Animals As Leaders – Self Titled

Animals As Leaders Self Titled:

So if you’re in a prog-metal band, what do you do for a side project? Why a prog-metal instrumental album of course. Tosin Abasi, of Reflux, is an incredibly gifted with the guitar. There are parts of this album that will cause any guitarist to be impressed. The trouble is that this sounds like a bad Buckethead album. The playing is technically amazing, but it just feels like showing off So after a few minutes of technical riffing, it just sounds the same and becomes monotonous. If you’re a guitar player, or you love Dream Theater, you may get some enjoyment out of this album. Anyone else should just go get Praxis album instead.

Cynic-Traced in Air

Cynic Traced in Air:

A jumbled cluster-fuck of influences that comes out sounding like Dream Theater without the chops. The vocals are a true low point. Several times an effects treated vocal will come in, and another falsetto vocal will try and harmonize. The falsetto vocal never quite makes it so the listener is treated to some pseudo prog riffing topped by one singer that sounds like hes singing into a robots asshole mixed with another singer who’s singing in a high voice, and is off key. Way to go guys.

Rating 5/15: failed attempts at overblown prog-metal