Animals as Leaders – Weightless

Releasedate: 08-11-2011; Label: Prosthetic Records
By: Sabine van Gameren

Animals as Leaders is an American instrumental Progressive Metal band, formed by guitarist Tosin Abasi in 2007. In 2009 the group came with their debut album and anno 2011 the band comes with their second full length release “Weightless”.

Instrumental bands may be hard to catch for some, by a lack of vocals. For others it is often a large wall of guitars that make it all a show off formation, but when looking at Animal as Leaders you see a band that found a good balance in their sound. Each has its turn, and with the various tension building moments the album has, it is not likely you get bored of them. All in, the band has a melodic side as well that opens the door for dreamers, to enjoy the music as well. Cause dreamy it is, this release. Perhaps the name may indicate that already. Guitar solos by Tosin Abasi in this release will keep you from drifting away too far, as they are very well thought and well placed in the music.
“Weightless”is a great album and to find out the band is already confirmed for Tuska festival 2012 indicates that we will see them on the road upcoming festival season.

Line Up:
Tosin Abasi – lead/rhythm eight-string guitar
Javier Reyes – rhythm/lead eight-string guitar
Navene Koperweis – drums

Tracklist: 01. An Infinite Regression 02. Odessa 03. Somnarium 04. Earth Departure 05. Isolated Incidents 06. Do Not Go Gently 07. New Eden 08. Cylindrical Sea 09. Espera 10. To Lead You To An Overwhelming Question 11. Weightless 12. David