying hooks of the lead single “Drone” (released in July 2025) or the refreshed, stuttering moment of “All It Takes,” originally released in 2021. These higher-energy songs are scattered across an album that pivots to more measured, restrained progressive paths, thanks to several longer melodic odysseys, rich in detail, slow builds and heartfelt, gorgeous vocals from the silk-voiced frontman Ian Kenny.
The opening track, “Ghost,” unfolds at a relaxed pace, raising the intensity before launching into a delightfully heavy, Middle Eastern groove. After their rounds on live appearances, it’s nice to finally hear the song in its studio form. Its intricate orchestration and sturdy hue lend a darker, stranger tension before the infectious explosion of “Drone” leaves its striking mark. In Verses largely maintains its momentum, setting objections aside. The softer material and dynamic progressive ballads occupy about half the album, finding Karnivool traversing inward-looking, heartfelt paths while also putting at risk elements of Karnivool‘s signature, heavier, energetic side, leading to pangs of initial disappointment. Over time, those feelings subsided as the melancholic tones, shimmering melodies and soft notes poured out. The explosive mid-album track “Conversations” comes packed with subtle guitar work that undermines the sonic keys that cut deep. From noodles and melancholic melodies, to more crunchy subdued melodies and hooks that eventually pierce the brain and prove hard to dislodge, “Reanimation” peaks with an epic, moving solo from prog veteran Guthrie Govan (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson).
Following the infectious grooves and shimmering melodies of “Remote Self-Control,” In Verses concludes with two stunning, lighter ballads (“Opal” and the haunting, bagpipe-adorned “Salva”). Again, presenting the slow unfolding, structural subtleties and pop sensibilities that dominate the album’s gentler tracks. Kenny’s dynamic singing has been a key element of the Australian music scene for decades, both with Karnivool and with the famous rock bands (now questionably pop) Birds of Tokyo. It’s yet another impressive showing, reinforcing Karnivool‘s muscular, progressive rock/metallic core with blockbuster hooks, singalong anthems and an emotionally raw performance. Drummer Steve Judd and bassist Jon Stockman lay a strong foundation, through a complex, tightly synced blend of difficult rhythms and dynamic grooves, opening the way for guitarists Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking to dig deep into their bag of tricks. Complementing the crushing bursts of technical riffs and bulky grooves with subtle layers of texture and sharp progressive digressions, the duo performs impressively.
Over the course of an hour, Karnivool mostly get it right, although the clever editing in sections and the sequencing to scatter the softer melody and energetic tracks more effectively creates nagging pinches. So, In Verses proves difficult to rate. Much of the material succeeds, or at least sits at the threshold of greatness, though the slight bloat, uneven pacing and approach to ballads put the album’s undeniable strengths at risk. Regardless, In Verses marks a subtle, introspective step in Karnivool‘s evolution, rewarding patience while maintaining the signature traits, clever songwriting and easy accessibility they’ve curated over the past two decades. Certainly a refined album, In Verses won’t change the minds of listeners who previously weren’t moved by Karnivool. Yet another unique entry in the band’s excellent repertoire, In Verses stays true to the winning aspects that led to Karnivool‘s respected status. Falling marginally short of the high peaks of Themata or Sound Awake, with all their flaws, In Verses triumphs on its own merits.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: N/A | Format reviewed: Streaming
Label: Cymatic Records
Websites: Official | Releases Facebook worldwide: February 6, 2026
The review was done by Angry metal guy.
