Artist: Animals as Leaders Album: Weightless

Year: 2011
Duration: 46:33

A Deep Dive into the Top Album Weightless by The Progressive Metal Band Animals as Leaders

I am a huge fan of experimental music, and I think progressive metal perfectly fits this description. While the metal genre is often characterized as heavy and aggressive, progressive metal bands like Animals as Leaders present an entirely different approach to the genre by merging unusual rhythms, unique instrumentation, and complex structures. Their third full-length album, Weightless, released in 2011, is a masterpiece of this genre that mesmerizes you from start to finish. As I am going to dive deep into this album's best aspects, I'll also explore everything critical you need to know about this record, including a brief history of the band, the music genre of the album, the album's top songs, and what makes it so innovative.
Animals as Leaders (AAL) is an American instrumental progressive metal band formed by guitarist Tosin Abasi in Washington D.C. in 2007. Tosin is known for his distinctive picking style, two-handed tapping, and his 8-string guitar. The band features Matt Garstka on drums and Javier Reyes on 7 and 8-string guitar, making it a three-piece instrumental group.
Weightless is the third studio album of AAL, which was released by Prosthetic / Sumerian Records on November 4, 2011. The album offers an eclectic display of an array of stylistic influences that blend the genres of jazz, death metal, and melodic rock. It is a perfect showcase for the band's musical virtuosity and its unique creative approach. Weightless represents an experimentation that sits on mathematical scales, harmonic complexities, and off-beat grooves combined on top of the band's signature sound.
At first, Weightless might seem overwhelming to new listeners of instrumental progressive metal music, where there are no vocals to guide listeners through the tracks. But, the more you listen to it, the more you appreciate the musicians' level of artistry. The album's opening track, An Infinite Regression, is a perfect opener that sets the tone of the album. The track 'Odessa,' which follows the opening track, is an exciting adventure featuring uniquely-crafted guitar riffs with a mesmerizing groove.
One of my favorite tracks of this album is Do Not Go Gently, which represents the culmination of all of AAL's creative aspects. The track motors with a fascinating melody in the intro section with a hard-hitting distorted riff that puts you right in the mood from the start. The song is experimentally structured, filled with tons of sections that all intertwine with perfect synchronicity to create a masterpiece. It's a perfect example of the brilliance of guitarist Tosin Abasi's musical talent.
One of Weightless' most remarkable features is the distinct blend of music genres that makes it stand out. Tracks like Espera, Some Are Keepers, and Lippincott are some of the most versatile tracks off this album, highlighting the band's ability to think outside the box while still creating a cohesive album.
Overall, Weightless by Animals as Leaders is a masterpiece of instrumental progressive metal music that showcases an incredibly high level of musicianship and artistry. The album is innovative in its fusion of genres, features some of the most beautifully written tracks, incredible guitar work, and evocative instrumental arrangements. If you're looking for an album that stimulates your mind and fulfills your cravings for complex musical structures, this album is definitely worth checking out. So go on and experience the magic of Weightless for yourself!
Overall, Weightless by Animals as Leaders is a masterpiece of instrumental progressive metal music that showcases an incredibly high level of musicianship and artistry. The album is innovative in its fusion of genres, features some of the most beautifully written tracks, incredible guitar work, and evocative instrumental arrangements. If you're looking for an album that stimulates your mind and fulfills your cravings for complex musical structures, this album is definitely worth checking out. So go on and experience the magic of Weightless for yourself!