Karnivool is a progressive rock band first founded 1997 in Perth, Western Australia. With lush soundscapes, complex rhythms, intricate lyrics, and emotive melodies, Karnivool is among the foremost pioneers in the progressive genre.

Beginning as a high-school band, the first members performed popular rock songs, along with a few original compositions, at local parties. In 1998, lead singer Ian Kenny invited a new host of members and created what became “Karnivool”. With Andrew “Drew” Goddard as lead guitarist, Andrew Brown as bassist, and Brett McKenzie as drummer, the band began producing original music.

In 1999, they released their eponymous Karnivool EP. The following year, bassist Andrew Brown was replaced by Jon Stockman), and Ray Hawking took Brett McKenzie’s spot as the band’s drummer. In 2001, the band released their second EP, Persona.

In 2003, Mark Hosking joined as rhythm guitarist, while Steve Judd replaced Hawking as the band’s drummer in 2004. Since then, the band has consisted of Ian Kenny (lead singer), Drew Goddard (lead guitarist), Mark Hosking (rhythm guitarist), Jon Stockman (bassist), and Steve Judd (drummer).

Karnivool made their debut with 2005’s independently released Themata. After signing on to American label Bieler Bros. Records in 2006, the band re-released Themata and Persona in 2007. During the same year, Karnivool went on tour across the US, and contributed a cover of “The Only Way” to Gotye’s Mixed Blood album of remixes and covers.

In 2008, Karnivool began working on their second full-length album Sound Awake, which they released in 2009.

Just fresh from the studio, the band went on a whirlwind global tour, performing across Australia, the US, UK, Europe, and notably, India. In 2013, they released their third full-length album, Asymmetry, which made a resounding number #1 debut on Australia’s ARIA chart.

In May of 2019, Karnivool announced they were beginning their fourth full-length album. In February 2020, the band planned a 10th anniversary tour of Sound Awake, which was later postponed to March 2021 with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.