The singular support band tonight are ALLT, a hard hitting futuristic progressive metalcore band from Sweden. They take to the stage with backlit blue and white lights, and that backlit approach means for most of the set we’re simply left with silhouettes prowling the stage. ALLT are slick, professional and produce some impressive heavy modern metal. They soon get into their groove and take their set by the scruff of the neck, blending technical heaviness with anthemic yet gritty choruses. Fans of Betraying the Martyrs and InVisions will find plenty to enjoy with these guys, including down-tuned crunching guitars, viciously biting harsh vocals into soaring choruses, and all with a catchy electronic-tinged swagger. They’re part of a very popular and flourishing accessible metalcore scene at the moment, and I expect bigger things for these guys in the future.

It’s clear to see though that everyone is here for the captivating headliners from Washington, D.C. - Animals As Leaders. The three-piece instrumental act go a long way to convincing you that a larger than life performance on a big stage doesn’t need to have a packed line-up and razzmatazz to be effective. From my high vantage point, it looks to be the same effective setup I’ve witnessed before, with two eight-string guitars and an expansive drum-kit. They manage to make some of the most intricately layered instrumental prog-tech-metal in the world, and of course to do that you need bundles of skill and ability too. Tosin Abasi twiddles and widdles through delightfully detailed lead guitar lines, while Javier Reyes brings the force through the equally technical but more driving rhythm guitar. But make no mistake, as with much progressive or technical metal, the drums from Matt Garstka more than once steal the show with syncopation, unbelievable precision and faultlessness. The drumming in-turn allows the free-flowing glory of Abasi in particular to flourish. It’s often funky, it’s regularly groovy and it’s constantly technically impressive. They’re a humble offering on-stage, rather than extravagant showmen, but this is more like a recital with an engaged and rocking crowd than an visual spectacle. They keep everyone waiting for favourites ‘Physical Education’ and ‘The Woven Web’, before sending everyone off with stunning closer ‘CAFO’. In short, a stunning performance from a special band.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Animals As Leaders, ALLT