Parrhesia

Animals As Leaders

Animals As Leaders, the progressive and tech-metal outfit, are back with their fifth studio album Parrhesia. Now of course I'm aware of Tosin Abasi; if you are a fan of metal or guitar, it is hard not to come across his name. I have no problem admitting that he is the guitar hero of our time. Not only is he incredibly virtuosic at applying these traditional guitar techniques to extended register guitars, but he has also been hard at work developing new techniques on his own that are quite revolutionary. With that being said though, you may have picked up by now that my feelings toward guitar shredding and super flashy playing is that rarely does it result in compelling or memorable songs. Unfortunately, that is sort of the case here.

The issues that I have with this record are typical of many records in this style. For one, some songs here feel like they have been constructed by haphazardly stitching various pieces together. There's no clear sense of direction or progression which makes it hard to really connect to it emotionally. I think a good example of this is the album's first single Monomyth, which is a shame considering this track does have some of the cooler, djenty rhythm sections. Another element I don't really care for - and this is totally personal preference - are the very typical, virtuoso guitar solos. These types of solos with the patient pacing, exaggerated bends, the soaring guitar tone; it is so by the numbers that it really doesn't matter what is being played. It's old and boring. On the other end of the spectrum, sometimes the new stuff isn't working either. Take Micro-Aggressions for example. This is perhaps the flashiest song as far as guitar performance goes, however, the excessive muted thumping is way more obnoxious than it is impressive. On top of that, the guitar tone does not feel right at all. It sounds dry, mechanical, there's almost too much clarity to the point where I'm getting seriously caught up in the fine details instead of letting go and getting lost.

There were a few tracks I did end up liking though. I liked Red Miso for the stuttering, midi sounding texture that opens the track, as well as it's devastating breakdown towards the end with all the crazy pitch-shifting. Gestaltzerfall was pretty decent too with it's more melodic and accessible sound, very reminiscent of the work of fellow progressive rock act Chon. This tune also has the clearest progression of any track on the record. I like the swagger in the opening riff and how the band injects a little more of those djent chugs in spurts. As the song progresses to it's midway point, the song becomes brighter and sunnier. Then, there's a bit of a crashing sludge passage before we get a crazy flurry of guitar notes. I would have liked for the song to end here, but the band decides to reprise the opening riff one more time. Not the strong finish the song could have had, but still pretty good. Lastly, I will mention Gordian Naught, easily my favourite track on the record. Super rhythmic, great tone, love the angular riffing; there is not a dull moment on this track.

I was never a big fan of Animals As Leaders, but make no mistake, that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the level of technicality and innovation the band brings to progressive rock and metal. Records like these are technical feats, ones I just don't see a lot of replay value in personally. Again, this just comes down to my own preference. Regardless, if you are a fan of progressive music, guitar music - or if by some tragic aligning of the stars - you have not heard the playing of Tosin Abasi, then you have to check this record out.