Animals as Leaders-Animals as Leaders (2009)

The shred genre is still alive and well in Animals As Leaders debut, but instead of neo-classical masturbation, jazz-fusion is the lubricant of choice on this album. This is top of the line instrumental prog metal. Complex; at times soothing; at times sterile; Animals As Leaders display a vast knowledge of music theory, complimenting their soloing with ferocious riffs and dazzling time changes. The riffs and rhythms may be more informed by nu-metal more than death or thrash, but they are always complex enough to be interesting. And the compositions are never simply excuses to jam. A great, if almost too pristine, listening experience.

8 out of 10