Carlswerk Victoria, Cologne, Germany11th March 2025
Animals as Leaders - “10 Years Of The Joy Of Motion” Tour 2025
With their music, ANIMALS AS LEADERS have significantly shaken up the Modern Metal scene since the late 2000s. The experimental sound, which blends virtuosic guitar playing, Jazz, and Metal, has made guitarist Tosin Abasi world-famous and a brand ambassador for Ibanez’s 8-string guitars. Their debut album, ‘Animals As Leaders’, released in 2009, caught the attention of the entire Djent scene and has had a lasting influence on many bands.
With the release of ‘The Joy of Motion’ in 2014, the band ultimately succeeded in combining a modern and mature Metal sound characterized by complex virtuosity and easily digestible catchiness. This sound has been steadily developed over their five albums in the past fifteen years. After a headline tour in the fall of 2023, the band will return to Europe in the spring of 2025 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their album ‘The Joy of Motion’ by performing it in its entirety live.
ANIMALS AS LEADERS was formed in 2007 at the suggestion of Prosthetic Records as a solo project for guitarist Tosin Abasi, whose band Reflux had previously disbanded. Together with Navene Koperweis (drums) and Javier Reyes (guitar), they released their debut album ‘Animals As Leaders’ in 2009, which was highly regarded for its unconventional sound. The single ‘Cafo’ went viral within the Metal community and was celebrated for its innovative sound, blending instrumental Metal, progressive Rock, Jazz, and Djent. After participating in the Summer Slaughter Tour, ANIMALS AS LEADERS toured with bands such as CIRCA SURVIVE, UNDEROATH, THURSDAY, and DREDG, showcasing the versatility of their sound.
In 2011, they released their second album ‘Weightless’, which debuted at number 92 on the Billboard charts and marked the band’s first European tour as support for BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME. In 2012, Navene Koperweis left the band and was replaced by drummer Matt Garstka, whose unique groove was featured from then on. ‘The Joy Of Motion’ was released in 2014 and marked the trio’s most successful album to date, reaching number 23 on the Billboard 200, number 4 on the US Rock charts, and number 2 on the US Hard Rock charts. The single ‘Physical Education’ became the band’s biggest hit with its catchy melodies and infectious grooves. However, the complexity and virtuosity in ANIMALS AS LEADERS’ sound continue to play a significant role in tracks like ‘The Woven Web’ and ‘Kascade’.
With their fourth studio album ‘The Madness of Many’, released in 2016, ANIMALS AS LEADERS once again evolved, delivering a highly complex album that showcased an even more playful modern production than its predecessor. Songs like ‘The Brain Dance’ allowed the band to debut at number 1 on the US Hard Rock charts with their fourth album. After a longer creative break, the current album ‘Parrhesia’ was released in 2022, once again showcasing the trio in top form. As expected, ‘Monomyth’ stands out with complex rhythms and mysteriously sounding synthesizers amidst playful riffs and intricate drumming. Over the years, ANIMALS AS LEADERS have lost none of the magic that often leaves their audience in awe at live shows due to their high virtuosity.
ANIMALS AS LEADERS are primarily known for their high virtuosity during live shows, which never fails to leave the audience in awe. It's an experience that should be witnessed live!
German Tour Dates
27 Feb 2025 - Hamburg, Docks
01 Mar 2025 - Berlin, Huxleys
02 Mar 2025 - Leipzig, Täubchenthal
09 Mar 2025 - Munich, Muffathalle
10 Mar 2025 - Frankfurt, Batschkapp
11 Mar 2025 - Cologne, Carlswerk Victoria
Additional Concert Info
Doors: 19:00
Start: 20:00
Tickets: are available for 44.60 euros (plus charges pre-sale) via Eventim
Info: https://prime-entertainment.de/aktuelles/animals-as-leaders-2/
