ANIMALS AS LEADERS — Animals as Leaders (review)

ANIMALS AS LEADERS — Animals as Leaders album cover

Album · 2009 · Progressive Metal

4/5 · 2011-02-05
Conor Fynes

'Animals As Leaders' - Animals As Leaders (8/10)

Having already inspired a legion of new 'djentlemen' with his debut album, Animals As Leaders guitarist and composer Tosin Abasi has already made quite an impression on the world of metal and instrumental rock with his first official foray with his solo project. Receiving accolades from such artists as Steve Vai (calling Abasi 'the future of instrumental rock') it is well-evident that this cool-headed guitarist has gotten off on a very good foot for a career. With his debut, the album shares a handful of flaws that rob it of otherwise being a perfect instrumental album, but there's no denying Tosin Abasi's exorbitant wealth of talent and skill.

Although session musicians may be employed for live performances, it should be known that the fifty-two odd minutes of music on this self-titled debut are by and large, the work of one man. The album follows a pattern that's been seen arising in modern music; a sort of DIY approach where a single artist can now have complete control over virtually every aspect of the production, should he choose to do so. With that in mind, the only things you will hear are a range of guitars, and various array of electronics Tosin has programmed for the album, be it atmospheric ambiance or the use of a drum machine. While the synthesized textures add quite a bit to the more beauty-oriented moments of the album, the focus is always on Tosin's sweeping, viciously technical yet equally soulful guitar playing.

Having been identified with the relatively new 'djent' scene in metal (a style of math metal that makes ample use of a palm-muted guitar tone made famous by Meshuggah) I was surprised to find the album surprisingly mellow for a metal record, although a few songs such as 'CAFO' really take the heaviness to heart. The majority of the tracks, such as one of my favourites 'Soraya' are no more metal-oriented than something Joe Satriani might do, although Tosin Abasi makes his music stand out by using plenty of jazz chords and tones, and a distinctive melodic tapping that is yet unparalleled.

Despite it's obvious strengths, 'Animals As Leaders' suffers from some faults that could have been improved upon. While the compositions are very good and the guitar playing is nothing short of incredible, the heavier sections generally come across as being alot less effective than the lighter, jazz-leaning work. There are certainly exceptions to this rule (the albums highlight 'Tempting Time' has some incredibly moving heavy sections) but I prefer to hear Abasi when he's in his element, which seems to be while he's doing the less abrasive work and getting in touch with his more mellow side. The acoustic track 'Modern Meat' proves he is well-rooted in jazz and groove. The biggest issue here however, is the drumming. While Tosin has used the SuperiorDrummer program fairly well, the drum machine does feel incredibly hollow compared to the rest of the mix, which is made worse by the fact it's turned up so high in the mix. While 'Animals As Leaders' is undoubtedly a guitar album, it's a shame that the percussive work would hurt the music more than it should, even regardless of the fact it is a drum machine at work.

The nitpicking aside though, 'Animals As Leaders' does seem to be a hint at the future of metal; something relatively fresh and new to showcase the talents of one incredibly gifted musician. While parts of the album can feel less effective than others, there's no doubt in my mind that Tosin Abasi is one of the most well-rounded guitarists around.