Animals as Leaders
Animals as Leaders |
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Animals as Leaders is an American, Washington, D.C.–based instrumental progressive metal project by guitarist Tosin Abasi which now includes guitarist Javier Reyes and drummer Navene Koperweis. The self-titled debut album was released in April 2009 by Prosthetic Records. Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes are also members of the supergroup T.R.A.M alongside former The Mars Volta wind instrumentalist Adrian Terrazas and Suicidal Tendencies drummer Eric Moore.
History
Animals as Leaders was formed after guitarist Tosin Abasi's previous technical metalcore band, Reflux, had been disbanded.[1] The heavy metal record label Prosthetic Records saw Abasi's guitar work and asked him to create a solo album for them. Abasi initially declined, feeling such an endeavor would be "egotistical and unnecessary".[2] When Reflux disbanded, Abasi decided to take the label's offer. The name Animals as Leaders was inspired by Daniel Quinn's 1992 novel Ishmael, which addresses anthropocentrism. Abasi coined the name as a reminder "that we're all essentially animals".[2]
The project's first album, Animals as Leaders, was recorded in early 2008. Abasi recorded most guitar and bass tracks on the album; a few guitar solos, drums and various synthesized effects were programmed by engineer Misha Mansoor of Periphery and Haunted Shores.[2] The album was released April 28, 2009 by Prosthetic Records.[3]
In 2010 the band has done extensive touring including the 2010 Summer Slaughter tour with such acts as Decapitated, Vital Remains, Carnifex, The Faceless, All Shall Perish, The Red Chord, Cephalic Carnage, Veil of Maya and Decrepit Birth and since Summer Slaughter have toured with more mainstream acts like Circa Survive and Dredg. Recently they have announced that new music has been recorded and this time will feature performances from all the members of the band.
The band embarked on a tour alongside Circa Survive, Dredg, and Codeseven in mid 2010 that will wrap up in early 2011, and in early 2011, they toured alongside Underoath, Thursday, and A Skylit Drive to promote Underoath's latest release, Ø (Disambiguation)
The band is set to support Between the Buried and Me on their European tour in September 2011.
On May 26, 2011, Animals As Leaders will take part in a special Red Cross benefit show entitled "Josh Barnett Presents The Sun Forever Rising" at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, California. Shortly there after, they will headline their very first tour, which will include opening acts Intronaut, Dead Letter Circus, Last Chance to Reason, and Evan Brewer
Members
- Current
- Tosin Abasi – Lead/Rhythm Guitar (8 string), Bass (studio only)
- Javier Reyes – Rhythm/Lead Guitar (8 string)
- Navene Koperweis – Drums (ex-Animosity, Sleep Terror, also in Fleshwrought)
- Former
- Chebon Littlefield - Bass, Keyboards, Programming
- Matt Halpern - Drums
Discography
- Animals as Leaders (2009)
- Wave of Babies (digital single) (2010)
- TBA (2011)
Videography
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "CAFO" | Scott Hansen |
References
- Footnotes
- ^ Politte, Elliott. "Tosin Abasi: 8-String Animal". Guitar Edge. Retrieved 2010-12-16.
- ^ a b c Allyn, Bobby (February 9, 2009). "Q&A: Animals as Leaders." Washington City Paper.
- ^ "Animals as Leaders Unveils Artwork, Track Listing for Debut Album" (March 20, 2009). Blabbermouth.net.
- Further reading
- Animals as Leaders (Allmusic)
- Marsicano, Dan (April 2009). "Animals as Leaders – Animals as Leaders." About.com.
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Animals as Leaders playing live November 24, 2010 -
Tosin Abasi playing live -
Tosin Abasi playing a guest solo for Circa Survive with Anthony Green near his guitar
