Animals As Leaders

Animals as Leaders are an American instrumental progressive metal band that began in Washington, D.C. in 2007 as a solo project by guitarist Tosin Abasi after his metalcore group Reflux disbanded. They blend progressive rock, jazz fusion, funk and electronica, and are a prominent name in the djent scene; drummer Matt Garstka calls the sound metal fusion. The trio, completed by rhythm guitarist Javier Reyes and Garstka, notably has no bassist, its two eight-string guitarists covering that ground. Their catalogue runs from a self-titled 2009 debut through Weightless, The Joy of Motion and The Madness of Many to Parrhesia in 2022. The name comes from Daniel Quinn's novel Ishmael. Renowned as a musicians' live act, they have toured widely and are set to support Steve Vai and Joe Satriani in 2026.