Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Full interview here: guitarmessenger.com/tosin-abasi-interview-animals-as-leaders
July 31, 2010: First emerging onto the metal scene with the Washington D.C.-based Reflux, extended-range guitarist Tosin Abasi quickly distinguished himself with his relentless riffage and captivating lead work. After Reflux disbanded, Tosin began work on a solo instrumental effort, the result of which was Animals As Leaders: a 12-track journey that leads listeners through an eclectic blend of progressive, guitar-driven music that fuses heavy, mesmerizing 8-string grooves and virtuosic lead work with tasteful electronic production and a range of stylistic influences.
Guitar legend Steve Vai sums Abasi up with these thoughts: ‘When I first heard Animals As Leaders I felt as though I was at last hearing the future of creative, heavy virtuoso guitar playing. It’s quite amazing.’ Since the release of the debut record, Animals As Leaders has grown into a full band and completed a number of high profile tours to date - including Summer Slaughter 2010, where I had the chance to sit down and talk with Tosin:
Full interview here: guitarmessenger.com/tosin-abasi-interview-animals-as-leaders
July 31, 2010: First emerging onto the metal scene with the Washington D.C.-based Reflux, extended-range guitarist Tosin Abasi quickly distinguished himself with his relentless riffage and captivating lead work. After Reflux disbanded, Tosin began work on a solo instrumental effort, the result of which was Animals As Leaders: a 12-track journey that leads listeners through an eclectic blend of progressive, guitar-driven music that fuses heavy, mesmerizing 8-string grooves and virtuosic lead work with tasteful electronic production and a range of stylistic influences.
Guitar legend Steve Vai sums Abasi up with these thoughts: ‘When I first heard Animals As Leaders I felt as though I was at last hearing the future of creative, heavy virtuoso guitar playing. It’s quite amazing.’ Since the release of the debut record, Animals As Leaders has grown into a full band and completed a number of high profile tours to date - including Summer Slaughter 2010, where I had the chance to sit down and talk with Tosin:
