Statistiken
Biografie
After the disbandment of his previous technical metalcore band Reflux, Tosin Abasi was asked by his then record label Prosthetic Records, to create a solo album to which Abasi refused on the grounds that it sounded ‘egotistical’. A year later after expanding his technical guitar skills he took the label up on the offer and Animals as Leaders was born, the name drawn from Daniel Quinn’s 1992 anthropocentric novel “Ishmael”.
The band’s first album the self-titled “Animals as Leaders” was recorded in 2008 with Abasi laying down all the guitar and bass tracks and engineer Misha Mansoor adding the drums and synths. The album was released on April 23, 2009 on Prosthetics Records and saw guitarist Javier Reyes join the band.
On the success of the album Animals as Leaders enjoyed an extensive tour schedule including the illustrious 2010 Summer Slaughter Tour alongside acts such as Decapitated, The Red Chord, The Faceless and since then supporting more mainstream acts including Dredg, Underoath and Thrice.
The band was able to headline their own tour for the first time in mid 2011, enlisting Dead Letter Circus, Last Chance to Reason and Intronaut as support acts and announced on July 27, 2011 at a show at the Masquerade in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., that the gig was being recorded for a live DVD. November 8 of that year marked the band’s sophomore released entitled “Weightless”.
2012 brought in drummer Matt Garstka to replace Navene Koperweis, and an impressive European headlining tour. In the same year Animals as Leaders signed to Sumerian Record who subsequently released the band’s third album “The Joy of Motion” on March 25, 2014.
Live-Bewertungen
Tosin Abasi, Javier Reyes and Matt Garstka better known as the collective Animals As Leaders are arguably one of the most creative bands working the circuits. They successfully fuse progressive metal, instrumental and jazz fusion into one succinct sound that has gone on to have global cult appeal. They are in no way a household name with very little to no chart placements outside of their native USA yet people continue to flock in growing numbers simply to witness the band playing live.
There is a fascination in the technical abilities that must be required in order to recreate the high quality tracks found on the albums. The audience is simply blown away with the speed and precision in which the three musicians play their instruments and it truly is a skilled operation. The applauses are absolutely deafening at the finale of every single track yet it feels duly awarded as the band really do give everything to their performance. They leave the stage with large smiles across their faces and the audience are excitedly chattering about the gig and their musical ability long into night.
If you don't already know, Animals As Leaders is an incredible 3-piece progressive metal "djent" band. But what's important to note is the fact that the band's music does NOT contain vocals Despite this, they are one of my favorite bands!
I have now seen them twice in concert and they sound incredible! Their sound is always rich and it will keep your heart racing! These artists are very talented. The guitar riffs will blow your mind, but the drummer is just as amazing, keeping up with the craziness of the guitars. Each one of their songs has its own feel and mood to it.
I really love every song I hear of theirs. If a friend ever invites you to go to their show, or even invites you to give them a listen, I highly recommend you do so.
Amazing, in every way. The venue (1720 16th St.) is small, yet offers enough open space for two full bars, snacks, and merch stations. The acoustics are first-class. If you have not seen Animals live, put it on your bucket list. These three virtuosos blend speed and style with grace and power. It is a mind bending experience to watch perfect technique so uniquely orchestrated.
Evan Marien and Dana Hawkins (maybe the best drummer you will ever see) opened and set the tone for a spectacular, complete live music experience.
An absolutely amazing show! From the opening band, Alluvial, to Veil of Maya, and Animals As Leaders, this show was great. Each band put on a great performance and the venue was perfect. There were seats! If you haven't seen any of these bands and you like technical playing, they are a must see.
Animals as leaders is my favorite band of all time and I never thought they would do a show in Brazil. The experience was insane, their performance was perfect as always and their live tone it's just the best. I hope they come soon for another show in Brazil . Thanks animals as leaders!
Sound guy at the Fox venue in Boulder should have called in sick, he was pretty useless. But Animals killed it, per usual. They have a lot of fun when they play and were stoked the crowd was so energetic. Those 3 dudes have good chemistry.
The band performed fantastic. The music was great, they are immensely talented. I was bummed that the band was backlit nearly the entire show so we could barely see them and watch their amazing talent. They were just shadows on the stage.
One of the best shows I've ever attended. Animals as Leaders are one of the most talented, original and brilliant bands of our generation and I feel lucky to have seen them live. Great Venue, great sound! Tosin Abasi is a god!! _/\_
I was mesmerized every single moment during the concert. They´re amazing, it´s just unbelievable what they do as a trio. I´m so glad I could see them live. Go and behold that magnifique musical spectacle.
Animals As Leaders blew away the show. They were so good to see live. I highly suggest it. The Sidebar Theater was also really cool. The staff there were extremely professional and nice.