Karnivool have released their majestic new single “Opal”, giving us another taste of their hugely anticipated new album, In Verses, landing February 6 via Cymatic Records / Sony Music.
A sweeping journey that frontman Ian Kenny says ‘takes you out to the desert by the end of it’, “Opal” features a delicately plucked harp leading a collage of ideas stretching back to the band’s earliest creative chapters, including a repurposed riff, first recorded 20 years ago during the Themata sessions.
Guitarist Drew Goddard explains: “Opal pulls together ideas from some of my earliest days writing with the band. The riff in the middle and end was actually the first thing I recorded in the Themata era, on a computer at my parents’ house. Twenty years later, it found its place here. Jon dug it up, and we made it feel more current. The verse that starts with ‘You’ve been holding up…’ was a section left off Aeons from Asymmetry. The whole track came together in a way we’ve never really experienced before – these old, separate ideas suddenly just fell into place.”
Born out of relentless experimentation in their Perth studio with longtime collaborator Forrester Savell, the road to Karnivool’s fourth studio record has not been linear nor straightforward – just like the music they create.
In Verses is a culmination of the last decade of life experiences that have brought Karnivool to this point. Meticulously formed and delivered, the album’s ten tracks journey collective feelings of frustration, catharsis and a rediscovery of identity. In Verses not only provides a fitting moment of reintroduction for longtime and casual Karnivool fans but for newcomers, the new album marks a striking gateway to a body of work built on an intense love for the craft.
Over the past 20 years, Karnivool have cemented their status as one of Australia’s most influential hard rock bands. Their ever-unique approach to heavy and progressive music has delivered three acclaimed and platinum-certified records: Themata (2005), its groundbreaking follow-up, Sound Awake (2009) and ARIA award-winning #1 album Asymmetry (2013). As one of the most vital forces in progressive music globally, Karnivool have spent the intervening years catering to their ever-expanding fanbase, playing everywhere from Melbourne to Moscow, Sofia to Sydney, Pune to Perth. Highlights include a sold-out show at London’s Roundhouse to 3000 fans, gigs in South Africa, India and Dubai, appearances at Download, Hellfest and sold-out tours on home soil.
Though a lot has happened in the 12 years between albums, come February 6 the release of In Verses is as much of an achievement for Karnivool as it is a love letter for the fans who have grown with the band; a fitting payoff for years of loyalty and consistent support.
KARNIVOOL – IN VERSES
