Introduction
Karnivool is one of Australia’s most influential progressive bands, renowned for their intricate songs, emotionally charged lyrics, and genre-blending sound that fuses progressive metal, alternative rock, and atmospheric textures.
Now, with Karnivool preparing to release their highly anticipated new album, In Verses (February 6th 2026) excitement is at an all-time high. We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the record and it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about progressive rock releases of the year. Let us know in the comments which Karnivool song you’re most excited to hear!
Genre: Progressive Metal / Alternative Rock
For Fans Of : A Perfect Circle, Porcupine Tree, Tool
Review
In Verses is an album that challenges and rewards the listener in equal measure. From the puzzling textures of the opening track Ghost to the delicate notes on songs like Aozora and Opal, Karnivool balance both technical mastery with emotional impact. Showcasing that they know exactly when to build the tension as well as when to ease back a little, creating moments that are memorable, moving and intricate.
Vocals remain consistently strong throughout against the cleverly layered instrumentation. While lyrics range from anthemic to haunting. Lines like “I wanna stare at the sun till it burns out” stuck with me long after the song had ended.
While a couple of tracks overstay their welcome, the albums strengths of dynamic layering, subtlety and fearlessness shine! In Verses is not only impressive technically but it also pulls you in, challenges what you think Prog is and leaves a memorable lasting impression. Karnivool are now my favourite Prog band!
Rating: 90/100
Track By Track Review
Ghost
The albums opener kicks off with a puzzling and sensory disrupting atmosphere that gradually builds into a deep and fully engaging experience. The drums cut through intricate guitar work and are accompanied by deep bass that gets your heart pumping and then some.
The track pivots into this heavier riff that is not only unexpected but also incredibly impressive. While the vocals remain crystal clear even when the bass line is at its fullest. I also found the backing vocals to be used well, sparingly but effective is how we like it!
My mouth hit the floor when everything drops away and allows the vocals to stand alone. In that moment I am transported to the streets of a sleepy Spanish village, the perfect location to get surprised by the guitar that comes back at you with some growl!
Drone
The song has a haunting undertone, hidden by its relaxed groove. I enjoy the way the guitar and drums interplay with the resulting sound being not only a fully rounded experience but also remarkably catchy.
The lyric “I wanna stare at the sun till it burns out” is not only thought provoking but also anthemic. It is backed up brilliantly by the instrumentals which showcase a masterclass in progressive music. With its layering this track feels like an early contender for the albums best!
Aozora
I noticed early into the album that Karnivool like to have their songs start off with drums as well as unusual textures. The former always gets my vote, the latter give or take.
What isn’t give or take though are the lyrics on this track which are straight up class! “Here we sit in our camouflage, the same as all the others, outside the world just wants to break in“.
None more so though than the delicately vocal delivery on “If I held your face to a mirror would you smile, If I held your head under water would you fight for your life”. I believe that this track exemplifies the bands ability to convey real depth without relying on the need for constant heaviness.
Animation
The harp like introduction stands out as beautiful, while the heavy bass gives the track real weight. The band expertly shift between dynamics, knowing when to unleash power and when to pull back a little.
Conversations
Opening with a warmer tone, the melodical touch to this track almost feels like an embrace when compared to the others. This is despite its darker lyrical content. While the band use a subtler shift in dynamics, I feel that the end result is just as engaging. Slightly long on the run time though.
Reanimation
I am afraid this is the weakest track for me, with the first 30 seconds just feeling more like ambient noise than the start of a song. While the vocals and lyrics around the middle of the song do provide a fleeting lifeline the overall result is less cohesive and impressive compared to the rest of the album.
All It Takes
A real solid rebound, with bass opening the show before it explodes into guitar and drums. Dark, technical and powerful this does feel like a bit of a statement piece. I also noticed for the first time the use of electronic elements which while used sparingly are effective.
“Are you close enough?” Lands with a punch, while the layering is fantastic. I think this is a rich tapestry of sound more than a just a prog song.
Remote Self Control
The intro here is a little busy for my ears, combined with the higher note vocals this isn’t my favourite. I get the occasional Biffy Clyro comparison in my head here, which even now thinking about it I find odd.
This track lays more into technicality here than emotional depth, I can’t quite help but thinking perhaps this could have been left off the track-listing? Less sometimes is more.
Opal
Opening up with piano this song sets a cinematic tone that not only layers but slowly builds something incredibly strong. Vocally this song is absolutely outstanding, and the guitar comes in, in a rather subdued way. Clever work!
Hitting hard however is “We’re not guilty, they just bought the jury”. By the time the song ends its transformed from this delicate caterpillar into a soaring butterfly (Guitar shredding included)! I feel like the outro could have been shorter, but it is still a standout moment for me.
Salva
If we continue the running time from Opal into this song then we have nearly 2 minutes of no vocals, which is too much for me! Once the bass and drums kick in the track does however become both immersive and fully enveloping. The vocals are wholesome rather than powerful.
The dramatic closing section comes complete with bagpipes, now that is a lasting impression!
Final Verdict
In Verses is a masterclass in modern progressive music being ambitious, emotive, and immersive. While a few tracks overstay their welcome, the albums strengths which are layering, subtlety, and fearless experimentation shine throughout.
This is progressive rock that doesn’t just impress technically; it moves you.
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