Animals as Leaders/Devin Townsend Project

Earlier this year, Animals as Leaders released The Joy of Motion, a solid notch in the band’s discography and a welcomed addition in the realm of progressive math rock and all that. In fact, it could be argued that this latest album might be a good entry point for the uninitiated when it comes to polyrhythmic metal instrumentals. It’s an exciting album. “Lippincott,” for example,” demonstrates the power of contrasting time signatures between guitars and percussion. Guitarists Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes trade lead jabs and pulse-thumping low-end grooves (they mash their signature sounds into an approximation of an awesome bass line on these tunes). As a more personal recommendation, take songs like “Physical Education” and its creeping back-alley melodies or the interstellar “Tooth and Claw” (2:32 - 3:13) for a spin during your morning commute. You’ll be headbanging at the office all day. (Sandy)