Following a string of setbacks, barriers, and logistical complications, Aussie progressive rock/metal juggernaut Karnivool finally return with their hotly anticipated fourth opus, In Verses. After nearly thirteen years between drinks, the crafty quartet, from the far reaches and musical hotbed of Perth, Western Australia, make a welcome return for prog aficionados and longtime fans of the veteran collective, who flourished from crunchy alt metal and nü flavored beginnings, into a revered progressive band through three previous LPs of high quality. From the clever arrangements and blockbuster hooks of 2005’s Themata, through to the accomplished, complex Toolisms and evolving textures of stunning sophomore platter Sound Awake (2009), to the rawer, experimental edge of 2013’s Asymmetry, Karnivool’s discography is sparse yet undeniably excellent.
Approaching In Verses feels a little strange initially. Karnivool’s curious decision to gradually drip-feed half the album’s songs across numerous months lends a familiarity to those without the willpower to give in to temptation, ensuring several of the songs are well lived in before giving the entire opus full attention. Take, for instance, the stormy rhythmic thrust and instantly gratifying hooks of lead single “Drone” (released in July 2025) or the revamped, stuttering crunch of “All It Takes,” originally released back in 2021. These higher energy songs are scattered throughout an album that pivots into more measured, subdued progressive pathways, courtesy of several longer form melodic odysseys, rich in detail, slow burning builds, and emotive, gorgeous vocals from silky voiced frontman Ian Kenny.
Opener “Ghost” unfurls at a relaxed pace, ramping up tension before a delightfully heavy, Middle Eastern-esque groove kicks in. After doing the rounds in their live shows, it is cool to finally hear the song in its studio form. Its complex arrangement and grinding edge lend a darker, off-kilter punch before the infectious burst of “Drone” makes its impressive mark. In Verses largely maintains momentum, sequencing quibbles aside. The softer material and prog power balladry roughly consume half the album, finding Karnivool snaking down introspective, heartfelt pathways, while compromising elements of Karnivool’s signature heavier, energetic fare, leading to pangs of initial disappointment. Over time, these feelings subsided as the brooding tones, glistening melodies, and gentle swells washed over. Soaring mid-album cut “Conversations” comes replete with delicate guitar work undercutting earworm hooks that cut deep. From noodling, melancholic builds, to crunchier undertones and hooks that eventually penetrate the brain and prove tough to dislodge, “Reanimation” culminates with an epic, soul-tingling solo from prog veteran Guthrie Govan (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson).
Following the infectious grooves and bright melodies of “Remote Self-Control”, In Verses wraps up with a pair of wrenching, lighter in the air ballads (“Opal,” and haunting, bagpiped-adorned “Salva”). Again, displaying the slow-burning unfurl, structural subtleties and pop sensibilities featuring prominently across the album’s mellower cuts. Kenny’s powerhouse singing has been a staple of the Aussie music scene for decades now, both with Karnivool and high-profile rockers (now the questionably pop-inclined) Birds of Tokyo. It’s another highlight reel performance, bolstering Karnivool’s muscular, progressive rock/metallic core with blockbuster hooks, singalong anthems, and an emotionally raw delivery. Drummer Steve Judd and bassist Jon Stockman lay a mighty foundation, through a complex, tightly synced mix of tricky rhythms and driving grooves, paving way for guitarists Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking to delve into their bag of tricks. Supplementing crushing bursts of technical riffage and chunky grooves with understated layers of texture and noodling prog excursions, the duo perform impressively.
Over an hour-long runtime, Karnivool mostly get things right, though astute editing in patches and sequencing to more effectively disperse the mellower fare and energetic numbers, creates lingering nitpicks. Thus, In Verses proves difficult to score. Much of the material achieves, or at least teeters on the cusp of greatness, though the minor bloat, uneven pacing, and ballad-heavy approach compromise the album’s undeniable strengths. Regardless, In Verses marks a nuanced, introspective step in Karnivool’s evolution, rewarding patience, while retaining the signature hallmarks, intelligent songwriting, and hooky accessibility curated over the past couple of decades. Definitely a grower, In Verses won’t change the minds of listeners previously unmoved by Karnivool. Another singular entry into the band’s outstanding repertoire, In Verses stays true to the winning facets that have led to Karnivool’s revered status. Falling narrowly short of the lofty heights of Themata or Sound Awake, flaws and all, In Verses triumphs on its own merits.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: N/A | Format Reviewed: Stream
Label: Cymatic Records
Websites: Official | Facebook
Releases Worldwide: February 6th, 2026
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