Karnivool – In Verses Tour 2026 at Carlswerk Victoria in Köln
After Intervals wrapped their set, the stage went through its usual reset between bands. Roughly 35 minutes later, Karnivool took the stage and launched into their performance, bathed in deep red light and flashing strobes that shifted to a soft purple glow by the third song. Clearly, Karnivool isn’t a band that relies on constant movement or high-energy stage antics; instead, they let their music take the lead, forging a connection with the audience through atmosphere and sound. Instead of the typical verse–chorus–verse format you’d hear in more radio-friendly rock, Karnivool tend to build tracks in layers—extended intros, evolving riffs, dynamic shifts, and long instrumental passages. Songs like Goliath or Deadmanstretch out because they’re exploring themes musically, not just lyrically. A lot of that comes from influences in prog and experimental rock/metal—bands where atmosphere, time signatures, and gradual progression matter more than keeping things tight for radio play. Also, their albums (especially Sound Awake) are meant to be experienced as full journeys. The longer track lengths let them create those immersive arcs instead of quick, punchy hits. If you’re used to shorter songs, it can feel like a lot at first—but for fans of that style, those 8–10 minute tracks are exactly where the payoff happens. Notable songs in this concert: Ghost, Simple Boy, Aozora, Goliath, Drone, Deadman, Animation,Themata, New Day, Opal and Salva.
Karnivool is a five-piece progressive rock and metal band from Perth, Western Australia, formed in 1997. After a 13-year gap since their last record, the band released their fourth studio album, In Verses, on February 6, 2026. They are widely celebrated for their complex musicianship, emotive melodies, and powerful rhythmic “swagger”.
- Ian Kenny: Vocals
- Andrew “Drew” Goddard: Lead Guitar
- Mark Hosking: Rhythm Guitar
- Jon Stockman: Bass
- Steve Judd: Drums
