Animals As Leaders "CAFO" official music video

The debut music video from Animals As Leaders, directed by Scott Hansen (www.shpro.tv)
. From their self-titled debut, out now on Prosthetic Records.
Buy It Now: itunes.apple.com/us/album/anim...

[@kyranlior1476]

The reason Javier is so good is that he has his guitar strapped so high that it's physically impossible to take his guitar off, so he has no choice but to practice

[@kma6881]

He’s a phenomenal rhythm player. Severely underrated.

[@jordananderson4710]

Lol

[@BJ.Cardoso]

@Nick B show purposes, Herman li has it low so it looks cool and so he can kick his guitar

[@marky7945]

@Nick B but i always strap my guitar low and it's comfortable to me

[@lashedandscorned]

it all depends on how low you have your guitar try finding the sweet spot between high and low

[@leon0210]

This song inspired me to quit guitar

[@hu4lifefuckdeuce]

Severely underrated comment 😂

[@barialovis865]

Hahahahahahaha

[@leon0210]

@Nicholas Tzilinis 🙏

[@shahirraeed]

It's the opposite for me .This type of shit made me learn want to learn the guitar and get better.

[@barialovis865]

@@shahirraeed that’s the attitude!

[@jnsn94]

This is still wayyy ahead even 13 years later

[@Nokiavirus]

I agree with you !!

[@vi3686]

Hell yeah man

[@tomcuthbert-sayers1451]

the word "genius" comes to mind.

[@AWSum-uf4ri]

Handmade dark techno

[@vi3686]

@@AWSum-uf4ri Metal but only for big brains

[@dolinofolde]

I just smoked three joints and the crickets started chirping in 7/8

[@SparringBuddy]

Sounds like you woke up

[@Paintplayer1]

@@SparringBuddy pineal gland decalcified

[@aebious8886]

*wake up wake up*

[@williamhopkins1262]

Tool fans listening to Undertow:

[@averageconsumer3574]

This comment had me dying laughing😂😂

[@MrHardcoreCovers]

That drummer deserves some serious recognition.

[@WADEDESTROYS]

He has it now

[@zenzybar]

​@@WADEDESTROYS No he doesn't. Their first drummer Lavene, quit as he didn't want to tour ect. Matt Garstka was a fan of the music and wanted in, and everyone knows him as AALs drummer. Navene was sick regardless, but I don't think he comes to mind unless you're into the band's history.

[@claude3957]

It's not really Lavene nor Matt in the album. Drums were programmed by Misha Mansoor from Periphery

[@zenzybar]

​@@claude3957 I wasn't saying Matt was on this album or Weightless. But you're 100% right if memory serves right. Misha did produce thre self titled album, and Navene played it live.

[@royjones3099]

Also he's one sick guitar player as well......

[@CharlieViking95]

A black guy, a white guy and a mexican walked into a music studio..

[@oskaralegre5094]

Charlie Österlund // Drums music has no race

[@azertyytreza3005]

mexican is white ...

[@ihatejamon]

@@azertyytreza3005 white is black..

[@monkeybrains878]

@@ihatejamon black is brown

[@ihatejamon]

@@monkeybrains878 yellow is red

[@d5v2l8]

The guitar tabs looking like an SAT scantron...

[@fajaradi1223]

Really? The other song tabs just looks like my company last year balance sheet.

[@isaiahgrandt5305]

They got rid of all the AAL tabs on songster for some reason

[@ItsSauIGoodman]

You wanna see tabs like that, look at berried alive tabs

[@serpentscoil9868]

@@ItsSauIGoodman fax

[@flayky844]

I have played guitar for about 20 years. Tosin makes me feel like I just started playing yesterday.

[@christopherschleimer3664]

For real .

[@nobodylovesme3743]

It’s been 20 years and you CANT SWEEP PICK. Ur obviously lying to try and make a funny comment

[@christopherschleimer3664]

Keep practicing ,man. Keep it up :)

[@flayky844]

@@nobodylovesme3743 some people paint for 20 years and never do any paintings in an abstract style. Some express themselves with a shotgun blast and some will only whisper.

[@nobodylovesme3743]

@@flayky844 ok sorry. But can we just appreciate that analogy

[@guitarvibe75]

I like the part where he played the guitar. that's my favorite

[@bryanvazquez6234]

AhhahahahHahaha

[@Stretchzz]

Keyboard solo a close second

[@surekhaahlawat6068]

You have a big brain, dontcha? XD (I'm just joking around)

[@brushot]

U mean the whole thing? (This is a joke btw, obviously he's only playing guitar for 30 seconds out of this whole song)

[@ukaszlewicki3533]

LOL

[@wallacewizard3934]

Tosin Abasi is one of the most frustrating musicians to watch - 1 because hes so good, and 2 because he can keep up the superfast tapping/shredding for longer than should be humanly possible. God I love this man.

[@Cacatron3000]

3. Because his thumb has a 90 degree angle lmao

[@dikardvondoom3574]

4. Makes it look effortless.

[@lashedandscorned]

Tosin Abasi is one of my favorite guitarists along with Christian Müenzer, Fredrik Thorendal, Simon Girard & Kevin Chartré.

[@smackthatfemale]

In your defense he does use loops

[@CARROTMOLD]

@@smackthatfemale also in his defense, tosin can never play this live

[@seenbelow]

I love keeping a 4/4 headbang to this and watch how different each one lands.

[@eightpathshellsgate6983]

Hell yea

[@serpentscoil9868]

2:30 you can headbang to this section cuz of the time on this one finally

[@sirstabulous]

Bad maths.

[@serpentscoil9868]

@@sirstabulous math? Where

[@SoneNando]

You are creating polyrhythms, but with your movement instead of with sound

[@AB-vl6et]

Lyrics are below:

[@judgedredd31]

Ann Stone those are the lyrics to physical education...

[@galaxygamerpro3868]

@@judgedredd31 i cant believe aal reuse the same lyrics in different songs

[@DarkVileScream]

I did a cover of it on FB

[@JJPMaster]

@@DarkVileScream i found the link:

[@ivgentis]

Thanks!

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

This song gets better with time. When I was younger I couldn't appreciate the brilliance. Now I think this is one of the best songs ever written.

[@dr.seesaw8894]

Thank you, Jesus Christ

[@Dm3qXY]

it has to do with what you're exposing yourself to, your dopamine paths gradually need more of that "odd factor" as you get used with what you're training your brain to enjoy, at both high-level (genre) and low level (time signatures, surprising twists...)

[@shantanudhiman8194]

Jesus Fuck*ng Christ...!! Are you serious!!? 🙆🏻‍♂️😮

[@patatejambom6310]

@@Dm3qXY that is exactly why i felt in love with meshuggah, AAL dont have alot of secret after abusing it for a decade, try to understand the polyrythmia and permutation from meshuggah just for fun man its crazy structuraly

[@mrbananaman8032]

Amazing what bands can do if they literally just sit down and practice with some thought behind it. It's hard to find a group thst respects thought and theory without giving up. This is how most professional level music is handled. They just don't evolve as quickly.

[@bombers0123]

Tosin is so good, he is playing the bass at the same time with his feet.

[@jesseling6672]

There's already a 16 year old doing the in Japan

[@minhchauhoang172]

No, I think the bass is from misha

[@ciannolan9713]

What?

[@fablewalls]

@@jesseling6672 - doing what? And is he/she better? Plenty of copyists out there but original artists are rare.

[@raycolon3696]

Javier is playing the low notes on his 8 string. At one point in the song they'll switch it up briefly. There is no bass player and no bass pedals. Tosin confirmed this in an interview.

[@sergeybobkov951]

It is 2021, almost 11 years from when this was posted. This is still phenomenal.

[@SpookyStorkRunningWild]

ok

[@dominikweber4305]

Crazy how long ago this was

[@AnotherFacelessDigitalNoOne]

Good music doesn't age. Ergo phenomenal stuff doesnt

[@anomymouse5043]

I am looking at this 2024, January.

[@marcogreco725]

it is 2024, still rips

[@AnthonySommer]

Tosin has some of the best technique and most efficient playing I've ever seen.

[@dumbasiansissyboi]

and he's self taught wtf

[@rollinmdma]

@@dumbasiansissyboi he went to AIM

[@WadeIckes]

Anthony Sommer i listen to your videos Cool to see you commenting here

[@patatejambom6310]

@@dumbasiansissyboi he the studen of victor wooten. navene k , tosin, evan brewer, all from nashville. same highschool, being teached music by the wooten brother who owned nuclear record.

[@adamwenger6171]

And he can cook a mean wood fired pizza

[@JiffyCakes]

Shout-out to all listening in 2024

[@patriotschannel1336]

👍🏽🤘🏽💪🏽🇺🇸

[@andrewditton7226]

Never stopped

[@MatthewLang83]

For sure, Tosin is unending.

[@brucegruben140]

How the fuck did I miss this I love death, cynic, Rush, Mnemic, Satriani. Heard this FUCK YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’

[@tylerdowd4335]

Forever

[@kaisaniatan263]

Dream Theater: *exists Animals As Leader: Hold my beer

[@ChipmunkAsylum]

There are some types of music that should have no words. I can just imagine this with vocals, God it would be horrible. I'm glad to hear some peeps playing with the 8 string for the sound, not just to make it heavy

[@YaqoHomo]

i made up some lyrics. doo doo doo doo doo doo doo dee doo dee doo dee doo doo dee doo doo doo doo dee doo dee dee....

[@IrrelevantPlease]

most music should have no words tbh

[@Vulkanzed-117]

This was recorded before they used 8 strings in their music.

[@zacharywhite5631]

Vulkanzed he’s literally playing an 8-string in the video.

[@Vulkanzed-117]

@@zacharywhite5631 Yes but this song does not use the 8th string in the recording.

[@bryankerr9174]

Late to this band. This came around on my playlist the other week and my wife asked if it was even music. I said, no. It's better.

[@groan_of_tedium]

M8, you're a proper mad one! Great stuff. Bet your wife thought it was a bloody clanger! What a lad! #murky2020

[@amackclassic6737]

A girl I'm dating already knew them. My heart exploded.

[@legacyxxx5691]

Get a new wife.

[@CoolAsianGuy]

your wife was right. there's no fucking melody whatsoever in this song. typical instruments wankery

[@katiemcweeny8196]

Just imagine, some people don’t think this is music.

[@mackenziehunter1755]

AAL makes me want to pick up an 8 string guitar, they really show what an extended range guitar is for.

[@Meurieza]

@juna wood hey i can't even manage 6 strings my fingers are small

[@Meurieza]

5 fret stretch kills me

[@juanvazquez5836]

Yup. Most death metal bands that use 8 string guitars are taking so little juice out of them. They are meant more for stuff like this in my opinion

[@brushot]

@Tony Glock infant an********* i won't even say the name. Maybe on their new albums

[@edwardpaul4671]

@@brushot yes, they do

[@LaGuerre19]

Take a moment to acknowledge that in this universe, in this dimension, we're fortunate enough to have had Tosin, Javier, and Matt find each other in this absolute randomness and chaos. Think on that. So many, many things fall to shit despite best effort, but we got this. I'll take it, this universe, for the few excellent things that have fallen into place. There they are.

[@nickborrrego]

Absolutely

[@casuallabour665]

nothing special about it. If it weren't for them, there'd have been other ppl to eventually come to the same "musical conclusion". Watch "Everything is a remix". It's the progress of humanity as a whole that's been manifested through them. I'm not talking about anything spiritual here (or maybe a little).

[@MooPics9898]

@@casuallabour665 That's cool

[@jaystitzie4743]

Oh yeah, this is big brain music. My fingers hurt just watching this

[@oskaralegre5094]

John Stitz this is real music for real smart people

[@nalla1782]

@@oskaralegre5094 curb your musical superiority complex

[@oskaralegre5094]

Werberjerbins tell me a rapper who can play guitar like this??

[@nalla1782]

@@oskaralegre5094 Tell me a guitarist who can rap like Eminem.

[@nalla1782]

@@oskaralegre5094 Music isn't a competition. Just because something is hard to play, that doesn't mean it is superior music to something else. Have you completely forgot that the purpose of music is to SOUND GOOD? What the actual fuck, this is the stupidest music take I've seen in years jesus.

[@ags5696]

Me: "So how many time signature changes can you do?" Animals as Leaders: "Yes."

[@YourMom-nl4uw]

All of them

[@Htheorphanarian]

can anyone break down the different time signatures...anyone...ne1??

[@ninizeldav7174]

This is called syncopation.

[@TheRealFoxeR]

@@Htheorphanarian the song is in 4/4, it just changes in feel at certain parts.

[@SpookyStorkRunningWild]

shut up bitch

[@skullkrusher4418]

What are the odds that 3 individuals THIS talented all met and all had the same vision for their music?

[@CoDnChill]

Heard this when i turned 20, now im turning 30. Still the same feelings. Good music dont age, they stay young forever 🙌🏻

[@TheDragonsRose]

YO me too. I always come back to this to give it a good listen.

[@tarantulamadness6191]

I'm turning 29 this year, I've never heard this until just recently. It's insane! Reminds me of some intense anime or something lol.

[@stallionstudios]

The arab guitar bobbing his head looks funny. He should be standing on a dashboard of a truck.

[@imadie1484]

I heard this when first came out. I was just getting into high school then, blew my mind and didn’t know what to do with myself. When I finally did, I had to tell my buddies about it. They were just as equally shocked and blown away.

[@markandersen793]

Yeah, it’s called timeless 🤘

[@smrfz5]

First time hearing these guys...WHY is it my first time, guess better late than never. This is amazing!

[@justbrandonll2773]

Please check out my cover the song😁

[@Sanctifiers]

haha late, but welcome to the party. best guitarist alive right now

[@dwayne1859]

I to have to question why the hell you've only just heard of these guys. You've missed years and years of orgasmic music haha

[@Sanctifiers]

@@AG-ur1lj I first heard them in 2010 I believe, when some guy was playing them at a gas station so obviously I had to ask who it was.

[@locrianphyrigian3779]

same. stumbled upon them, gojira, and polyphia all within the same like 3 week span. That was a good span.

[@user-uy3eq5hg1s]

One of the best instrumental metal songs ever recorded.

[@weekendpyro.]

This song gave me the strength to throw my entire drum set out the window with one hand

[@riggmeister]

This tune is pure musical genius. Also artistic genius; it perfectly expresses that intense, wordless horror that millions of animals have to go through as their alien, technological, overlords attempt to satiate their own hunger...

[@damiangomez8540]

i like how the song isn't really inspired in that but it makes perfect sense

[@ryan742]

Didn't ask don't care

[@clarkem4119]

@@ryan742 You cared enough to demonstrate that you're a dick, however.

[@nickuva6508]

This is the definition of art. Its crazy how instruments can be manipulated in such a way that it brings out specific emotions in those who are listening.

[@Badomen_5150]

i know this song is full of awesome playing but those chords at 2:22 - 2:30 are my favorite part of the song.

[@bryanrivera4864]

same. I cant explain it but its such a clean transition

[@RipperDoc97]

Facts

[@Hedgy-sz2cv]

Gave me chills 😩

[@basickrecords]

Every time I watch this it just reminds me I'll never be as talented as these guys and I go and cry in a corner. But then I have to watch this to cheer me up, it's a never-ending cycle...

[@CorvetteCoonass]

Advance use of techniques is not talent, it's called practicing. Now they just need to actually use it tastefully and in a musical manner rather than just wanking off all over the fingerboard.

[@spudmagnum7394]

@@CorvetteCoonass Jealous

[@wannabeserpento99]

@@CorvetteCoonass Bruh you do type o negative covers :DDDD

[@teacherfromthejungles6671]

it's not talent. it's skill.

[@teacherfromthejungles6671]

@@CorvetteCoonass finally someone except for me said it!!!

[@JeffReams]

If you get a chance to see these guys live DO IT! Absolutely one of the best live trio's I've seen live.

[@chrisj7656]

Yeah, but the fans are fucking shit. Get pissed about a pit being started near the front. Uh, hello, that's where they happen.

[@warrybon9779]

Just saw them at DreamSonic tour with Devin Townsend and Dream Theater!! Oh man what a show!! I was completely blown away by AAL So freaking good live !!

[@theflaggeddragon9472]

@@warrybon9779 I was there! Mind blowing indeed!

[@pm9928]

Yeah but have you seen The Aristocrats :-)

[@beners]

now that i'm 13 years older i can confirm the line at 2:31 is the most beautiful thing i've ever heard done on an electric guitar

[@TheGuitarman]

the tabs for this must look like source code or some programming language

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

This is as fresh and avant-garde in 2023 as it was when it premiered - killer composition and performance!

[@briantorsell]

Animals As Leaders: Providing 4 different grooves to headbang to, all at the same time...

[@Der13teKanal]

This is by far one of the most beautiful, unique and insane pieces of Metalmusic in this Century. Thanks for CAFO.

[@angelofwar9223]

Agreed

[@karko00s]

I am here 12 years too late but glad i came across

[@mattoidfranion8231]

Same brother divine timing

[@elBanananas]

4:57 is just one of the greatest riffs ever and nobody can convince me otherwise

[@tyleraskelton10]

Was looking for a comment about the breakdown. Such a brutal transition into the end of the song

[@marioironside5830]

same fucking here

[@TheGringuish12]

Still one of the greatest AAL riffs

[@elBanananas]

@@TheGringuish12 not just AAL imo, period

[@Sephcala]

You aint lyin!!!!

[@ZikyMusic]

4:57 *confused headbanging*

[@maddexrowe8391]

There only triplets. If your a drummer like me, you would understand simple arithmetic

[@ZikyMusic]

@@maddexrowe8391 i'm a guitarist 😅 i didn't learn theory, that's probably why i can't get arythmetic here, but yeah there's probably a sense playing this way

[@thornthornthorne4531]

just go crazy bro.

[@nechastivi3187]

@@ZikyMusic I don't know, for me it's not hard at all, it grooves so much that I don't need to fallow drums all time.

[@afonsotopa5921]

IMO that's the easiest part to headbang to 5:55 is where it starts to get weird for me, but gets really sick when the other guitar comes on

[@mautoocool9699]

Love the lyrics to this one

[@crazyhorse2995]

😂😊

[@13rosieb14]

you smashed your guitar after hearing this didnt you?

[@zacktastick8]

This song completely changed everything .

[@clausjuergenwalde7251]

It only took me 10 years to bump into this

[@xxtildonxx90]

Sometimes I come back, so I can see the future of music

[@justinedward81]

This band could have one person different and could not compare to this absolute perfect lineup. This is, THE PERFECT recipe for beauty, perfection, and awesome.

[@filthydinosaur6510]

The lyrics go so hard

[@filthydinosaur6510]

Or the ones I imagine about the further extinction of animals

[@AndrewAllen-so1sf]

12 years?! It feels like just yesterday I discovered this band.

[@k-vn-7]

Was gonna say this but you beat me to it!

[@Paintplayer1]

I've been listening to AAL for 4 years and I knew instantly that they're one of the greatest bands ever to exist. But only recently after actually doing some independent music theory study do I finally start to understand *why*

[@hakeemahmadjamal7403]

Lol

[@Paintplayer1]

Update: I'm trying out for a metal band tomorrow. I'm 30 and have never made music with other people, but I saw AAL live the other day and it inspired me to at least try. This band doesn't make super complicated music and I just play bass but it's worth it to me to try to make something others can enjoy. I owe a guy I talked to at the concert for opening my eyes to how cool that experience can be.

[@rodrigohess3656]

@@Paintplayer1 good luck brother. Enjoy the experience and have fun

[@Paintplayer1]

Update 2: I'm in the band, can't wait to start making music!

[@Paintplayer1]

@@rodrigohess3656 thank you!

ten years later...still here listening....still addicted...still discovering new things in it...

[@kairofromyt3750]

me thinking that this was just uploaded recently me seeing that it was uploaded 9 years ago

[@jessiehermit9503]

Almost 10.

[@strangecorgi2903]

4:57 What a great shot; you can just see the intensity in his eyes as they go into the next riff!

[@TheGero95]

4:47 has to be the best riff ever.

[@Meurieza]

galneryus did a really good rift in hunting for your dream

[@prathamdangi3388]

@@Meurieza 4:47

[@jaydenbowman6336]

12 years later and I still don’t understand how

[@sigmanomicon103]

I went to see Veil of Maya and Animals as Leaders opened the show. I had not heard them until then. I was blown away, my body felt like it was floating, I was stone sober. It still haunts me.

[@littlemissmisses2981]

A friend just sent me this link, to see them live would be an EXPERIENCE I don't think I would ever get over

[@krushruss]

@@littlemissmisses2981 Absolutely go see them if you get the chance. Hearing this song live is mind blowing

[@vodkacannon]

Ever realized what the song title stands for?

[@czwirner]

Why dont i ever see any covers of this? :)

[@michaelrosensson8669]

There are several I think. I remember seeing some guy doing it in some cello of some sort.

[@rodrigocastro7651]

Hahaha i say the same !!!!!

[@michaelkaleda4068]

the most insane, deepest, emotional and legendary prog metal song of all times

[@rogerwright3049]

This song was definitely way ahead of its time when it released... Hell, if it was released today it would still be considered ahead of its time...

[@evandrochaves9596]

probably the greatest technical instrumetal metal song

[@soymartin07]

King Crimson with adrenaline overdose.

[@f0x845]

I'm 33 years old, just discovered Tosin from a friend, and this is quickly becoming my favorite band. I am in awe. This song, especially. This is timeless music, in my opinion.

[@matthewsammut2881]

When you see old AAL videos you realize how much the members have all levelled up.

[@Colinireland1992]

Only 3.5 mil views??? Are you kidding me??? I remember when this dropped I was in my late teens and I still have to come back to this often

[@PozerKiller]

The drummer is impressive. Especially in that polyrhythmic beat. Wow

[@adrienk339]

It should be noted that the drums were programmed by Tosin and a sound engineer for this album. But there's no doubt their drummer can play it :P

[@crazyhorse2995]

Yep.🤘

[@aikitnx]

After, spending majority of my hungover day listening to them, I've come to a conclusion that I've been doing myself a disservice by not checking them out earlier.

[@brianlahey464]

My first time experiencing Animals as Leaders and I’m just...I mean...WOW! That was insane!!!

[@chevy11786]

The evolution of electric guitar since 1960 has been incredible. Tosin is the next and imo final step in guitar evolution. Most important electric guitarist since early 90’s dimebag.

[@ReturnTheSlab932]

Evolution never stops, we'll be looking back at this as what inspired the next incomprehensible guitar player

[@stanz7193]

The only band you need a master's degree in music to cover lol mind blowing!

[@Salvo100]

Saying these guys are other-worldly would be an understatement, they are another UNIVERSE.

[@joebidendidnotwintheelecti370]

Keeps me going. After all these years.

[@mikemickey6415]

Can we talk about the drum fill at 5:57 🔥

[@clifffield1]

Yes. Hit everything as fast as you can.

[@redrickschuhart4065]

dude... it's just a programming. no one will record this live

[@damiangomez8540]

@@redrickschuhart4065 no it's actually pretty easy to play but it sounds incredibly difficult, check out navene playing this live or any drum covers

[@spimbles]

show me a human that can play that fill and ill show you a Haake or a Carey lol

[@dragona33]

I just discovered this band. Holy crap, the talent is beyond incredible. This is a breath of fresh air in metal I have been longing for.

[@RohilThopu]

4:58 and onwards just kicks my ass every time. my fav part of the song.

[@stefandedalus7103]

EVERYTHING kicks, if I been within the choice between a date w/ a nice lady and a ticket to AAL... simple as that. Sorry, girl. Priority 1st.

[@ibanezbtb91]

Like. I would say 4:30 and after for me friend!!! You gotta admit the "dedicated solo" 4:30 and on goes hard..

[@ibanezbtb91]

@stephan Come on now, you can get tail any time you want to...

[@sudharsanpaskaran]

Tosin is amazing 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kirstenbakker839]

My ex-boyfriend used to tell me that music without vocals wasn't real music. And that, boys and girls, is how he became my ex-boyfriend.

[@adamrose6969]

😂😂😂😂😂😂I laughed

[@putalaweaweonoh]

so classic music isn't real music? how could you be with someone that dumb hehe.

[@snow5772]

you made the right choice

[@sonicsubjunkie]

So how you doin..

[@royTheLightning]

since u single now :D Hi

[@BigHotSauceBoss69]

This is one of the best instrumentals of the 21st century. It encapsulates everything about modern metal into 1 song, purely brilliant in its technicality, but loses nothing in its ability to build musically and offer many, many repeated listens. It's difficult to unpack these things on first listen, but over the years this has become pretty clear to me, and I'd put this song up against just about anything. These 3 dudes absolutely murdered it here and Tosin's tapping riffs just soar it into the stratosphere.

[@ISMSKL]

Oh dude, I totally get what you're saying and I agree 100%. I am totally not a technical guy and 99 % of music theory talk will draw a blank look from me, but listening to this song just draws so much emotions from me. I know there's some complicated stuff going on but that's not what makes me think it's one of the greatest metal song ever written. It's hard for a simple guy like me to explain eloquently. It's like listening to Rite of spring by Stravinsky or some other cool classical/orchestral music where apparently (to someone like me) there's some cool music theory and technical stuff going on, but for a simple guy like me, it just connects on an emotional level and evokes feelings that I can't describe.

[@RandomGameCritic]

I always try to drum along to the section that starts at 1:11 and my brain starts to melt as soon as the bass drum kicks in. And then it only gets more complex from there. How the actual hell do you play that?

[@0oBlitzoo]

Late to this. Just heard it for the first time today. I love it.

[@Sifhat98]

GOAT of all Instrumental🖤.

[@supern0is349]

that was 10 years ago lol what most people dont get about AAL is that it started off basically as a solo project for Tosin he said it himself but he then realized "holy shit if i'm on a band, i can do more than i can do on my own" and then he forced himself to play IN A BAND - as a team. Opening up space for Javier and Matt to express their ideas, and the new AAL is certainly unique. Think about that how often do you see a musician as talented as Tosin to step down of his own pedestal, and purposely open up space for other people?

[@Kaiokendrew]

Javier is incredibly underrated too

[@supern0is349]

​@@Kaiokendrew yes i agree, his solo project is incredible

[@mymusic6384]

Masterpiece then and now.

[@PerfectPencil]

Seriously though... these guys are this generation's Dream Theater. Raw talent from top to bottom and songs that carve themselves into your brain.

[@quasar..6515]

A true instrumental masterpiece. This piece does age well.

[@ryleighs9575]

I slept on Animals as Leaders, and I'm delighted to hear them now. I love Tosin's particular style of technical tapping stuff, just the musicality he brings to it, where some guitarists focus more on just the technicality. I also love what I assume is his signature 8(?)-string guitar (from this and a guest appearance on Herman Li's channel). Makes it seem like he wanted a specific range more than just "woah moar stringz!".

[@alecbonner8918]

I wont stop until i can play that sweep perfectly clean.

[@RooEfx]

I love the six minute drumfill

[@iLoveBakedBeans]

just memorizing one song with complicated riffing + solos is hard at times...NOW IMAGINE THIS. and then all the other songs too? Insane.

[@BraindeadCRY]

So a friend introduced me to this genre with the words: "what happens when Metal/Rock musicians meet Freestyle Jazz" Now the description wasn't perfect, but I was immediately hooked. Never regretted, awesome stuff!

[@thatguyjohnepps]

Braindead you get Liquid Tension Experiment with that phrase up there 😂

[@michaelkintzlinger2266]

@@thatguyjohnepps how the fuck i haven't heard of lTE before this comment.

[@thatguyjohnepps]

The Flying Gandalf BRO. LTE IS AMAZING.

[@jackburrows9764]

4:56, every time after 11 years. Just the absolute bomb.

[@TheSeeohhdee]

literally back from the chicago show. just... something else.

[@davyboy9397]

The audio mixing is absolutely beautiful perfection. Shoutout to the AE who recorded this !

[@Jake-fj7wc]

They did lol

[@DigitalValueNuggets]

This drummer is one of my favorites. Absolutely talented!

[@lavabender_taku]

Julian Zapf right?? The drums in this are filthy. From 2:34 and on I always end up rewinding it a few times because it’s just so damn good.

[@brinaouderkirk2019]

Was he before Gartska?

[@mikhailteguhpribadi5009]

Brina Ouderkirk yeps, navene is their first drummer. He departure on 2012 before Matt joining after

[@Szabby999]

@@lavabender_taku Matt Halpern

[@brandoncooper7432]

Misha Mansoor actually laid all the drum work on a drum machine for this record.

[@jameskleinow-stockton5647]

2020 Update - Abasi finally uses pinky, starts own production of 7-8 strings. Streams with Herman Li.

[@mindfelds]

Bro drums are insanely hard to play no joke

[@yeti4269]

The progression from 3:15 to 3:57 always raises my heart rate

[@blairemarquesgarzao1625]

Music has no race Music is soul Music is life Masterpiece Great band

[@angelofwar9223]

Agreed

[@headbangercani]

Best instrumental band.

[@danielsgrunge]

Day 1: I can play it at 45% speed Day 2: I can play it at 68% speed Day 3: I can play it at 70% speed Day 4: I can play it at 72% speed Day 5: I can play it at 77% speed Day 6: I can play it at 80% speed Day 7: I can play it at 84% speed Day 8: I can play it at 86% speed Day 9: I can play it at 89% speed Day 10: Ok, I'm giving up, I can't do it, fuck this Day 11: F*** that, I'll do it Day 12: I can play it at 93% speed Day 13: I can play it at 96% speed Day 14: I F***** DID IT I CAN'T BELIEVE MY HANDS ARE ABLE TO DO SO F***** 155 BPM SON OF A B***** I GOT YOU F********

[@burundag1881]

Good Luck man!!!

[@danielsgrunge]

@@burundag1881 Thanks man! But it's amazing how the difficulty increases exponentially I can go from 0 to 150 bpm in a day and take 2 months to go from 150 to 155 lol

[@c95060]

vc é da onde, mano?

[@danielsgrunge]

@@c95060 SP

[@c95060]

capital?

[@christopheruhde5192]

I had the honor of seeing them in Spokane Washington, like 11 years ago 😶

[@adammontgomery2284]

I'm going to learn this so I can play it at my next campfire.