Animals as Leaders

The Profile

Animals as Leaders is an American instrumental progressive metal band formed in 2007 by guitarist Tosin Abasi in Washington, D.C. Known for eight-string guitar work, complex rhythms, and fusion influences, core members include Abasi and Javier Reyes, with drummers Navene Koperweis (early years) and later Matt Garstka. Key releases include Animals as Leaders (2009), Weightless (2011), The Joy of Motion (2014), The Madness Of Many (2016), and Parrhesia (2022).

Trio led by Tosin Abasi; instrumental focus with eight-string guitars; acclaimed for technical precision and melodic writing. Publicly known members include Javier Reyes (guitar) and drummers Navene Koperweis and Matt Garstka. Formed in Washington, D.C.; active from 2007 to present.

Three DeBaser reviews dive into Animals as Leaders’ instrumental progressive metal: intricate eight-string work, complex rhythms, and genre-blending ideas. The debut is praised for originality and atmosphere, Weightless for its immersive, electronic-tinged journey, and The Joy of Motion for its refined balance of melody, groove, and technique. Overall sentiment is strongly positive toward the trio’s musicianship and songwriting.