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Lyrics:		9.0
Vocals:		10.0
Technique:		10.0
Replay:		9.0
Originality:		9.0
Score:		9.0

Artist:	Karnivool
Label:	Cymatic
Genre:	Alternative • Rock
Street Date:	September 01, 2009

List Price:	4.49
Amazon:

Every now and then my ears are blessed with new sounds of brilliance and magic. I will now share an experience I have been craving for many years. A large dose of perfection is contained within the Set Fire to the Hive EP from Karnivool, Australia’s gifted sons. Full of staggering musicianship, epic power, and majestic vocal strength, this release cannot be ignored. It is not only a sonic rush of adrenalin for the heart, but it is also far beyond it’s audible levels of greatness. It’s a gift to any listener willing to take the journey.

The first track and single, “Set Fire to the Hive” is a dark, dangerous, and deadly assault of drums, bass and guitar moving with brilliant precision not ever to be challenged. The vocals of Ian Kenny are a hauntingly beautiful cascade of depth and emotion, which soar to altitudes that many vocalists only dream of reaching. This foundation of power and edge may soon be adorned with a classic crown years before it’s time. Pulled from another time and space, this tune is a true hard-core masterpiece.

“Themata” enters with razor sharp intensity smartly forged with every corner smoothed and polished. Like a fang of powerful venom, this tune bites down with unrelenting force but caresses the ears with moments of sonic wonder. The guitar, bass and drum work is seamlessly executed. Guitarists Andrew Goddard and Mark Hosking paint an amazing portrait of drama and danger as they dance atop the masterful rhythm section. Drummer Steve Judd and bassist Jon Stockman teach a master class on hard-core progression. The intensity and grace of all five performers is in a class by itself.

“Roguefort”, a mix with the Empire Horns, comes forth with a unique, unpredictable force. Uncommon, the mix of horns and powerful crunch works nicely and is delivered with tasteful balance. By the chorus you are overtaken by the mix. Hard but hooky, smooth but haunting, this piece takes you down an uncharted path walked on only by kings. The superb, interwoven instrumentation builds a huge foundation for vocals and horns to live safely. This amazing mixture is not only brave, but it is an interesting and intense piece of work.

Lastly, it is evident that some bands, when in the safety of the recording studio, can capture sound, build and shape moods brilliantly, and create worlds within worlds beyond what the mind can imagine. Within the ten-plus minute track “Dead Man” we are fortunate enough to hear five modern craftsmen build a planet of sound and shape in a captured live performance. This may be one of the best live, hard rock performances I’ve heard in my twenty years as a music professional and writer. If a piece of music can live to capture the breath, quality and pure spirit of a group of musicians, this recording has it printed forever. Kenny’s vocals express emotions that are so real and terrifying at times, you can feel his fingers stretch to reach you for help. His majestic spirit forces you to catch your breath. They are larger than life in this modern day symphony. It twists, turns, explodes and rests but always lands firmly on its feet. It is not only heard but also absorbed through every polished note.

This short example of Australia’s modern day masters is not the end of their musical journey. A new full-length release, Sound Awake will finally be available in the U.S. in February 2010. In the works of Set Fire to the Hive, prepare to be awakened by greatness and witness true musical brilliance. They are the real thing.