Album Review: Karnivool - Asymmetry

When a band takes four years off in between records, the void is immediately filled with anxiety. Will they become abstract and self-indulgent, mainstream and commercial? Will their affable lead singer's chart-topping side project take the edge off their identity?

Karnivool fans, fear no more, for your patience has been rewarded – handsomely.

Asymmetry has been described by songwriter, guitarist and co-producer Drew Goddard as a natural evolution and it is the perfect adage for the album. It is consistent, not only as a collection of songs, but also with Karnivool's sound across their first two albums.

The initial few tracks launch straight into their epic, forceful, intense musicality. The Karnivool trademark of haunting guitar, challenging time signature and powerful multi-dimensional soundscape is all over tracks like Nachash (in which Kenny rightly tells us, “This is bigger than you”), the first single, We Are, with its catchy hook, and The Refusal's intense aggression. One of the most powerful moments comes in the mesmerising melody of Aeons, which draws you in then spits you out with its forceful finish.

The second half of the album is more adventurous. The title track has an almost-grating repetitiveness to it and is a real assault on the senses. Tracks like Eidolon, Sky Machine and The Last Few are more subtle with stirring harmonies while Float is a truly unique Karnivool song focusing purely on vocals and even contains the eerie dream-like backing of a choir towards the end.

Asymmetry is challenging and complex yet intricate and delicate at times. It is not an easy listen but that is not what you would expect from a band of this depth. This album demands contemplation and deserves it.