Full album HERE
An evening shaped by technical mastery, progressive depth and a powerful bond between band and audience.
Berlin once again brought together a diverse crowd around progressive rock in a night that came close to selling out at Huxleys Neue Welt, one of the city’s key venues for mid-sized concerts. While not completely sold out, attendance was strong; with the upper tiers closed, the audience gathered on the floor, creating a dense and vibrant atmosphere from the very beginning.
From the moment doors opened, the merchandising stand of Karnivool saw constant activity, reflecting the anticipation surrounding their return. The overall mood remained relaxed and open, with a noticeably varied audience: long-time fans, younger attendees, parents with children, and even listeners closer to the indie scene. Multiple languages could be heard across the room, painting a clear picture of Berlin’s cosmopolitan identity.
Founded in 2011 by Canadian guitarist Aaron Marshall, Intervals has established itself as one of the leading names in instrumental progressive music. Initially conceived as a studio project, it has evolved into a full live band, with Marshall surrounded by highly skilled musicians capable of translating the intricacy of his compositions onto the stage.
Live, Intervals delivered a performance defined by precision and technical excellence. Their fully instrumental sound blends progressive metal, djent and math rock, built upon complex structures, shifting rhythms and a remarkable command of the instrument. Yet despite its technical demands, the performance never felt distant — instead, it remained engaging and dynamic throughout.
During their roughly 45-minute set, the band showcased both their virtuosity and their ability to connect with the audience, with many in attendance clearly familiar with the material and reacting enthusiastically to each section. Execution was flawless, with tight interplay between the musicians and a constant sense of control over every detail, resulting in a demanding yet highly enjoyable performance that confirmed Intervals’ strength as a live act.
Formed in Perth (Australia) in 1997, Karnivool have become one of the most influential bands in modern progressive rock. Led by vocalist Ian Kenny, the driving force behind the project, the band has built a distinctive sound rooted in emotion, complexity and a refined sense of dynamics. After more than a decade without a full-length release since Asymmetry (2013), they returned with In Verses, their fourth studio album, released on February 6, 2026, a record that marked a new chapter in their evolution and formed the backbone of much of the night’s setlist.
The wait stretched to nearly 35 minutes, but the moment the band took the stage, any sense of delay instantly faded. From the very first note, Karnivool delivered their signature blend of intensity, precision and emotional depth, drawing the entire room into a deeply immersive atmosphere.
The setlist revisited key moments from across their career —including tracks such as “Ghost”, “Goliath”, “We Are” and “Themata”— while also introducing new material, showcasing a band that continues to evolve without losing its identity. The instrumental execution was impeccable throughout, with a level of cohesion that allowed every nuance to come through clearly.
Special mention must go to Ian Kenny’s vocals — nothing short of sublime — effortlessly shifting between fragility and power while carrying much of the emotional weight of the performance. His stage presence and connection with the audience made it clear how comfortable he felt in Berlin.
The emotional peak of the night arrived towards the end with “Roquefort” and “New Day”, as the crowd fully surrendered, singing loudly and creating one of the most powerful and moving moments of the concert.
To close the show, the band presented two of their newest compositions, “Opal” and “Salva”. The latter stood as the perfect finale: a piece that unfolds with elegance before bursting into intensity, leaving behind a lingering sense of fullness. A closing moment worthy of a brilliant performance — one that does not end when the lights go out, but continues to resonate long after, suspended somewhere between sound and memory.
