Album Rating: 3.0

The word "theatrical" tends to be overused these days. This isn't theatrical at all in my book even though there are some cool orchestral elements. Good review overall. The album is admittedly nothing special, but like you aptly put it still one of the best in mainstream rock this year.

Album Rating: 4.0

The orchastral elements put this band on a whole new level in my opinion, gives them such a powerfull backing.

Album Rating: 5.0

Initially I wasn't that impressed with this album, but boy it has grown on me massively.



Once I got over the fact that it wasn't a Universes Part 2 I began to enjoy it so much more.



I reckon this is better than Universes.

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

album still hasn't grown on me in particular. the gap is probably my favourite track. one of the true winners on the album.



great review davey, and i agree entirely. just try not to give cameron adams any credit in future reviews, ok ;-)

Great review.....

2 things i want to point out though, since when where karnivool a progressive "metal" act ???

Also, about being the best voice in Australia, Kenny has some competition from one badass guy called Clint Boge.

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

yeah metal is quite a stretch for karnivool. prog rock for sure.



anyone else notice the drums sit pretty far back on this album? the vocals also sit very much front and centre.



the mix just sounds very light.

Album Rating: 3.5

"Yeah, I prefer Karnivool, too. But I still like these guys. It's nice to see two sides of a vocalist- not to diss the rest of the band. " Agreed... & I personally feel that Ian's voice better suits Birds of Tokyo... As long as he is in the mood for some mongrel. LOL.



"Awesome review, and I see what your saying but I absolutely adore this album! " Thanks WhiteNoise. Not many will feel the 2 singles are the highlights though.



"The word "theatrical" tends to be overused these days. This isn't theatrical at all in my book even though there are some cool orchestral elements. Good review overall." Know where you're coming from Greg & did think twice about its use. What i was specifically trying to convey was the more Muse-like sound (but I didn't want to say Muse more than once. I couldn't think of a better word to use. And it's not just the strings, it's Ian's voice on 2 or 3 tracks, and even some of the guitar effects.



"Initially I wasn't that impressed with this album, but boy it has grown on me massively. Once I got over the fact that it wasn't a Universes Part 2 I began to enjoy it so much more." Agreed on all points.



"I reckon this is better than Universes." Disagree.



"great review davey, and i agree entirely. just try not to give cameron adams any credit in future reviews, ok ;-)" Thanks Jim. And by naming CA, you have given him more credit than I have.



"Great review..... 2 things i want to point out though, since when where karnivool a progressive "metal" act ??? Also, about being the best voice in Australia, Kenny has some competition from one badass guy called Clint Boge." Thanks. Fair call on Karnivool's classification I guess. Meh, genres. As for Clint, I am also a fan, but Ian just has that special something for me.



"anyone else notice the drums sit pretty far back on this album? the vocals also sit very much front and centre. the mix just sounds very light." Jim, I thought the drums were great on about 3 tracks. I agree with your point... The vocals clearly have the spotlight on them so to speak. If I was to have anything musically though, I'd prefer the guitar be let loose more often.

Another very nice review Davey, I have one album by these guys but it never did too much for me so I'll probably sit this one out

Album Rating: 3.5

Karnivool are prog metal. To call them rock is just.... Meh. I'm pretty sure you'd

have to be the kind of guy who insists Tool aren't metal to do so.



I get tired of the fuss over what's metal or not.

Album Rating: 3.5

Thanks RomsGom. I really thought you might like these guys, but if you didn't like 'Universes' (I'm presuming it was that), then I guess not.



And I definitely won't be getting into a debate over what genre Karnivool are. How does Prog-Inefficiency sound? LOL. ;-)

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

genre debates are to be avoided, so let's leave it there, shall we?

Album Rating: 3.5

Agreed Jim-Bob.



What's your least fave track here?

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

in the veins of death valley fails to stand out at all, so i'd pick that straight from the bat.



i must confess that circles doesn't impress me either.

Album Rating: 3.5

You're cwazyyyy. The strings on 'In the veins...' are marvelous & 'Circles' is pure vocal brilliance. You just know which way to spin & therefore cannot relate.

Album Rating: 3.5

I agree, let's not genre debate, I probably shouldn't have even commented.





So, I'm getting this right now, you guys, I'm excited.

Album Rating: 3.5

Lower the expectations CutMan... We don't want you to be disappointed.

Album Rating: 3.5

Pretty sure I wont be, but... Fiiiiiiiiine. *closes eyes and seems to strain* Okay, lowered. I officially worry this will be terrible, terrible whale drool soup.

Album Rating: 3.5

Haha. And Ian Kenny only plays the tambourine! ;-)

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

listening to death valley again, i can appreciate the dramatic strings and how it adds a new dimension to their sound, but otherwise i find it pretty unremarkable in regards to the rest of their stuff. it's ok but they can push harder in terms of songwriting i think.



the gap really has a soaring chorus and epic outro.

Album Rating: 3.5

" it's ok but they can push harder in terms of songwriting i think."



You mean it needs some "mongrel".



Yeah, 'The Gap' rules.