Animals as Leaders

Emerging from Washington, D.C. in 2007, Animals as Leaders has established themselves as one of the most innovative and technically dazzling forces in modern instrumental music. Founded by guitar virtuoso Tosin Abasi, the band serves as a vanguard of the progressive metal subgenre known as djent, while seamlessly weaving together elements of math rock, progressive rock, and traditional heavy metal. Eschewing the traditional bassist in favor of a unique lineup featuring two eight-string guitarists—Abasi and Javier Reyes—alongside powerhouse drummer Matt Garstka, the trio has redefined the boundaries of what instrumental metal can achieve, blending jaw-dropping technicality with profound emotional depth.

At the core of the band`s signature sound is an uncompromising dedication to musical complexity and sonic exploration. Animals as Leaders is celebrated for their use of extended-range guitars, pioneering techniques like selective picking and "thumping"—a slap-bass style adapted for the guitar by Abasi. Their compositions are characterized by mind-bending polyrhythms, intricate syncopation, and sudden shifts from crushing, low-tuned metal riffs to lush, jazz-fusion soundscapes. This boundary-pushing approach has earned them a dedicated, global following, as evidenced by their 612,482 Spotify followers and a popularity rating of 49/100, proving that highly complex, instrumental music can command a substantial and passionate modern audience.

Over the course of their career, Animals as Leaders has released a series of critically acclaimed albums that have set new standards for instrumental rock. Their self-titled 2009 debut, largely produced by Periphery’s Misha Mansoor, instantly put them on the map, while subsequent landmark releases like 2014’s The Joy of Motion and 2022`s Parrhesia cemented their status as genre-defining icons. Whether headlining international festivals or inspiring a new generation of bedroom guitarists to pick up multi-scale instruments, the band continues to be a vital, evolving force, demonstrating that heavy music can be as intellectually stimulating as it is visceral.