Metal Monday: Animals As Leaders, Leading In Different Directions

posted in: Features • Rock

If you’re reading this then you probably have a general idea of what “progressive metal” is, and could name a few progressive metal bands (you could also cheat and look at my Essentials for Prog Metal post). Now once in a while a band puts out an album that breaks the mold entirely. On April 28, 2009 Animals as Leaders did just that with their eponymous debut release.

Headed by former Reflux guitarist Tosin Abasi (who did most of the songwriting for the album), Animals as Leaders unleashed a fresh new sound in the progressive metal scene. With only two guitarists and a drummer (no one on vocals), the entire band has to be proficient on their instrument and be able to write extremely interesting and engaging music ” something Animals as Leaders does in the most intricate way possible. Animals as Leaders showcases Tosin Abasi’s sporadic musical influences and styles in a way that never feels overwhelming or like playing fast for the sake of playing fast. Abasi clearly shows that he has transcended to some other level of guitar wizardry, and it is setting the bar higher for other metal guitarists to break out of the arpeggio and chord voicings they’re all used to playing.

I would be lying if I told you that the only thing great about Animals as Leaders was Tosin’s guitar playing. Javier Reyes (guitar) and Navene Coperweis (drums, formerly of Animosity) also put on absolute clinics on this album. From polyrhythms to breakdowns and everything in between, they nail it from every angle. There’s a reason that the blogosphere has been buzzing about Animals as Leaders for a while now, and it’s apparent if you’ve heard or seen them perform. All of the “studio magic” is done by Chebon Littlefield, who layers some very ethereal textures and synths on the album, which adds a lot (considering there are just four other instruments on the album, and no vocals). Just check out some of these videos of the members of Animals As Leaders playing, and be prepared for your your mind to explode and face to melt:

Here’s Navene playing his section from “Tempting Time.”

This is Tosin’s tutorial on how to play “On Impulse” (courtesy of the folks at JamPlay).

Last but not least, Javier playing a piece that sounds very reminiscent of the softer parts from Animals as Leaders.

It’s evident that Animals as Leaders possess excessive amounts of talent and creativity, and I can only hope that their next release will be just as amazing as the first. If you’re looking to catch them live after reading this post, they’ll be touring as part of the Summer Slaughter Tour so if you’re somewhere in the US, there’s a good chance they’ll be rolling through a town near you this summer. If you want to be as good on guitar as Tosin is, he’s offering lessons on the band’s MySpace page. For info, check the band’s blog.