Karnivool

The Roundhouse tonight hosts two bands that are cut from the same cloth - Monument and Karnivool: both bands’ personnel possess dazzling technical skills, are not afraid to use them, and lean towards the proggier end of metal. But that’s where similarities end because there’s a distinct lack of engagement about Monuments performance this evening; it’s all there they just come across as a distant.

Karnivool are show offs too, they just appear more approachable. Once opener C.O.T.E. is done they have the crowd in their hands for the duration. That’s not to say they are on cruise control; this is an intense performance throughout: Set Fire to the Hive with its blood red lighting testifies to that.

And then there’s Ian Kenny; an enigma of a lead singer as he flits between macho frontman, legs apart postures and playfully – almost childlike - hopping and bouncing around the stage. It’s at odds with Karnivool's complex musical dynamics but it works and borne out by the Roundhouse’s spontaneous rendition of first half closer, New Day.

The first half of the set is pulled from their first two albums while the second half comes exclusively from the latest, Asymmetry. Which is nearly two years old now and one would have thought integrated into the set. Whatever the thinking it’s a moot point as for the next half hour or so album highlights Alpha Omega and Aeons turn into live set standards, judging by the response of the audience. And that was that complicated music performed in an uncomplicated way to maximum effect and ovations.