It's been over a decade since Karnivool, one of Australia's most revered progressive rock acts, released a studio album. Their last full-length, Asymmetry, dropped in 2013, and since then fans have been eagerly awaiting new material. Now, in a new interview with Overdrive.ie, frontman Ian Kenny offers a detailed and deeply personal look into the making of the band's long-awaited next release — and it sounds like the journey has been anything but smooth.
Reflecting on the intensive recording process, Kenny shared: "We all got together on January 2nd. Forester, our producer, landed in Perth and we said, 'Let's make this record in three months.' It was like, 'Yeah, let's do this.' January 2nd to May 20th — that was the timeline.
"It was a huge commitment from everyone. Forester was there for about three and a half months and then left us to our own devices. There's a lot of good music, some broken brains, two hospitalizations, good times, bad times — but we got a record. I'm really happy with it. It's feeling good."
Kenny also elaborated on the dynamic with longtime producer Forester Savell, who previously worked on Karnivool's debut album Themata and has played a key role in shaping the band's sound: "The connection was fairly seamless. It was a familiar space with someone we know and love, and vice versa. We did about three weeks of pre-production in the room, playing together live, hammering out arrangements we'd been sitting on for years.
"Forester came on board, and a lot of the material was fresh to him. He had a good opportunity to work with some new turns in the music. That's where he came in and had his way with the arrangements. Some things he left alone, some things he changed — slashing bits, twisting bits. It was great to have him involved. He's the right guy for the job."
With the album now entering its final stages, Kenny expressed disbelief that it's finally coming together after so many years of delays and uncertainty: "I'm still a bit like, wow — we've got another record. There were so many false starts. With anything creative, especially shared creative space, it can be a wonderful and scary place. The stars have to align — and they did.
"It's a good record. I'm super happy with it. I'm still pinching myself a bit. This morning, Forester was sending through mixes for us to proof and send notes on. It's still right in the fingers. It's exciting."
With mixes being finalized and energy high within the band, it looks like the long wait for new Karnivool music is finally nearing an end. But man… we need it now.
