Karnivool

Every now and then, an album comes along that takes you completely by surprise. Ausralia's Karnivool have just released their third album 'Asymmetry' and it's an absolute stormer. Coming completely out of leftfield, the band have transcended their 'Tool-light' tagging and released an opus that should appeal to fans of Tool's heavy prog-metal leanings, combining them with an angular pop-ish assault.

Think of a combination of Radiohead and Tool, as well as Maynard's other outfit, A Perfect Circle, and that's what gets delivered by Karnivool. Opener 'Aum' washes over the listener leading into 'Nachash' with its awkward off-time drumming and synthesized vocals, an excellent start to any modern metal album.

'We Are' brings to mind Mastodon at their melodically brutal best, with a driving riff the metal titans would be smart to look at for their next album. 'The Refusal' brings to mind Brighton's Architects as well, a full frontal assault on the ears underpinned by the luscious melodies that pervade throughout the album. There are so many layers to each track on the album that it will warrant multiple listens, and better yet, the listener will want to go back to it again and again.

It is very easy to sit back and say that this is a lazy phoned-in album that wears its influences firmly on its sleeves. However, when those influences are some of the most technical bands around, bands that meld technique with truly excellent song-writing ability, it is very hard to dismiss. What Karnivool have done with 'Asymmetry' is remind the listener why the aformentioned bands are so special, and have added their names to the list of go to bands for technical metal with pop sensibility and a real talent for creating a song. For those still waiting for a new Tool album or Radiohead release, this is the album for you.