Karnivool are one of the most acclaimed and influential bands in modern Australian progressive rock — a Perth five-piece who fused the heaviness of alternative metal with the atmosphere and ambition of prog. Powered by the soaring voice of Ian Kenny and a formidable rhythmic engine, they grew from nu-metal beginnings into one of the genre’s most dynamic and richly textured acts. With a fiercely devoted following and a string of chart-topping albums at home, they have become flagbearers for Australian prog.

The short version

Formed in Perth in 1997, Karnivool play dynamic, atmospheric Australian prog — intricate, heavy and richly layered progressive rock that grew out of an alternative-metal background. Across three studio albums — “Themata” (2005), “Sound Awake” (2009) and “Asymmetry” (2013) — they evolved into one of the most ambitious and respected bands in the modern scene, drawing comparisons to Tool and Porcupine Tree. They are among the defining names in Australian progressive music.

Perth: from covers to prog

Karnivool began in 1997 as a high-school band in Perth, Western Australia, playing covers at parties. Within a year, singer Ian Kenny had overhauled the line-up, shifted to writing original material and given the band its name. After a series of EPs and several personnel changes, the classic five-piece settled into place by 2004, with guitarist Drew Goddard, guitarist Mark Hosking, bassist Jon Stockman and drummer Steve Judd alongside Kenny. Their independently-released 2005 debut “Themata” began their rise, and they have been one of Australia’s most respected heavy bands ever since.

Dynamic, atmospheric prog

Karnivool’s music is built on contrast and dynamics. Their early sound leaned toward alternative and nu-metal, but they quickly grew into something far more expansive: intricate, atmospheric progressive rock built on heavy, unusually-tuned guitars, the thick, driving bass of Jon Stockman and the powerful drumming of Steve Judd. Over that formidable rhythmic foundation soars the versatile, emotive voice of Ian Kenny, moving from hushed restraint to full-throated intensity. Often compared to Tool, Deftones and Porcupine Tree but distinctly their own, and a thrilling force live, Karnivool make heavy music of real depth and texture.

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Themata, Sound Awake and Asymmetry

Karnivool’s three studio albums chart a steady evolution. The debut “Themata” (2005), written largely by Drew Goddard, delivered their heaviest, most direct material and a much-loved title track. Its successor, “Sound Awake” (2009), was a huge leap forward — ambitious, atmospheric and progressive — debuting at number two in Australia and widely regarded as their masterpiece. “Asymmetry” (2013), their most complex and contemplative record, went one better, topping the Australian chart. After a long hiatus, the band returned in 2026 with their fourth album, “In Verses”.

Album by album

Three albums of dynamic, atmospheric, intricate Australian prog. Tap any title for its guide.

The players

Karnivool have boasted a remarkably stable line-up since 2004: singer Ian Kenny, whose soaring voice fronts the band and who also leads the rock group Birds of Tokyo; guitarist Drew Goddard, the band’s chief songwriter; guitarist Mark Hosking; bassist Jon Stockman; and drummer Steve Judd. In their earlier years the band passed through several other members, including bassist Andrew Brown and drummers Brett McKenzie and Ray Hawking, before that classic five-piece locked in and powered all of their acclaimed albums.

Where to start

Begin with “Sound Awake” (2009), Karnivool’s breakthrough and the album most often hailed as their finest — atmospheric, dynamic and endlessly rewarding. From there, the complex, acclaimed “Asymmetry” (2013) shows their most adventurous side, while the heavier debut “Themata” (2005) captures their raw early power. Three albums that reveal one of modern prog’s most compelling bands.

Why they still matter

Karnivool matter as one of the bands who put modern Australian progressive rock on the map — taking the weight and energy of alternative metal and shaping it into music of rare atmosphere, dynamics and depth. Hugely influential at home and admired well beyond it, they have built a small but exceptional catalogue and a reputation as one of the most powerful live acts in the genre. For anyone who likes their progressive rock heavy, intricate and atmospheric, Karnivool are essential listening.

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