[CD Review] KARNIVOOL – Asymmetry

Asymmetry marks the long-awaited third album, and follow-up to the critically acclaimed Sound Awake (2009), from Perth heavyweights, Karnivool. Although four years have elapsed, Karnivool has been far from dormant since their last album, paying their dues with relentless touring and making significant waves in the elusive International market. And there’s no doubt this new album will be put under great scrutiny, with expectations running particularly high after the success of Sound Awake. That album charted an amazing progression from Karnivool’s promising debut, pushing their song-writing and musicianship to new levels of excellence.

Straight off the bat, Asymmetry retains the chrome plated prog-rock muscle and soaring melodics of its predecessor, yet sonically this is a different beast. It was evident in the sound of lead-off single ‘We Are’ and is confirmed throughout Asymmetry’s hefty 66-minute playing time. Produced by Nick DiDia (Rage Against the Machine, Mastodon), Karnivool has opted for a far rawer sound, stripping back the flesh to reveal the sinew and bare bones underneath.

For the more fickle listeners, this will be an immediate black spot against the album. After all, Karnivool have always favoured bright, clean production jobs to get their point across. Yet after the initial surprise, the production on Asymmetry fits just fine, displaying the band’s willingness to experiment and take measured risks. The overall clarity of the album, coupled with a well balanced mix, ensures a challenging but digestible listen, just with a rougher aesthetic than the band usually applies.

Although lacking its immediacy, Asymmetry’s song-writing is a logical continuation of Sound Awake. The compositions are typically well crafted, metallic-tinged prog-rock vessels that explore shades of light and darkness, soft-loud dynamics, swelling build-ups and soaring melodic crescendos. The complex and at times aggressive rhythmic backbone interlocks tightly with the muscular force and dexterity of the textured guitar work of Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking, while Ian Kenny’s emotion-charged vocals lead from the front. Kenny delivers an inspired performance of fragile honesty, raw emotion and trademark melodicism. His versatile, hook-strewn patterns are embellished by a welcome edginess to his vocals that expands to the harder-hitting, controlled aggression simmering throughout the album.

Asymmetry reveals Karnivool’s maturation as song-writers and proven knack of crafting musically challenging, progressive compositions without compromising the melodic sensibilities and overall accessibility of their sound. So while the distinct stylistic elements they have established are retained on Asymmetry, Karnivool show a greater willingness to expand beyond the boundaries of their formula, exploring adventurous new territory and incorporating a more aggressive angle to their sound.

The journey begins with the warm, atmospheric throb of ‘Aum’ – effectively a scene setter and one of several interludes that punctuate the album. ‘Nachash’ is the first “official” track and it kicks the album into gear with pulsating basslines, busy drumming and heavy guitar work. The song ebbs and flows with restless energy, soft-loud dynamics and outstanding vocal work from Kenny. The complex rhythms, explosive tempo shifts and aggressive moments of ‘A M War’ stands out immediately as one of the edgier tunes the band has penned. ‘The Refusal’ weaves some questionable metalcore-ish screams into an otherwise engaging uptempo rocker, with a noodling melodic break and yet another top-notch vocal delivery. The sublime duo of ‘Aeons’ and ‘Sky Machine’ are sprawling, deceptively complex epics that bring an immense emotional weight and fragility to the album’s core.

The always inventive drumming and aggressive playing of Steve Judd propels ‘The Last Few’ – a song anchored by the driving pace and intricacies of the rhythm section, and grounded by Kenny’s assured yet understated melodic vocals. Many of the songs are lengthy yet rarely overstretched, while collectively the band never loses sight of the catchier elements and song-based roots of their sound.

Asymmetry is the most challenging album of Karnivool’s career, yet due to its more elusive hooks and adventurous nature it’s difficult to gauge how it stacks up to Sound Awake at this early stage. With many more layers to penetrate and examine, it may take several months and many listens to get a true reflection of Asymmetry’s undoubtable high quality. As it stands, Asymmetry resonates with great power and is an outstanding evolution for Karnivool – revealing a raw, honest and dark new chapter in the band’s career.

8.5/10
Reviewer: Luke Saunders