Although now Animals As Leaders are a band, when this album came out it they were basically a solo project that was instigated by Prosthetic Records after the demise of Tosin’s previous band, Reflux. All songs were written by Tosin and Periphery main man Misha Mansoor. Tosin plays most of the guitar and bass tracks on the album, and Misha programs the drums and adds a couple of solos and effects. The rest of the band now comprises of Abasi and Javier Reyes on 8 string guitars, and Matt Garstka on the old pots and pans.
If challenging metal djentyness is your thing, then you will love this. I had never heard of the band until I heard Misha mention Tosin in some online article and I bought the album after reading that interview. No straight ahead 4-4 time signatures here I’m afraid. Lots of odd time grooves and incredible playing. Abasai is a guitar hero for a new age. The tunes are well thought out and are not all one paced. Each tune has its peaks and troughs, and takes the listener on a musical roller coaster of a ride, from out and out metal goodness and djent a plenty, to laid back chill vibes.
There are plenty of high points that’s for sure. From opener Tempting Tides, which is killer, then onto On Impulse with its choppy groove. Everyone’s favourite djent tune Cafo, which should get everyone bouncing with it’s serious low end groove and incendiary guitar. Modern Meat with its acoustic jazz vibe is a beautiful piece. I could go on but every tune is an adventure for the listener. An epic album indeed.
The opportunity’s given to Abasi by adopting the eight string guitar have obviously expanded the range of things he can do. I love this album as it opened the door to me for a whole type of music that otherwise would have passed me by. This should be 10/10 album, but it loses half a mark for the production, which is a bit mushy in places.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
