LIVE: Karnivool w/ TesseracT (UK) & Car Bomb (US) – Perth | Boorloo, 18 July 2026

LIVE: Karnivool w/ TesseracT (UK) & Car Bomb (US) – Perth | Boorloo, 18 July 2026
Ice Cream Factory, Perth, Western Australia
Reviewed by Ayla Simpson
Photography by Michael Farnell

The chart-topping album ‘In Verses’ is so much more than a meticulously crafted masterpiece. It explores resilience and perseverance through themes of self-reflection, struggle, hope and renewal. Resilience lies in continuing the climb despite uncertainty. The album mirrors the band’s own 13-year journey to complete the record, making its message of perseverance deeply authentic.

It’s been over a decade since Karnivool toured a new album, marking this as something special and a not to be missed event. Accompanying Karnivool on this occasion are UK pioneers, TesseracT and Car Bomb (US). Both bring hypnotic polyrhythms, relentless intensity and emotionally charged melodies. This tour felt destined to become more than a celebration of music. It promised catharsis.

Perth had the privilege of the tour kicking off at the Ice Cream Factory. From the moment doors opened, there was an unmistakable buzz. Fans filtered in early, the merch stand already busy, and the venue itself proved to be an impressive space with plenty of room to gather before the night truly erupted. Admittedly, some may have found themselves admiring the impressive stalactites forming on the bathroom ceiling. A geological feature you don’t normally expect to encounter at a live music venue. The venue had incredibly friendly staff and security, a relaxed layout and a growing sea of band shirts that made for an atmosphere that felt more like an event.

Car Bomb wasted absolutely no time setting the tone. Launching straight into a relentless wall of angular riffs, galloping kick drums and crushing grooves, they delivered a set that was as punishing as it was precise. While echoes of Meshuggah and Deftones occasionally surfaced, tracks such as ‘Gratitude’ proved they have carved out a sound entirely their own through dizzying rhythmic shifts and controlled chaos. Within only a few songs, the room had swelled dramatically. Heads were already banging in unison, and circle pits had erupted. Guitarist Greg Kubacki’s commanding stage presence anchored an already formidable performance, while his precision and technical ability bordered on unbelievable. It was an explosive opener that warmed up our necks and left little doubt the evening was only just beginning.

By the time TesseracT took the stage, moving through the crowd had become almost impossible. The room fell into anticipation as eerie crimson lighting bathed the stage, sustained guitar notes lingered through the venue and chants of “TesseracT” echoed around the room. Then, silence. A flash of light. The band emerged almost as silhouettes, as though materialising from the darkness itself.

It quickly became clear that TesseracT’s visual production wasn’t simply accompanying the music, it was another member of the band. Pulsing lights moved with every rhythmic shift while sweeping visuals of scorched landscapes, mechanical textures and dreamlike scenery transformed the stage into something cinematic. The two backing vocalists stood almost statuesque against the projections, at times appearing like silhouettes amongst towering trees as every movement seemed carefully woven into the performance.

Tracks including ‘of Mind – Nocturne’, ‘Smile’, and ‘Legion’ showcased everything that makes TesseracT one of prog metal’s most captivating live acts. Ethereal melodies dissolved effortlessly into crushing, polyrhythmic grooves before soaring back into moments of fragile beauty. Every dynamic shift felt earned. Every silence carried weight. The crowd swayed through soaring vocal passages before erupting once again as heavier sections re-ignited the pit. Somewhere amongst the intensity, one fan somehow managed to watch the footy on their phone while still following every moment of the performance – a strangely perfect snapshot of an Aussie audience.

As mesmerising as the musicianship was, it was the relationship between sound, lighting and movement that lingered long after their final note. Rarely does a performance blur the line between concert and theatre quite so seamlessly.

Then came Perth’s own.

Despite the venue already feeling packed beyond capacity, the anticipation somehow climbed even higher as Karnivool prepared to take the stage. Smoke engulfed the room beneath deep red lighting before the unmistakable opening notes of ‘Ghost’ finally broke the silence, instantly sending the home crowd into celebration.

More than 20 years into their career, they remain masters of tension and release. Rather than relying on constant heaviness, they understand the power of restraint, allowing songs to breathe before crashing into towering crescendos that landed with enormous impact. Vocalist Ian Kenny’s soaring vocals remained effortlessly commanding throughout, while Guitarist’s Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking continued to prove why their intertwined guitar work remains some of the most distinctive in progressive music. Bassist John Stockman’s bass rumbled through the floor with immense weight, perfectly locked beside Drummer Steve Judd’s endlessly inventive drumming.

Visually, the performance was every bit as captivating. Live camera effects blurred across towering screens, ocean imagery drifted behind the band before giving way to stark trees and abstract landscapes, while lighting continually reshaped the mood of each piece. Perth’s highly respected harpist, Michelle Smith’s appearance was particularly beautiful. Seamlessly blending into the visuals as though she had stepped directly into the artwork itself. While her playing already forms part of the studio recording, seeing it brought to life with the live harp added another dimension entirely.

There was very little banter throughout the set, but every word carried meaning. Ian paused one moment to thank the crowd for supporting the band for so many years and later paused the show to remind everyone to look after one another “Be good to each other…don’t throw punches at my show” The message drew cheers throughout the venue and perfectly reflected the sense of community that has always surrounded Karnivool’s fans.

Classics including ‘Goliath’, ‘We Are’, ‘Themata’, and ‘New Day’ were met with enormous reactions, while the newer material such as ‘Conversations’ and ‘Aozara’ hinted that the band’s creative fire remains as strong as ever. Every lyric was sung back, every breakdown landed with force, and every emotional crescendo was mirrored across hundreds of faces throughout the room.

Following a brief departure from stage, chants quickly filled the venue before Karnivool returned for a powerful encore that built patiently towards a breathtaking finale with ‘Opal’ and complete with haunting bagpipes in ‘Salva’ that elevated the closing moments into something unforgettable.

As the lights returned, strangers who had shared pits exchanged nods, conversations and laughs while everyone slowly filtered towards the exit. It became a collective debrief as we all tried to process what we’d just witnessed. It was healing. It was a journey. It was a reminder that, whatever battles people may have walked through those doors carrying, for a few hours none of us were carrying them alone.

Car Bomb ignited the evening with controlled chaos. TesseracT transformed progressive metal into cinematic art. Karnivool reminded everyone exactly why they remain one of Australia’s most respected and enduring acts. More than that, they proved that the themes woven throughout ‘In Verses’ aren’t simply lyrics on an album.

One more Perth show, before the tour heads to Adelaide. Those lucky enough to still have tickets are in for something genuinely special.

 

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries