Karnivool triumphantly returns with their first album in 13 years, *Versus*, debuting at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Discover their musical journey!
- February 13, 2026
AceShowbiz - Karnivool makes a noteworthy return with their latest album Versus, which has soared to the top of the ARIA Albums Chart, released through Cymatic Records/Sony Music.
This marks the hard rock band's fourth studio album and their first release in 13 years. Originating from Perth, Western Australia, and fronted by Ian Kenny of Birds of Tokyo, Karnivool boasts an impressive discography that includes three successful and platinum-certified albums: Themata (peaked at No. 41 in 2005), Sound Awake (No. 2 in 2009), and the ARIA Award-winning No. 1 album Asymmetry (2013).
In a statement reflecting on their achievement, the band expressed, “We can’t believe it. After 13 years of waiting it’s bloody lovely not to be forgotten, and at such a wild time for music to get a No. 1 record is pretty amazing.” They also acknowledged their unconventional journey, stating, “Karnivool as a band has never followed a conventional path, god knows we aren’t even on TikTok. This album is on our own label through our friends at Sony.” The band dedicated their success to fans, families, and collaborators involved in the album's production.
Versus was developed through a process of “relentless experimentation” in their Perth studio alongside longtime collaborator Forrester Savell. It debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Chart, published on February 13, and also topped the weekly vinyl sales chart.
With Karnivool leading the national chart, Olivia Dean's The Art of Loving (Universal) slipped from No. 1 to No. 2. Meanwhile, Japanese Australian singer Joji secured the third spot with his new album Piss In The Wind (Virgin Music Group/Inertia), which marks his fourth studio release. This album comes after the success of Smithereens (2022), which peaked at No. 3, and Nectar (2020), which reached No. 1 for a week.
Additionally, Bad Bunny has been in the spotlight following a remarkable halftime performance at Super Bowl LX and winning the Grammy for Album of the Year. This surge in popularity has propelled his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (Orchard) up the charts, making a significant leap from No. 20 to No. 4 on the latest ARIA Chart, marking his first top 10 entry in Australia.
As the excitement around Karnivool's Versus continues, fans eagerly anticipate more from this dynamic band.
