Take a Break from the Seriousness: An Ironic Look at Animals as Leaders

Are you a fan of progressive metal? If so, then you may already be familiar with the musical journey that Animals as Leaders have taken us on over the years. But if you're looking for something more than intricate licks and riffs, then perhaps there's a different side to their music that needs exploring. Today, we'll take an ironic look at Animals as Leaders' work and examine how they can come across as almost too serious – let's see if we can chuckle our way into this heavy music!

For fans of progressive metal, Animals as Leaders is a household name. The band, founded by guitar virtuoso Tosin Abasi, has created some of the most intricate and challenging music in the genre. But with such intense technicality comes a reputation for serious and brooding music. This is where we're going to take a different approach today. We'll explore a more playful and ironic side to Animals as Leaders' music, which may surprise even longtime fans. So, let's kick back, relax, and take a break from all the serious shredding.

Firstly, one of the most ironic things about Animals as Leaders is their name. The term 'animal' brings to mind wildness, freedom, and instinctive behavior. But with this band, it's more about control, precision, and calculated composition. Their music is the opposite of impulsive and wild – it's highly engineered, with every note and rhythm precisely choreographed. This contradiction is a source of humor for some, and it highlights the band's ironic side.

Another facet of Animals as Leaders' music that can be taken ironically is their use of electronic and synthetic sounds. While they are primarily an instrumental band, they do incorporate digital effects and samples into their music, creating futuristic and otherworldly soundscapes. The irony lies in the fact that they are known for their technical prowess and organic playing style. The use of electronics could be seen as an affront to their purist fans, who expect nothing but raw, analog guitar playing.

Moving on, it's also worth noting the band's humoristic nods to pop culture in their music. One example is their song 'Cognitive Contortions' from their 2016 album 'The Madness of Many.' The song is named after a line from Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight,' where the Joker says, I'm like a dog chasing cars; I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it. This nod to the iconic comic book villain is both a testament to the band's geeky tendencies and an example of how they can infuse their music with dark humor.

Another example of Animals as Leaders' sense of humor comes from a music video they made for their song 'Physical Education.' The video features the band playing their instruments while performing gymnastics and acrobatics, making for a surreal and hilarious viewing experience. The band garnered a lot of attention for this video, with many fans and critics remarking on how unexpected and delightful it was.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning how Tosin Abasi's image and persona can be taken ironically. Abasi is known for his stoic and serious demeanor, often seen wearing all black and staring intently into his guitar. This image has become a meme in the guitar community, with some poking fun at Abasi's intense concentration. But what many people don't realize is that Abasi is actually a playful and humorous person, as evidenced by his interviews and social media posts.

At the end of the day, Animals as Leaders is a band that takes their music seriously, and there's nothing wrong with that. Their technical prowess and innovation have made them a seminal band in the progressive metal genre. However, it's also important to recognize that their music can be taken ironically, and that humor can be found in unexpected places. By taking a break from the seriousness and exploring the ironic side of Animals as Leaders, we can appreciate their music in a whole new light.

At the end of the day, Animals as Leaders is a band that takes their music seriously, and there's nothing wrong with that. Their technical prowess and innovation have made them a seminal band in the progressive metal genre. However, it's also important to recognize that their music can be taken ironically, and that humor can be found in unexpected places. By taking a break from the seriousness and exploring the ironic side of Animals as Leaders, we can appreciate their music in a whole new light.