Review Summary: Wide awake and still asleep...
It’s always up for debate whether or not four years is too long of a wait. Especially for such a young band like Karnivool. Themata was released to considerable acclaim in 2005 and what a record to begin your career with. After developing a solid fan base and receiving all of this acclaim they seemed to fall off the radar. Four years is quite a long time to not hear from a band let alone such a young band like Karnivool and they could have easily been forgotten. In 2009, they exploded onto the scene again with an overwhelming amount of maturity and passion for a band that is only into their sophomore album. It’s safe to say they caught everyone’s attention as well as even more critical acclaim. Boasting a more progressive sound, great musicianship, and Ian’s simple yet emotional vocals, it only furthered the argument that four years in fact can be worth the wait.
As soon as you hear the quietly swelling synthesizers and Xylophone in the beginning of “Simple Boy,” you immediately suspect we are in for something much different than Themata. The powerful bass guitar comes in as well as Ian’s emotional vocals. “Simple Boy” sets the stage for the entire album in terms of sound and lyrical content. You get the sense that the song is introducing a character that is tormented and longing for some sort of escape as Ian hypnotically exclaims:
“Simple boy, stay here
Simple boy, don't wander
Simple boy, you're safe here
Simple boy, simple boy”
“Sound Awake” has never been confirmed a concept album, but it definitely tells a story of a very tormented soul. “Simple Boy” discovers that he can in fact escape from his torment in “Goliath.” The song’s time signature is incredibly unique as well as the skillful guitar playing. Ian and Steve really shine on the vocals and drums in this one. We then move into “New Day” as the story continues. It is the highlight of the album because it conveys an overwhelming amount of positive emotions. The amount of textures placed into this song is astounding. Soaring guitars, impressive drumming, and Tool influenced bass accompanies Ian’s vocals about finally finding the way down the right path. It’s a wonder to behold…
However, the boy’s positive attitude doesn’t continue throughout the entire album. “Set Fire To The Hive” angrily preaches about the hypocrisy of religion and politics. It almost sounds like it could feel right at home on Themata. Being one of the heaviest songs on the album, it certainly delivers in the angst and it is driven by impressive lyrics, heavy bass, and unique sounds. Finding the way for the boy continues throughout the album from the very emotional “Umbra” right up until the incredibly epic twelve minutes number “Deadman.”
It all ends with the song that definitely pleased fans of Themata. It is essentially part two of “Change.” Epic without a doubt, Karnivool did not disappoint with this closer. It thrills, its guitar conveys an overwhelming amount of emotion, and the lyrics provide vast amounts of closure. The simple boy has found his path. The album is definitely a journey that you embark on with the boy and you eventually begin to take his problems associate with your own life. Finding a path that suites you in certainly not an easy one, but Karnivool certainly found theirs in this epic record.
