ANIMALS AS LEADERS

Animals as Leaders is mostly a one-man band, Tosin Abasi (guitar) being the brains behind this project. For all who are a bit bored with bands like Vangough or Symphyony X clones, this is for you. Needless to say, this album is absolutely guitar-based, which doesn't bother me one bit. Instruments are mostly guitars, bass, drums (programming) mixed with electronic beats, and lots of synths. The style is very technical, sometimes a bit too technical (very fast soli, endless sweeping...) but most of the time, it's done with taste. Crushing riffs, amazing progressions, great mix between electronic and "acoustic" (all programmed) drumming.

Influences are very diverse: in metal, Meshuggah come to mind, some Petrucci, and certainly Cynic. Lost of dissonance and unusual melodies. Crowded beats, complex variations.

Only drawbacks are: drums are programmed, so no subtle drumming (especially on the snare and hi-hat). Dynamics variations are also rare...

For all who like complex, very "studio" technical metal, this is for you.