Animals As Leaders are definitely one of the most adventurous and successful of bands that operate within the Prog metal genre. I love a good instrumental band and AAL are pretty high on my list of favourites. The technical chops that these guys possess leaves me in awe at some of the grooves they generate. Tosin is one of the most inventive guitar players out there, with his leads and rhythms.
The song Monomyth is freaking intense with that staccato rhythm thing Tosin does at the intro and at varying points throughout the track, and how Matt Garstka creates those intense drum grooves is mind blowing. I have two favourite pieces on the album: Red Miso and Gordian Naught. Both are incredible adventures in groove and insane playing that both blow my mind.
I know it’s not for everyone, but for those of you who like to jump out of your comfort zone occasionally, dive into this one.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
