Any discussion of influential and iconic Australia rock and metal bands likely has to include the likes of Parkway Drive, Silverchair, Midnight Oil, The Amity Affliction, and especially Karnivool. Karnivool’s debut album Themata, which was released on February 7th, 2005, was a bit of a watershed moment in both Australia and beyond.
Acting like a sort of triumvirate bridge between nu-metal, alternative metal, and progressive rock/metal, Themata arrived right as the music scene was changing. Four years removed from their Persona EP and you can really see (well, hear) what changed for Karnivool. Always great instrumentalists early on, the vocal hooks created by dynamic frontman Ian Kenny are truly something to behold, especially on standout tracks “Mauseum” and “Shutterspeed”.
Instrumentally, Karnivool have always been sound. Goddard, Hosking, Stockman – what a trio that also meshes with Ian Kenny at all times. Many of Themata’s best songs rely on rhythm and texture more than purposely flexing instrumental prowess. You can actually hear the bass, a very prominent part of the album, and very important considering Karnivool’s strong nu-metal and prog metal influences. The album is also very balanced between heavy and melodic, with the title track and “Shutterspeed” being particular examples. There’s also “L1feL1ke”, which is almost straight-up alternative // nu-metal, and was released a couple years before the album actually dropped. Surprisingly accessible when you compare it to bands like Tool, most of Themata hits just right. And considering they’d arguably top this on 2009’s Sound Awake, it’s still essential listening even today.
