Words & photos – EVERYDAY METAL
It’s not often you get to attend an event like this, a sold out show at an iconic Melbourne venue, absolutely packed to the rafters. This was the first time in a long time that progressive metal legends ‘Animals As Leaders‘ have played in Australia and fans were lining up around the corner in anticipation.
Opening the evening is Australian progressive act ‘Keyan‘, clearly a good choice as the crowed roared when the members entered onto the stage. One of the things that has always blown me away about progressive bands is how they make insanely complex riffs and beats look completely effortless. Keyan’s set was a fantastic mix of chugging riffs, heavy drum hits and some bobby tracks that will get stuck in your head for days. It’s not easy being the only support for a huge band, yet Keyan couldn’t have done a better job.
Shortly after Keyan’s set, the stage was cleared and the guitar techs started setting up for our headliners, the amount of guitars to the side of the stage is a good indication of what we are in for. Lead guitarist and all around nice guy Tosin Abasi entered the stage and wasted no time launching into the opening song. I mentioned before how progressive bands make things look effortless, yet Animals As Leaders take things to a whole other level.
This three piece doesn’t have a bassist, however, the bass sections are achieved by Tosin quickly putting his pick in his mouth to slap the upper strings with his thumbs before collecting the pick and shredding through the rest of the track, it’s honestly mind blowing.
After a few songs, Tosin took a moment to chat with the crowd before introducing some tracks from their latest release ‘Parahesia’ including ‘Monomyth’, ‘Red Miso’, and ‘Gestaltzerfall’. This was very well received by the audience. Every member of this band is insanely skilled and the sound they produce as a three piece is truely a marvel to behold. Animals As Leaders in the flesh shows you why they are at the top of their game.
Big thanks to the crew at 170 Russell Street and Destroy All Lines for having us.
Special thanks as always to Maric Media.
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
