Themata

I'm a latecomer to the Karnivool musical experience, having bought Sound Awake and Themata both in 2011. However, it's never too late to discover a phenomenal musical act such as this group. Themata is a powerhouse of musical brilliance, an album that grows on you and continues to get progressively better with each listening experience. These guys from Australia have some musical magic going on, and it will affect you to the core if you are patient and open to something beyond the garbage that the commercial music industry pumps out like sludge.The title track of the album alone is worth buying the whole album. Karnivool is music for the evolved, and their music challenges your mind to seek higher levels of musical experience. They are heavy hitters and rank in the league of musical geniuses such as Tool and Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree. Themata is original, progressive, lyrically brilliant, and a musical smorgasbord.When you get to the last track, "Change: Part 1," you'll go nuts wanting to hear what's next, because this track is a cliffhanger. No worries, Sound Awake is the follow-up album and it's been out for awhile. "Change: Part 2", or simply "Change," (on Sound Awake) will not disappoint but will push the envelope of musical genius and leave you satisfied and then some.I can't say enough wonderful things about this band and their pure, unmolested (by the record companies), raw, original, artistic talent. The vocals, guitars, drums, bass, soundscapes, and intriguing lyrics are all masterfully crafted and weaved together into an aesthetic auditory tapestry. It just doesn't get any better than Karnivool.

If you're looking for creative hard rock with great vocals, interesting time signatures, and better-than-average musicianship, Karnivool's Themata is exactly what you're wanting.Each track on the cd is unique yet well-matched, with the only possible exception being the track Roquefort (the song swings a la jazz, the vocals slide, and only the chorus matches the rest of the album). The only other complaint I have is that the mix is very odd...it almost seems like certain songs were recorded with different instruments in a different studio using different microphones with a different producer.All in all, however, this cd is the best hard rock offering I've heard from *any* country in the last couple of years. These Aussies have got "it."Who should buy this: Fans of Trapt, Tool, Mudvayne; people interested in odd time signatures, full guitar sounds, and creative song structure.Who shouldn't buy this: Folks who prefer their rock without an adrenalin-junkie edge (seriously...that's the best I can come up with...I have a hard time imagining someone not liking this album).

I heard Shutterspeed online and thought I'd better check them out. What a good idea.. I'm very glad I did.I've heard the CD about 8 times now, and I am amazed at how polished the band, and the production sounds. I've read other reviews about how they sound like Tool, but I cant go the same route. I have a few Tool CD's, and it is my impression that Tool's music is heavier, darker and brooding. I found Karnivool to be a bit more on the rock side, with more emphasis on the clarity of sound. If anything, they sort of reminded me of a heavier Dream Theatre.Every song has a lot to offer, and as mentioned before, they switch the beats up quite a bit...which is good. I love the swirling guitars and the vocals are right in line with the music. Unfortunately, the guitars and vocals are so good, I hardly realized they have a drummmer/bass player (try telling me you never hear Tool's drummer DC).Something just sounds right about this group.

I bought this because it isnt being printed anymore, and it's one of the best aussie progrock albums ever made. Also not on streaming services. What the? Anyway, buy it while you can.

I was introduced to this band via Pandora, from a progressive music playlist. I downloaded "Themata" and soon it was the only thing I was playing. Heavy, smart songwriting combined with excellent musicianship make this band stand out. Influences from Pearl Jam to King Crimson can be heard in the music, but Karnivool embraces them all and set themselves apart, rather than just being derivative. Ian Kenny's vocals don't fall into your typical grunting and screaming metal band's vocals. While he brings that kind of aggressive power to his voice, he's also not afraid to pull back and inject subtleties as well. Steve Judd's monster drumming drive the songs, while the twin guitars brilliantly complement each other. After seeing this band at SXSW, it became clear that these guys are the real thing. Their performance was the most powerful thing I've seen in a long, long time.

I'm so stoked that Prog Rock / Prog Metal seems to be making a comeback. I missed this album when it was first released, but after purchasing another album of Karnivool's ("Sound Awake") I decided to check this one out. It's pretty good, but not as good as "Sound Awake" in my opinion. That's typical of first albums though; a lot of bands are still trying to find their sound in their first release.

An unbelievable band I only discovered in the last 12 months. This is like finding a long-lost relative of rock 'n roll. There are so many twists and turns on this album it will make your head spin. Totally epic in my book of music and a must have.

A great career start for this Aussie band. Equal parts Grunge, metal, nu-metal as well as other influences. Cote is a stunning opener, followed by the sublime title track. Thereafter it flows at a great pace but has its light and shade before finishing with Change, fragile and enigmatic.To start your love affair with Karnivool this is a great buy, once youve digested get Sounds Awake and you will be deeply in love forever, as the follow up is a Prog Metal tour de force !!!!

Still their best album. Quite old now but it hasn't aged, tinges of Tool and if you are a/like drummer/ing you will appreciate the unusual beats here.

At times beautiful, melodic, angry, powerful.....this is such a good album.I found this much better, and more challenging and diverse than the second album, but that's just personal taste.I can't recommend this album enough.I think i found it whilst looking for intelligent rock in the vein of Tool. Now this is nothing like Tool but is excellent nonetheless.Buy it!

well worth the money fine album from start to finish

recommended to all guitar lovers, loud, powerful, time signature challengesto keep your attention and some real stadium classics on this album. just buy it.