Karnivool

Aussie alternative and progressive metal quintet Karnivool formed in high school in Perth, Western Australia in 1997. The band’s earliest incarnation was mainly focused around playing covers of bands that influenced them – from grunge to death metal – with a few originals thrown in.

Eventually, frontman Ian Kenny decided to move forwards and break free from covers, parting company with the rest of the band and recruiting an all-new line-up. The new-look Karnivool released their debut EP in 1999, followed two years later by their second, Persona.

Steve Judd joined on drums in 2004, and the band’s enduring line-up had taken shape, with long-standing guitarist Drew Goddard alongside Matt Hosking (also guitar) and bassist Jon Stockman.

The band’s debut full-length Themata came out in their homeland in 2005, followed by US and UK releases in 2007. Following a period of intensive touring, the band regrouped to record their second album, Sound Awake. The album, released in 2009, was to prove a commercial breakthrough for Karnivool, landing at No.2 in the Australian album charts and leading to extensive touring in Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK. The band also played their first ever show in India, to an ecstatic crowd of 10,000 people.

Another four years separated the band’s third album, Asymmetry, from Sound Awake, in part due to Kenny’s success as frontman of another Perth band, Birds Of Tokyo. Produced by Nick DiDia (Powderfinger, Rose Hill Drive) the album was again a success for Karnivool, who received rave reviews for their increasingly innovative sound. The ensuing tour saw the band headline a sold-out Roundhouse in London and appear at some of Europe’s biggest festivals, including Sonisphere and Download.

Having had to postpone their 2020 plans, Karnivool announced 2021 UK tour dates for September and October as part of an extensive European run.