Goddard wrote the tracks for Themata, their first album, and he stated that Karnivool played songs from Themata together as a band only after it was recorded.[8] Goddard not only wrote the tracks and played guitar, but also played drums on every track except "Lifelike", as Steve Judd had not yet joined the band.[9] Themata was released independently on 7 February 2005, and was distributed via MGM Distribution. On 23 August 2006, Karnivool signed a licensing deal with indie label Bieler Bros. Records. The album was issued in the US on 10 April 2007 and in the UK on 7 May. The band also re-released the Persona EP 12 December, following the success of Themata. The album was produced by Forrester Savell.