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AAL Live at Bangalore Open Air: Photo Credits: Siddharth V

The Joys of Motion: AAL Set To Release Third Album

Tosin Abasi’s Animals as Leaders first arrived on the scene with his self-titled debut album, containing a style of metal that had hitherto not been heard before. Unorthodox playing techniques, diverse shifting between musical modes, and 7/8 string guitars lent a very progressive vibe to the melodies in their album. Originally playing in a band called Reflux, based out of Washington D.C, Abasi was offered to cut a solo album by Prosthetic Records. Etymologically, the concept focuses on anthropocentrism inspired by Daniel Quinn‘s 1992 novel Ishmael. After two cracking albums, the world waits for the third record by the instrumental trio.

New Album Art

Metal being the diverse genre it is today, sub-categories are fiercely debated and protected in metal pockets around the world. Given that there is no ‘better’ music, one wonders when listening to Animals as Leaders, just what kind of styles go into their sound. Jazz, rock, elements of djent and a constant dynamic progression lend a sound that can confuse the listener on first impression.

With mentor Javier Reyes on backing guitars and no bassist, the dynamic of the band has been innovatively chosen. Misha Mansoor, guitarist of Bulb and Periphery, programmed on drums to the first album. The first album was undoubtedly a masterpiece, reeking of years of hard work that first spurred the band into the international circuit. With every song on the record a hit, the self-titled debut was a great platform from which to develop and build a unique, instrumental dynamic.  A few years later, the second album, Weightless, slightly redefined the sound, with groovier numbers and more orthodox song structures. Orthodox by their own standards, but comparatively, even the second album is still far beyond the standard listening capabilities of much of the common crowd. With Navene Koperweis on the drums, both playing and programming; and producing, the second album perhaps sounds more real. Also released by Prosthetic Records, the album sees both Tosin and Javier play mammoth 8-string guitars. After the second album, drummer replacement saw young legend and maestro Matt Gartska take over duties. This was a dramatic change for the band. Young blood bringing in wild amounts of energy and precision. Animals as Leaders played Bangalore, India in July 2013, as part of the Bangalore Open Air festival. With Garstka on drums, the show was a runaway success with the 1000-strong hardcore cultist audience swaying to their live grooves. The diversity of their music has enabled them to tour internationally with an interesting multi-generic array of bands. Dillinger Escape Plan, Decapitated, Deftones and The Faceless have all been acts they have toured with.

Now, under the Sumerian Records label, Tosin and gang are all set to release their third album, The Joy of Motion. Set for release on 25 March, anticipation for the record has never been higher. With thousands of amateur/semi-pro musicians/guitarists globally inspired by the dynamics of Animals as Leaders, their new sound will heavily impact the outlook of the modern metal musician. Yesterday, the album was released for live streaming. Read more about Animals as Leaders’ gig at the Bangalore Open Air festival here.

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Animals as Leaders first released “Tooth and Claw”, a single from the upcoming album, in mid-February. The track has already got over 3 lakh listens. With the second single, “Lipincott”, out a week later, the band has given their global audience a fair idea of the sound of the third album. The dynamic seems to have gotten slightly heavier, and more (if possible) mathematically technical. However, both tracks retain crucial bits that are typical of Animals as Leaders. Flawlessly clear guitar tones, sharply recorded drums and unorthodox melody shifts that are characteristic of the band are still present in the two tracks. Contributions from many places have also been featured. Misha Mansoor has again helped with some production and 7-string playing. Adam “Nolly” Getgood, also of Periphery, helped with mixing and some bass guitar parts. Diego Farias of Volumes has played additional guitars and Navene Koperweis has added any programmed drums that Garstka doesn’t play.

Although the live stream is now out, most ardent fans will find themselves purchasing a copy of what promises to be the most intense progressive music in 2014.

The 12-track record from Animals as Leaders, The Joy of Motion, is their third album and releases worldwide on 25 March 2014.

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