Karnivool - Themata
MGM Distribution
Alternative Rock/Metal
12 songs (48:52)
Release year: 2005
Karnivool, MGM Distribution
Reviewed by Khelek
Archive review

I am not sure where I first heard of these guys, but I do remember hearing a few tracks from Themata on their myspace and really digging the catchiness as well as the emotion that was worked into each song, along with the singer's excellent voice. Karnivool hails from Australia and formed in 1997, though they did not release this, their first full-length album, until 2005. However they did release two excellent EPs, Karnivool in 1999 and Persona in 2001. Clearly these guys have some experience and this album shows that they are a mature metal act.

Cote begins the album softly at first with the calm vocals of Ian Kenny. The chorus breaks into some more metallic areas and is catchy and memorable, making me want to hear more of what the album has to offer. Themata comes in next, opening with some heavy riffs that lead into a calmer verse. I don't think the distorted vocals work very well here, but they do not ruin the song by any means. Shutterspeed is a quicker song that uses vocal distortion again, though it isn't as noticeable here. The chorus is slower and catchy once again, the lines "I see more than you/I feel more than you" being particularly memorable. Fear Of The Sky is one of my favorite songs from the album because of its infectious melody and great use of vocals, which are more varied in this song than on previous ones. The guitar melodies are also very memorable yet unique. The calmer interlude towards the middle of the song provides you with a rest from a song that is pretty intense, but quickly builds the intensity right back up. The chorus can a bit repetitive at times, especially towards the end of the song. Many songs on this album are driven primarily by the guitars and vocals, and the verse-chorus structure can get old, but often it is done so well that I can overlook a bit of song structure repetition. The songs on this album I also feel flow together very well; the smoothness of the transitions enables me to listen to this album all the way through without being jolted out of the experience. Roquefort begins with a very catchy guitar riff that continues into the verse, where the drums take over, building the tension until the chorus comes in with the powerful guitars and vocals of Kenny. He really shows here that he has a pretty good range and knows how to use it. I can't help but hum along to this song. Lifelike begins with atmospheric guitars and electronic effects before heavy guitar riffs blast in with the quick vocal work of Kenny. The song moves quickly from the verse into the chorus and keeps the pace going at a faster speed than the previous songs on the album. About halfway through we get wailing guitars and electronic effects again, then an overlay of a sample of a girl crying with the wailing guitars adding to this atmosphere of catchy melancholy. The vocals of Kenny come in to add to this soundscape. Sewn And Silent begins with very serene acoustic guitar which is soon joined by soft vocals. The lyrics revolve around loss, silence, and patience. This song could be called a ballad I suppose, it does a great job of conveying calmer emotions.

This is a really great album, especially for a debut, although these guys do have quite a bit of experience under their belts. Almost every song has something to appreciate, although at time the verse-chorus song structure tends to be overused, especially when an otherwise great chorus is repeated too many times. I also think the distortion that is sometimes used on the vocals put a damper on Ian Kenny's vocals. Other than that there I really have nothing negative to say about this album. It is original, heavy, and keeps me interested for the entire 12 tracks. I have a feeling these guys are going to create something even better the next time around. This is definitely a relatively unknown band that is worth checking out.

Myspace
Killing Songs :
Themata, Fear Of The Sky, Roquefort, Lifelike
Khelek quoted 83 / 100
Other albums by Karnivool that we have reviewed:
Karnivool - Sound Awake reviewed by Khelek and quoted 86 / 100
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