The Joy Of Motion

When Tosin Abasi released his debut solo album under the moniker ANIMALS AS LEADERS in 2009, earning critical acclaim as the lead guitarist in the Washington, D.C.-based metalcore act Reflux, it was still a long-shot that an instrumental album of progressive metal with jazz, electronic and ambient flourishes would develop anything more than a cult following. Fast-forward two-plus years to sophomore effort Weightless, ANIMALS AS LEADERS is revered worldwide as a trailblazing pioneer of modern heavy music. The groups genre-defying compositions have earned extensive praise " Steve Vai called the band the future of creative, heavy virtuoso guitar playing. Now in 2014, ANIMALS AS LEADERs third full-length release marks the recording debut of drummer Matthew Garstka, whose technical proficiency and unique style allows Abasi and guitarist Javier Reyes the room to push their boundaries to previously unthinkable heights. Reyes states: I think some of the new tracks are some of AALs strongest and musical material yet and extremely happy with how the album came out. Everyone who took part with this album (Misha Mansoor (Periphery), Adam Getgood (Periphery), Diego Farias (Volumes), and Navene Koperweis) is extremely talented and I think weve done a great job of capturing it onto what is now the third ANIMALS AS LEADERS album.