Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Animals as Leaders
Title
The Joy of Motion
Type
LP/EP
Company
Sumerian
YOR
2014
Style
Heavy/Extreme
12/2/2014 - Review by: Greg Watson
Purely instrumental
American-based metal act Animals as Leaders is somewhat of an anomaly in this generation's metal, being that they are purely instrumental--no vocals at all. With their latest release 'The Joy of Motion', Animals shows that you don't need to have vocals in a band and still be destructively heavy with just your music. From beginning to end, 'The Joy of Motion' is a showcase of the band's musical ability which is highlighted by guitarist and founder Tosin Abasi. The things this guy can do with a guitar would make Malmsteen jealous. His riffs, style of playing and speed are just mind boggling. Add in the fact that bassist Javier Reyes pulls off some Victor Wooten type bass lines and drummer Matt Garstka is pounding on the skins like his life depends on it and you have a band that doesn't get anywhere near the recognition that they deserve. Yes, they're instrumental but who cares?!? Listen to "Tooth and Claw" or "Air Chrysalis" and tell me that this band isn't metal or that they'd be better with vocals. There are so many layers and so much going on that vocals would distract from what the band is all about--the music. With heavy riffing, jazzy interludes, slapping bass and some good chugging headbanging breakdowns, 'The Joy of Motion' is a welcome addition to the metal book. This is the band's third album and second album produced by Misha Monsoor. If you're looking for something that is a bit outside the box and that you can enjoy for repeated listens then this one is for you.

  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    4 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: ANIMALS AS LEADERS
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
The Joy of Motion
2014
Sumerian
Greg Watson12/2/2014
4

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: ANIMALS AS LEADERS
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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