What makes Sound Awake by Karnivool notable?

Sound Awake received critical acclaim, debuting at number one on the ARIA Charts and earning nominations for multiple awards, including Best Hard Rock Album at the 2010 ARIA Music Awards. Its intricate arrangements and thoughtful lyrics have influenced many contemporary progressive rock bands, solidifying Karnivool's reputation within the genre. Released in 2009, Sound Awake is Karnivool's second studio album, following their breakthrough debut, Themata. At this point, the band was establishing themselves as a prominent force in the Australian rock scene, building on the acclaim received from their earlier work to further refine their sound.

Who is Sound Awake for?

Sound Awake works well if you're into long immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Sound Awake?

Sound Awake has 11 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Sound Awake

Karnivool · 2009

72 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A complex tapestry of heavy riffs and atmospheric melodies, merging progressive rock with alternative metal's introspective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Goliath — This track exemplifies the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with melodic hooks, showcasing a dynamic range that defines much of the album.
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New Day — With its expansive structure and emotional depth, this song captures the essence of personal transformation while highlighting Karnivool's progressive tendencies.
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Set Fire to the Hive — This track stands out for its aggressive energy and thought-provoking lyrics that challenge societal norms, reflecting a fearless creative approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and a blend of heavy and atmospheric elements, making it a standout in its genre.

What we noticed

The final track features an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
reflective and contemplative moods

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, Sound Awake is Karnivool's second studio album, following their breakthrough debut, Themata. At this point, the band was establishing themselves as a prominent force in the Australian rock scene, building on the acclaim received from their earlier work to further refine their sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Tool· Porcupine Tree· Opeth

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Simple Boy 5:47
2 Goliath 4:38
3 New Day 8:20
4 Set Fire to the Hive 4:28
5 Umbra 7:50
6 All I Know 4:53
7 The Medicine Wears Off 1:49
8 The Caudal Lure 6:16
9 Illumine 5:12
10 Deadman 12:04
11 Change 10:47

What to play next

Listen next

Asymmetry

2013

Go back to

Themata

2005

Full Karnivool discography Artists like Karnivool

alternative rock progressive metal progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata