animals as leaders • Independent Music Promotions

January 28, 2022February 26, 2022

Virtuoso Guitarist Spencer Elliott Throws Out the Instrumental Rock and Metal Rulebook on “Torque” Single

Virtuoso Guitarist Spencer Elliott Throws Out the Instrumental Rock and Metal Rulebook on “Torque” Single West Virginia-based instrumental rock/progressive acoustic rock guitar visionary Spencer Elliott (https://www.spencerelliott.net/) is joined by Sean Sydnor (bass) and Chris Hudson (drums) on the illuminating tour-de-force of a new album “SE3”, due for April 8 release via CandyRat Records. Throughout this vibrant new release, Spencer and...

December 29, 2019April 28, 2021

JON C. IRESON’S BEST ALBUMS OF THE 2010’S

It’s list season and a particularly abundant one as we near the end of a decade. Plenty of great music to fill many scrolls but I’ve handpicked 50 of the records that spoke to me the most over the last 10 years. With the diversity of musical output increasing exponentially with each decade, it’s become...

September 7, 2019April 28, 2021

State of the Industry Address

State of the Industry Address: Taking a look at the music industry and counter-culture as we head into another decade. by Jon C. Ireson Where are we now? Where…are…we…now? I’m Jon Ireson and this is to be a “State of the Industry” address, taking a look at where music is as we are about to...

December 16, 2014April 28, 2021

IMP presents: Top Ten Releases of the Year

2014 has very easily been the best year for music, at least since The White Stripes were still active. Spoon, Ryan Adams, TV On The Radio, Aphex Twin and Interpol all returned with strong releases after a few quiet years. Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young and Pink Floyd all added to their...

June 4, 2013April 28, 2021

Rock Survives And Thrives in 2013

Announcement after announcement and stream after stream, from David Bowie’s new album early this year to strong releases from Dillinger Escape Plan, Alice in Chains, Iggy & the Stooges, Queens of the Stone Age, and more, it’s easy to get excited about rock music in 2013. This post is merely meant to pay it forward...

April 17, 2013December 22, 2014

Innovation In Music Series – Animals As Leaders Exclusive Interview

Welcome to my new “Innovation in Music” series, the first guest being an artist who truly deserves the respect they’re receiving worldwide; Animals As Leaders. This series was inspired by what I feel is essential to any truly great art; complete originality. Often I come across artists who want to be coached, artists who try to...

February 19, 2013

Animals As Leaders Are The Future Of Metal

Tosin Abasi’s virtuoso metal/jazz/progressive project Animals As Leaders are touring again, this time with heavy metal/djent giants Meshuggah and Intronaut. If you haven’t been exposed to Animals As Leaders, maybe now is the time. They aren’t strictly for metal lovers, and therein lies their appeal. Listeners of everyone from Miles Davis to King Crimson will respect...

October 27, 2012February 16, 2015

Progressive Metal Bandcamp Roundup – The Best of the Best

It’s Saturday, and you know what that means. I’m browsing the ever-high quality website Bandcamp.com specifically looking for the best of the best in progressive metal bands as I work. These bands will all have qualities that I find interesting such as intelligent or philosophical/relevant themes (minus the pretension), fascinating musical choices, and dynamic vocals...