Formed as a high school band in 1997 to play Nirvana and Carcass covers at parties, Karnivool, led by singer Ian Kenny, later with a revamped line-up began writing original material. In 1999 with a line-up consisting of Kenny on vocals, Andrew Goddard on lead guitar, Andrew Brown on bass, and Brett McKenzie on drums, the band released their debut eponymously-titled EP. A follow-up EP “Persona” was released in 2001 and Karnivool subsequently won the Western Australia State Final of the National Campus Band Competition.
Karnivool’s debut full-length was written entirely by Goddard and marked a change of personnel with Steve Judd coming in on drums, Jon Stockman in on bass, and Mark Hosking joined as rhythm guitarist. The album was originally released independently in 2005 however the band later signed with Bieler Bros. Records who reissued the album in 2007. Karnivool supported the album with an extensive worldwide tour and later covered the Gotye song “The Only Way” in contribution to the compilation album “Mixed Blood”.
Ahead of the band’s sophomore album “Sound Awake”, Karnivool released the lead single “Set Fire to the Hive”, which peaked at No. 11 on the AIR Top 20 Singles chart. Aided by the single, the album released May 9, 2009, debuted at No. 2 on the AIR Album Chart. Karnivool embarked on another worldwide tour in support, including shows in the U.S., New Zealand, the UK and India. The band took a break after the tour allowing singer Ian Kenny to work with his other band Birds of Tokyo, however returned in 2011.
Karnivool’s third full-length “Asymmetry” was issued by Density/Cymatic Records in 2013 and topped the Australian Albums Chart. The album spawned the singles “The Refusal” and the six-minute long “We Are”, and is noted for being the band’s most complex and contemplative album to date.
The hugely popular Aussie prog-metallers Karnivool certainly pull a large crowd, selling out stadiums the world over, and paving the way for others in non-mainstream bands to do the same- as guitarist Mark Hosking put it at a show in Sydney, "This is the time for independent bands, my friends!". Karnivool's particular brand driving drumbeats, staccato guitar riffs and clean vocals from frontman Ian Kenney is perfect when witnessed as one of many in a huge arena, singing along to every word. Kenney's awkwardly charismatic stage presence is epitomised by the earnestly theatrical belting out of his lyrics, grabbing his head in his hands or gesturing wildly to really make the audience feel every word he's singing. The level of musicianship of the rest of the band- on bass, drums and guitar- is just as impressive, resulting in note-perfect harmonies blended with heavy, thundering drum beats. The standout tracks at the Sydney show last year were the ear-devastating 'Themata', and the immense soaring hit of their finale, 'New Day'. They don't skimp on putting on an incredible light show either, which dramatised their whole headlining set magnificently.
Karnivool have come a long way from their local bar Nirvana cover-band days, and even bigger things seem to be on the horizon. An epic live experience!
louise_h
Awesome show, nice and small venue with a good crowd. It's Boston, so get there early... Parking is always a challenge if you don't purchase through the venue.
Plini's lead guitarist and bassist play with the two members of Intervals, making for an amazing band with awesome sound. During the encore, they all just came back on stage and jammed for a good 15 minutes. True talent to go up and freestyle to produce what we heard.
justin-powers-2
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