Animals As Leaders: The Progressive Metal Band Shaking Up the Music Industry

Are you looking for a band that pushes the boundaries of metal and rock music? Look no further than Animals As Leaders, the instrumental trio known for their intricate guitar work, dynamic melodies, and experimental sound. Led by guitarist Tosin Abasi, Animals As Leaders has been wowing audiences since their debut in 2009. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Animals As Leaders, from their singer’s bio to their top songs and net worth.

The Singer’s Bio, Age, Relationships, Children, and Height

Animals As Leaders doesn’t have a traditional lead singer, as they are an instrumental band. However, the band’s founder and guitarist, Tosin Abasi, is the driving force behind their music. Abasi was born on July 7, 1983, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Maryland. He discovered his love of music early on, and began playing guitar at the age of 12. Abasi is currently in his late 30s.

Abasi keeps his personal life private, so there is little information available about his relationships or children. As for his height, Abasi stands at 6 feet tall (183 cm), according to various sources.

The Career of Animals As Leaders

Animals As Leaders was formed in 2007, when Abasi began recording instrumental demos of his guitar compositions. He eventually teamed up with drummer Matt Garstka, and the two began playing local shows in Maryland. The band’s lineup was completed when bassist Javier Reyes joined in 2009.

Animals As Leaders released their self-titled debut album later that year, which quickly garnered critical acclaim for its virtuosic guitar work, complex time signatures, and fusion of various genres. The band has since released four more albums: Weightless (2011), The Joy of Motion (2014), The Madness of Many (2016), and their most recent, Angel Vivaldi / Animals As Leaders EP (2019).

Animals As Leaders’ unique sound and technical prowess have earned them a devoted fanbase, as well as praise from fellow musicians and critics. They have toured extensively over the years, playing with bands such as Mastodon, Between the Buried and Me, and Circa Survive.

An Overview of Animals As Leaders’ Top Songs

1. “CAFO” – from their self-titled debut album, this song features Abasi’s signature tapping technique and complex time signatures.

2. “The Woven Web” – from The Joy of Motion, this song showcases the band’s ability to weave together intricate melodies and heavy riffs.

3. “Physical Education” – also from The Joy of Motion, this song features a funky, jazz-inspired groove and guest solos from guitarists Guthrie Govan and Misha Mansoor.

4. “Arithmophobia” – from The Madness of Many, this song is a showcase of the band’s technical prowess and love of odd time signatures.

5. “Wave of Babies” – a standalone single released in 2010, this song features Abasi’s shredding skills and catchy melodies.

The Net Worth of Animals As Leaders

As an instrumental band, Animals As Leaders’ income comes primarily from album sales, tours, and merchandise. While their exact net worth is unknown, the band has enjoyed impressive success over the years and continues to gain new fans. Additionally, Abasi is known for his signature line of guitars with Ibanez, which may bring in additional income.

FAQs About Animals As Leaders

What does the name “Animals As Leaders” mean?

The name “Animals As Leaders” is a nod to a quote by philosopher Pythagoras, who said “animals share with us the privilege of having a soul.” The band chose the name to reflect their belief in the emotional and spiritual power of music.

Who are the band members of Animals As Leaders?

Animals As Leaders is comprised of guitarist Tosin Abasi, bassist Javier Reyes, and drummer Matt Garstka.

What genre is Animals As Leaders?

Animals As Leaders is often categorized as progressive metal, due to their complex song structures and technical proficiency. They also draw influence from jazz, fusion, and other genres.

Does Animals As Leaders have any vocalists?

No, Animals As Leaders is an instrumental band and does not have a traditional lead singer. However, they sometimes incorporate vocal samples or guest vocalists into their music.

What is Tosin Abasi’s signature guitar?

Abasi has collaborated with guitar manufacturer Ibanez to create his own signature line of guitars, the TAM series. These guitars feature ergonomic designs, extended range capabilities, and Abasi’s unique playing style.

Who are some bands that influenced Animals As Leaders?

Animals As Leaders draws influence from a wide range of bands and musicians, including Meshuggah, Allan Holdsworth, and John McLaughlin. They have also cited jazz fusion legends like Chick Corea and Return to Forever as inspiration.

What is Animals As Leaders’ songwriting process?

The band members often start with individual musical ideas, then collaborate and build upon each other’s ideas to create cohesive songs. Abasi has described their process as “structured improvisation,” where they allow room for spontaneity and experimentation.

What are some other projects that Tosin Abasi has worked on?

Abasi has collaborated with several other musicians and bands over the years, including Tesseract, Jeff Loomis, and Steve Vai. He also released a solo album, T.R.A.M., with fellow Animals As Leaders member Javier Reyes and other musicians.

What are some notable Animals As Leaders live performances?

Animals As Leaders is known for their intense and mesmerizing live shows, which showcase their musical prowess and technical skill. Some of their most notable performances include their 2016 tour with Meshuggah, and their set at the 2017 Bonnaroo Music Festival.

What are some common themes in Animals As Leaders’ music?

Animals As Leaders’ music often explores themes of spirituality, beauty, and the human experience. They also draw inspiration from nature and animals, as reflected in their name.

What is the significance of Animals As Leaders’ album artwork?

The band’s album artwork often features intricate, abstract designs that reflect their experimental sound and technical proficiency. They have collaborated with several artists over the years to create unique and visually stunning album covers.

What are some Animals As Leaders merchandise items?

The band offers a variety of merchandise items on their website, including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and posters. They also sell guitar tabs and sheet music for their songs.

What are some upcoming Animals As Leaders tours or shows?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the band’s upcoming shows and tours have been postponed or cancelled. However, fans can check the band’s website and social media channels for updates on future performances.

What are some notable awards or recognition for Animals As Leaders?

Animals As Leaders has been nominated for several awards over the years, including a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2018. They have also been featured in various music publications and lists, such as Rolling Stone’s “20 Best Metal Albums of 2014.”

Are there any Animals As Leaders tribute bands?

While there are no official tribute bands for Animals As Leaders, the band has inspired countless musicians and guitarists around the world. Many fans have uploaded covers and interpretations of their songs on YouTube and other video sharing sites.

What is the fanbase like for Animals As Leaders?

Animals As Leaders has a dedicated and passionate fanbase, with fans from all over the world. They are known for their inclusivity and community-building, often connecting with fans on social media and at live shows.

What is the future of Animals As Leaders?

While the band has not announced any official plans for new music or tours, fans can expect to see continued innovation and experimentation from Animals As Leaders in the coming years. Abasi has expressed interest in exploring new sounds and collaborations, so the future looks bright for the band and their fans.