Metalcatto
Karnivool is what happens when a band possesses the intricate, atmospheric ambition of Tool but is fundamentally more willing to wear its heart on its sleeve and openly explore emotional vulnerability, rather than shrouding everything in cryptic metaphor and themes of substance abuse. The band carries both the blessing and the curse of an undeniable landmark album in its past (Sound Awake). Hence, its latest offering, In Verses, arrives with enormous shoes to fill and, frankly, zero of my initial hopes for a triumphant return. But let’s dive in regardless.
Well, I must admit, I’m rather surprised. In Verses hits harder in the emotional core than most modern Pain of Salvation records, which is no small feat. This is Prog that is equally willing to deliver a soaring, intricate guitar passage as it is to provide the melancholic soundtrack for a deeply sad film. The lyrics ooze with a palpable sense of despair and heartache, yet the accompanying music never feels overwrought; it simply fits, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. While there are no displays of gratuitous, technical shredding for its own sake, Karnivool truly shines in the quiet, nuanced places—in the subtle, patient build-ups and the subsequent cathartic explosions that feel earned rather than forced.
As has been the case with its past work, this Karnivool album is heavily carried by those epic, sorrowful, and yet strangely easy-going vocals that serve as a powerful reminder that this music genre can truly encompass the entire emotional spectrum, from utmost horror to the kindest, most vulnerable feelings. It is stunning how, decades into the game, the band can still craft Prog music that makes me feel something. You have no idea how difficult that is, given the sheer volume of technical “shreddings” you people send me weekly.
So, there is one significant point I must bring up as the reason why this album, despite its strengths, won’t be receiving the highest possible score. You see, the first three tracks are absolute, undeniable bangers—a flawless sequence of engaging, dynamic, and powerful songs. The remainder of In Verses is consistently excellent from a craftsmanship standpoint, but it simply doesn’t make my heart race with the same relentless, focused intensity as that no-nonsense beginning. The album’s trajectory becomes less akin to the urgent, modern prog of Caligula’s Horse or the weighty, riff-centric atmospheres of Soen as it progresses; it mellows considerably, ultimately landing in a space that is, perhaps, a touch too soft for my personal taste.
Yet, with all that said, In Verses represents an awesome and welcome return from a band that had been absent for too long for the ever-patient Prog fanbase to casually accept a mediocre comeback. The level of songwriting care, emotional depth, and atmospheric mastery on display here is undeniable. If Karnivool decides to only throw a record of this caliber at us once every decade, I believe I can learn to live with that cycle. It is infinitely preferable to have one top-notch, meticulously crafted album every million years than to be subjected to whatever Psycho Synner is putting us through!
Label: Cymatic Records / The Orchard
Release date: February 6, 2026
Website: https://www.karnivool.com/
Country: Australia
Score: 4.0/5.0
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