And not only are AAL constantly pushing what can be done, they've created so many MELODIC moments that fit the song perfectly and strike emotions I've personally rarely felt from other bands They ABSOLUTELY can write amazing melodies, grooves, technical and chaotic lines, they really can do it all without making it sound like a technique exercise!
Nietzsche said, "...if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you". If the guitar is the abyss, Tosin did a double back flip straight into it.
You'd actually be surprised at how true this comment is. Tosin has been to the void. He practices TM. The void is where all humans lose their minds to become geniuses.
Folks who say "such and such isn't music" are usually just falsely elevating their subjective tastes to a place of absoluteness and objectivity. If there are rhythms, harmonies and melodies(and all three of these don't have to be present in a track), it's music.
I always describe AAL to non-musicians as the “high fashion” of music. Most people see the wacky outfits that are shown off during fashion shows and wonder “who would ever wear that?”, but that’s not really the point. It’s (at least from my point of view) more about pushing the envelope and showing off high level concepts that, hopefully, will eventually trickle down into more mainstream fashion, albeit in more palatable ways. You can already see this with artists like Polyphia or Ando San incorporating Tosin-like thumping into music that is clearly intended for a wider audience.
@erikleonhardt5027 Really love that metaphorical comparison. Pretty spot, I'd say. I think a lot of the real value is in the trickle down you mentioned
This is such a good point, amd actually applies to food as well. As a chef who has worked in 4 diamond restaurants, I became a bit disillusioned and tired of the pretentiousness of high concept fine dining. I still wouldn't go back to it, career wise, but I have regained my appreciation for it after realizing this dynamic exists by seeing how my experience in those restaurants crafting those specific menus actually informs what I'm doing now.
Definitely valid. There are plenty of musicians I admire more for their skill. I love these guys for their music and the skill level involved is just a cherry on top
Some of this music, you can’t listen to like normal albums. I’m usually listening to a lot of background music during work, ranging from techno to soundtracks and AAL fits perfectly into this, so does Meshuggah. Don’t know how to describe it, but it’s more of a percussive soundtrack than guitar music if that makes sense. A lot of modern metal (Djent) is actually like that and I like it. They are groovy as hell without being fatiguing like death or black metal.
What an incredibly well put together video. Really put a lot into a different perspective, coming as a hardcore Tosin fan just for the tech and rhythmic nature of his playing.
When he was in Reflux, I saw him play live. Best guitarist I've ever seen. He stayed on stage after the set and talked to us remaining guitar nerds for a long while.
Saw reflux too a bunch of times! Amazing band. Evan Brewer on Bass and Ash the owner of Sumerian on vocals. They had a beastly drummer too but I haven’t seen him do anything since reflux. :(
Same here, saw reflux at the new England metal festival at the Worcester palladium, was blown away by his playing on his Steve Vai Ibanez 7 string, saw him in the crowd and couldn't help but approach him and tell him what an impression his performance made on me.
@azhaz578 It's insane how elementary he makes Gambales' technique look. Tosin took it behind the barn, shot it, then brought it back to life with 3 heads, 4 arms, and 6 legs
@@monfloral lol agreed. I will say FG is still miles ahead in playing clean. He's still on another level in his field. Tosin can still be pretty sloppy at times, but has dominated the 8 string. FG on the other hand, is just insanely clean no matter what he plays.
Doesn't take long to see the virtuosity going on when watching Tosin. I've just recently discovered him and thanks for in depth analysis of his work. Truly inspiring stuff. Thanks for this !
As a guitar player I have massive amounts of respect Tosin. He does some things that I could never imagine doing simply because he's physically and technically gifted. I get the point that people are trying to make about technicality to some extent, a new technique is only as useful as the composition it serves, but etudes are an important part of the process of making new music. Years from now the things he does will be used in application he himself never realized. I love his use of poly-rhythm, probably the innovative thing about his music to me. The only thing I can't get down with is the constant comparisons to Jazz. Tosin is a lot of things but he's probably not in the top 100 improvisors in the history of guitar. When he plays off the cuff, it just sounds so mechanical and uninspired to me. When Miles Davis would pick up his horn he could pull a melody out of the ether, and then through iterative process explore every variation of that melody possible. On guitar, you have guys like Trey Anastasio or Bill Frisell who can do that same thing. I'm not saying one is better than the other because that would be like comparing Jackie Robinson to LeBron James, their respective sports require really different skill sets. Tosin's music is totally a classical approach, its meticulously through composed. I understand why its impressive, but as a Jazz head live shows that sound "just like the record" are boring to me.
I've only known of Animals for about two years now and my life has been forever changed. Not putting myself over but I've been arguing with people who love the band that Spanish guitar, jazz and funk pervasive in their music. You hear it most in Joy of Motion. And I'm just a dude who loves music. I'm not educated in it at all and I can see that they transcend Djent. They may be the most genre bending/defying band out there. And your assessment of Abasi attempting to "conquer the instrument" is spot on. I saw them live in Philly last year and I've only had this reaction at a Donny McCaslin show. "Do you have something to prove?" It was an experience I'll never forget and will always try to be a part of. I felt like they broke space time. The door to the multiverse opened up and they welcomed us in.
Well said. I think what a person creates is a reflection of their mind, and in Tosin's case, it makes a lot of sense. If you ever heard him speak, you realize the dude is really intelligent. He's making exactly the music he wants to make, and it's tied to his caliber and identity. Gotta admire genuine artistry
Tosin and Javier are probably the best guitar players I've ever seen and maybe the most influential. Everybody talks about Tim Henson(who's also incredibly proficient), but forget tosin is the true goat. And yeah AAL has a lot of notes in their songs and their skills are on display in their music, but what else do you want from an instrumental progressive metal band?? Their music grooves hard and is unique and flavorful. From jazz, fusion, math rock, Spanish- classical, to metal. There's so much to appreciate in all of their songs.
The first album is still my favourite, it had a bit of everything while still feeling human, but you have to bow at the display of absolute pure talent they have achieved with the new stuff
the video title could have tried to have a point a decade ago before they released the joy of motion. but everyone knew what was coming with their self titled and CAFO, etc. tosin is a literal god, we are all lucky to live in his timeline
the only thing i dont like about animals as leaders is the lack of a bass guitar in the mix.... even with extended range guitars you need a dedicated bass player to fill out the mix, as complex as the music gets it never feels finished, like its lacking something
He's awesome as hell. They both are. In a genre of music where it's difficult to achieve an original sound and style are the pinnacle of modern rock guitar. And they're both come across as extremely humble in interviews
I still love the first self titled animals as leaders album to this day. The blending of electronic samples into the drums and guitar created so many interesting sonic textures. The melodies are unique, and there’s a lot of dynamics in the music and variations in rhythm.
Tosin has the skill of being technical but only as much as he needs to to convey what he wants to deliver. Holding back and being sophisticated and mixing these two is a guitar skill as well
They make albums that take years to appreciate. When I first hear their new stuff I'll go back in a year or two and listen to it and it'll make more sense.
For what it's worth, Animals as Leaders is currently my favorite band and has been for a few years now. I love the musicianship but I also love the music.
He isn't John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler, or any of those greats. He exists largely outside of that world, where creative genius awaits those that dedicate themselves to exploring new worlds and being unique. Like Zappa or Jaco Pastorius, it's not for everyone. But he breaks new ground. Tosin will probably always be misunderstood by the majority. But he will be looked back upon as one of the greats. The intro to Brain Dance makes my knees weak. Great video man. Subbed. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your channel when I have more time for procrastinatin'. Peace 🤘
Great video, minor comment would be that a couple of the clips that feature Tosin and reference his impact or genius are actually pieces composed by Javier, such as Para Mexer and Braindance (I think), but other than that great job, and I fully agree with the points made in the video.
I simply lobe what he and AAL are doing its different and challenges my brain and ears. Many times I don't like it and love it in the same time I know it doesn't make sense but its just how it is. The best part he is authentic and you hear it in his music and playing.
Does Tosin write Etudes? Maybe. But etudes were an instrumental (no pun intended) part of progressing both the technique *and* the musicality of the (European) art music of those times. Sure, his and AAL’s music isn’t for everyone, but haters out there, please save your time and spare us the criticism of one of the most advanced and humble musicians on the planet 🌍 , and just go listen to something you like 🙏🏽
Nice video bro, "Mastery" is right. Noone innovating like he does. I also love how Tosin pays homage to Meshuggah and he definitely learned how to make things rhythmically interesting with techniques and use of time signatures. It's not just the 8 strings that Meshuggah started. Also, old Meshuggah was actually typical shred style thrashy but I think Fredrik cut his finger tips off like Toni Iommi and had to become more creative with his right hand. ❤
I have only made it 3 minutes into your video, and you already have a new sub. I love how concise you are with your words. Amazing work. PS Javier is also a super phenomenal player. Have you listened to his band Mestis? It's a little more jazzy with some Latin flavor.
One of my favorite things Tosin has ever done was the Reflux album Illusion of Democracy. The riffs are killer, and iirc this is before he went to Berkeley.
IMO the people who say its technique over music are incredibly oblivious. Tosin is the best example of how technique can serve music rather than sounding like boring mindless scale runs unlike the vast majority of shredders of the past. Also the melodic work is just insane. I don't know if you ever had that realization but there are tons of his motifs in his riffs and licks that if you slow them down a little bit start sounding like gorgeous emotional pieces. Now I'm biased ofc because his music aesthetic just happens to resonate strongly with my own tastes. So there's that.
@hastesoldat This! If you aren't aware of his intent to construct technical progressions, its tough to even be aware of the magic that's taking place especially if you aren't remotely familiar with the style. But once you know, you can start to hear it. Also I've never actually slowed down his pieces so I'll have to give that a listen and see what comes out of it.
Please write a book and keep a tight leash on your editor. Bc your use of the English language is as phenomenal as Tosin’s prowess on the guitar. Wonderful piece my dude, thx for the content
I'm not a particular fan, but they are genius. This is a special level of excellence. It is an example of how a person was able to discover a talent given to them by God or nature (depending on your views). I am sure that most people have some talent for something. More often than not, even several. But only a few manage to open the most important one. Tosin and Xavier are grandiose musicians. 0:47 - absolute truth. Genre subjectivism is the main obstacle for a person who wants to understand music. The fact that I can listen to, for example, pygmy music now and, later on, harsh noise and enjoy both of them is better than having a head full of prejudices about certain genres.
I think Tosin sits in the same guitar realm as Robert Fripp - It's experimenting and then repeatedly testing how far a concept can go, which is really sick to see! I'm not a diehard AAL fan, and I'm not a big fan of this style of technical playing in general, but it's incredible to listen to nontheless!
when it comes to prog there's always going to be people that don't think it has feel or emotion. animals as leaders in my opinion has the perfect balance of technicality and feel. i'm into other genres like grindcore and mathcore as well and a lot of people feel the same way about that music.
I’m not a fan of the music but I like Tosin because he has respect for completely different styles. I’m into gritty rough playing styles and I tend to play that way myself I don’t have the patience to construct everything perfectly. But everybody has their thing
The thing is not about being technical is about the music in harmony with the technique and to make this sounds you have to be completely enveloped in it or it wont sound as good and yes there is a lot of people that can do the techniques but can't push it like he does because that is where he shines above the rest is that he actually trying to make music with this sounds and concepts
While I accept that AaL aren't my thing, the biggest gripe for me is the lack of a bass player in the band. You've got Garstka playing like a madman and no one really 'gluing' his playing to the guitars. This was even more apparent live, where I was left wanting to hear space for the bass to bring the whole arrangement together.
Tosin is one of a kind. He’s kinda like Eddie Van Halen: not SUPER technical like Paul Gilbert or John Petrucci, but rather does something truly unique and takes advantage of the fact.
Those of us that have studied music for decades across every genre that exists, and understand the nuances in not only producing, but performing such music, are able to appreciate everything he does - especially musically. Remove the obvious and virtuostic technical proficiency from the equation. The objective reality here is 100% defensible. Whether or not one prefers it, is a different, and irrelevant notion to the idea of "real."
I was at a Deftones Concert, Animals as Leaders were the first Band. I never heard about them before, all i can say is they absolutely killed the concert. They were so good that i hated Deftones and went home.
I still vividly remember when I first heard Tempting Time and then CAFO for the first time back in 2010. To me it felt like one of those pivotal moments in guitar playing where someone comes along and just raises the bar for what's possible and changes the entire guitar playing landscape. There's only been a handful of times this happened in history. Hendrix, Van Halen, Malmsteen (yes, I know most hate him), and then Abasi. Personally I still listen to AAL quite a bit and love the music (though that first album is till the best IMHO). To me it just sounds sonically, and rhythmically rich and interesting. Some people interpret complexity as automatically meaning the music is soulless but I disagree. You can have both.
SAME, I agree with all that. CAFO was something else, glad to be a young adult when it dropped as the other pioneer shredders were already known. I'm a big fan of rhythmic bands like deftones and Meshiggah as well as all the shredders like Death, Pantera, Archspire... but Tosin does it all and once you get those gateway AAL grooves it's on like Donkey Kong hey. 🎉
Hes not my cup of tea, but very talented. Kind if like Steve Vai- technically good but not the songwriting I tend to enjoy. They are both guitar players I like to watch rather watch than listen to, if you know what I mean
I love it. It's nearly all I've been listening to for the last year and a half. There is so much to focus on and track. I didn't like it at first, and now I can't get enough.
Tosin delivers what Polyphia tries to deliver. Something complex and masterful, while retaining enough structure to carry the listener through the textures in a meaningful way.
Tosin and Javier are absolute beasts. Beasts are animals. And animals are the leaders.
Tell em ...😮😮😮
okay bro
I see what you did there 👍
lol that's not what the name of the band means but ok...
@@sandorphoenix yeah, kinda backfired lol
And not only are AAL constantly pushing what can be done, they've created so many MELODIC moments that fit the song perfectly and strike emotions I've personally rarely felt from other bands
They ABSOLUTELY can write amazing melodies, grooves, technical and chaotic lines, they really can do it all without making it sound like a technique exercise!
Nietzsche said, "...if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you". If the guitar is the abyss, Tosin did a double back flip straight into it.
facts
The same for the Light… You stare straight into the Sun the Sun you shall Become…
@@maddestG1I think you’d just go blind
You'd actually be surprised at how true this comment is. Tosin has been to the void. He practices TM. The void is where all humans lose their minds to become geniuses.
Folks who say "such and such isn't music" are usually just falsely elevating their subjective tastes to a place of absoluteness and objectivity.
If there are rhythms, harmonies and melodies(and all three of these don't have to be present in a track), it's music.
sound organized in time
Right! All they have to do is say they don't enjoy it.
I always describe AAL to non-musicians as the “high fashion” of music. Most people see the wacky outfits that are shown off during fashion shows and wonder “who would ever wear that?”, but that’s not really the point. It’s (at least from my point of view) more about pushing the envelope and showing off high level concepts that, hopefully, will eventually trickle down into more mainstream fashion, albeit in more palatable ways. You can already see this with artists like Polyphia or Ando San incorporating Tosin-like thumping into music that is clearly intended for a wider audience.
That's a great way to put it
But Polyphia sucks, too? This is all just trendy shit, dog. In ten years nobody will be listening to anything that sounds like this.
@erikleonhardt5027 Really love that metaphorical comparison. Pretty spot, I'd say. I think a lot of the real value is in the trickle down you mentioned
This is such a good point, amd actually applies to food as well. As a chef who has worked in 4 diamond restaurants, I became a bit disillusioned and tired of the pretentiousness of high concept fine dining. I still wouldn't go back to it, career wise, but I have regained my appreciation for it after realizing this dynamic exists by seeing how my experience in those restaurants crafting those specific menus actually informs what I'm doing now.
I'll leave a like for mentioning Ando San. He's great.
I love Animals As Leaders. They're certainly not for everyone, but I think that you have to give them credit for thier amazing musicianship.
Definitely valid. There are plenty of musicians I admire more for their skill. I love these guys for their music and the skill level involved is just a cherry on top
That T.R.A.M album is super slept on
Facts.
You just reminded me that I should listen to it again.
Agreed. It's one of my absolute favorites.
Seriously. I've been bumping it since it came out
@@willbennett9533 Me too. Along with Evan Brewer's all bass album Alone.
Some of this music, you can’t listen to like normal albums. I’m usually listening to a lot of background music during work, ranging from techno to soundtracks and AAL fits perfectly into this, so does Meshuggah. Don’t know how to describe it, but it’s more of a percussive soundtrack than guitar music if that makes sense. A lot of modern metal (Djent) is actually like that and I like it. They are groovy as hell without being fatiguing like death or black metal.
His backwards thumb is like Samson's hair. It is the key to his power.
This is one of the most superb videos I have had the good fortune to see. And the best so far at helping me grasp Tosin's work. Thank you!
@shawnbell6392 Hard to read the comment with all this water coming out of my eyes
What an incredibly well put together video. Really put a lot into a different perspective, coming as a hardcore Tosin fan just for the tech and rhythmic nature of his playing.
When he was in Reflux, I saw him play live. Best guitarist I've ever seen. He stayed on stage after the set and talked to us remaining guitar nerds for a long while.
Saw him once when he was a standin for Born of Osiris and also with Animals as Leaders. He's always super tight even though it's so difficult.
@redactedname3459 You got to see a legend in the making. Lucky man!
Saw reflux too a bunch of times! Amazing band. Evan Brewer on Bass and Ash the owner of Sumerian on vocals. They had a beastly drummer too but I haven’t seen him do anything since reflux. :(
@@adriancole9681 that drummer was beast mode. The whole band was 🔥.
Same here, saw reflux at the new England metal festival at the Worcester palladium, was blown away by his playing on his Steve Vai Ibanez 7 string, saw him in the crowd and couldn't help but approach him and tell him what an impression his performance made on me.
Love Tosin and Javier! Amazing guitarists!
What a lot of people don't notice is he took Frank Gambales speed picking as a foundation and ran with it. The guy absolutely wrecked it.
@azhaz578 It's insane how elementary he makes Gambales' technique look. Tosin took it behind the barn, shot it, then brought it back to life with 3 heads, 4 arms, and 6 legs
@@monfloral lol agreed. I will say FG is still miles ahead in playing clean. He's still on another level in his field. Tosin can still be pretty sloppy at times, but has dominated the 8 string. FG on the other hand, is just insanely clean no matter what he plays.
Man, Tosin's incredible. He's capable of some really tasty, soulful playing too. I don't think he gets enough credit for that.
You’re one of the few that see the world and can articulate its reality clearly. Press on brother, appreciate the video.
Thanks for the introduction. Never heard of him/them. I will check them out now.
great video!
Awesome video!! Very informative and great video quality! 💜💜
Doesn't take long to see the virtuosity going on when watching Tosin. I've just recently discovered him and thanks for in depth analysis of his work. Truly inspiring stuff. Thanks for this !
As a guitar player I have massive amounts of respect Tosin. He does some things that I could never imagine doing simply because he's physically and technically gifted. I get the point that people are trying to make about technicality to some extent, a new technique is only as useful as the composition it serves, but etudes are an important part of the process of making new music. Years from now the things he does will be used in application he himself never realized. I love his use of poly-rhythm, probably the innovative thing about his music to me. The only thing I can't get down with is the constant comparisons to Jazz. Tosin is a lot of things but he's probably not in the top 100 improvisors in the history of guitar. When he plays off the cuff, it just sounds so mechanical and uninspired to me. When Miles Davis would pick up his horn he could pull a melody out of the ether, and then through iterative process explore every variation of that melody possible. On guitar, you have guys like Trey Anastasio or Bill Frisell who can do that same thing. I'm not saying one is better than the other because that would be like comparing Jackie Robinson to LeBron James, their respective sports require really different skill sets. Tosin's music is totally a classical approach, its meticulously through composed. I understand why its impressive, but as a Jazz head live shows that sound "just like the record" are boring to me.
This was so well done. Thanks for your insight. New sub, looking forward to more to come. Cheers mate!
I appreciate the great take you've provided on this vid, keep it up.
Tosin has gotten so good he’s past good and left people wondering WTH like when you smoke yourself straight and have to start over
I've only known of Animals for about two years now and my life has been forever changed. Not putting myself over but I've been arguing with people who love the band that Spanish guitar, jazz and funk pervasive in their music. You hear it most in Joy of Motion. And I'm just a dude who loves music. I'm not educated in it at all and I can see that they transcend Djent. They may be the most genre bending/defying band out there. And your assessment of Abasi attempting to "conquer the instrument" is spot on. I saw them live in Philly last year and I've only had this reaction at a Donny McCaslin show. "Do you have something to prove?" It was an experience I'll never forget and will always try to be a part of. I felt like they broke space time. The door to the multiverse opened up and they welcomed us in.
great video! very glad it got recommended to me. definitely subscribing
Well said. I think what a person creates is a reflection of their mind, and in Tosin's case, it makes a lot of sense. If you ever heard him speak, you realize the dude is really intelligent.
He's making exactly the music he wants to make, and it's tied to his caliber and identity. Gotta admire genuine artistry
Music is literally organized sound
Bro EXCELLENT video. I dont remember subbing but clearly i had good reason!
Good content dude... Subscribed.
Tosin and Javier are probably the best guitar players I've ever seen and maybe the most influential. Everybody talks about Tim Henson(who's also incredibly proficient), but forget tosin is the true goat.
And yeah AAL has a lot of notes in their songs and their skills are on display in their music, but what else do you want from an instrumental progressive metal band?? Their music grooves hard and is unique and flavorful. From jazz, fusion, math rock, Spanish- classical, to metal. There's so much to appreciate in all of their songs.
The first album is still my favourite, it had a bit of everything while still feeling human, but you have to bow at the display of absolute pure talent they have achieved with the new stuff
the video title could have tried to have a point a decade ago before they released the joy of motion. but everyone knew what was coming with their self titled and CAFO, etc. tosin is a literal god, we are all lucky to live in his timeline
Great video.
As you put it, Tosin is in a league of his own.
the only thing i dont like about animals as leaders is the lack of a bass guitar in the mix.... even with extended range guitars you need a dedicated bass player to fill out the mix, as complex as the music gets it never feels finished, like its lacking something
It does need a bottom end pocket player to help lock everything in...Don't get me wrong they are killer live..
They definitely did record bass on their newest album but I do agree
He's awesome as hell. They both are. In a genre of music where it's difficult to achieve an original sound and style are the pinnacle of modern rock guitar. And they're both come across as extremely humble in interviews
I still love the first self titled animals as leaders album to this day. The blending of electronic samples into the drums and guitar created so many interesting sonic textures. The melodies are unique, and there’s a lot of dynamics in the music and variations in rhythm.
@GearPhase Something about that project gets my brain firing on all cylinders
My favorite one too. Tosin + Misha = 👌
First album is so conceptually solid.
Totally excellent insights on Tosin !
Fantastic video sir.
Tosin has the skill of being technical but only as much as he needs to to convey what he wants to deliver. Holding back and being sophisticated and mixing these two is a guitar skill as well
Great video on Tosin’s incredible approach to the instrument.
They make albums that take years to appreciate. When I first hear their new stuff I'll go back in a year or two and listen to it and it'll make more sense.
For what it's worth, Animals as Leaders is currently my favorite band and has been for a few years now. I love the musicianship but I also love the music.
He isn't John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler, or any of those greats. He exists largely outside of that world, where creative genius awaits those that dedicate themselves to exploring new worlds and being unique. Like Zappa or Jaco Pastorius, it's not for everyone. But he breaks new ground. Tosin will probably always be misunderstood by the majority. But he will be looked back upon as one of the greats.
The intro to Brain Dance makes my knees weak.
Great video man. Subbed. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your channel when I have more time for procrastinatin'. Peace 🤘
Great video, minor comment would be that a couple of the clips that feature Tosin and reference his impact or genius are actually pieces composed by Javier, such as Para Mexer and Braindance (I think), but other than that great job, and I fully agree with the points made in the video.
I simply lobe what he and AAL are doing its different and challenges my brain and ears. Many times I don't like it and love it in the same time I know it doesn't make sense but its just how it is. The best part he is authentic and you hear it in his music and playing.
Thanks for making this video man
People really don't understand all these.😍😍😍
The brain dance was a statement man. He told us who he was with that song
I was fortunate enough to open up for these guys back in the day. Along with veil of maya and between the buried and me all on the same bill 🔥🔥
Does Tosin write Etudes? Maybe. But etudes were an instrumental (no pun intended) part of progressing both the technique *and* the musicality of the (European) art music of those times. Sure, his and AAL’s music isn’t for everyone, but haters out there, please save your time and spare us the criticism of one of the most advanced and humble musicians on the planet 🌍 , and just go listen to something you like 🙏🏽
It's difficult to hear the beauty in his music if you're starting out by being mad at him for whatever you've decided to be mad at him for.
Listen to gestaltzerfall and tell me it’s not melodically satisfying
@boblincolninc.9654 What a track!!!
Nice video bro, "Mastery" is right. Noone innovating like he does. I also love how Tosin pays homage to Meshuggah and he definitely learned how to make things rhythmically interesting with techniques and use of time signatures. It's not just the 8 strings that Meshuggah started. Also, old Meshuggah was actually typical shred style thrashy but I think Fredrik cut his finger tips off like Toni Iommi and had to become more creative with his right hand. ❤
I have only made it 3 minutes into your video, and you already have a new sub. I love how concise you are with your words. Amazing work.
PS Javier is also a super phenomenal player. Have you listened to his band Mestis? It's a little more jazzy with some Latin flavor.
One of my favorite things Tosin has ever done was the Reflux album Illusion of Democracy. The riffs are killer, and iirc this is before he went to Berkeley.
Very good video. Totally agree. Btw, I noticed that you play lefty like me! Very cool. New sub.
I loved this! First video I see from you. Easy follow 😁
@barkuz8864 Thanks so much!
IMO the people who say its technique over music are incredibly oblivious. Tosin is the best example of how technique can serve music rather than sounding like boring mindless scale runs unlike the vast majority of shredders of the past.
Also the melodic work is just insane. I don't know if you ever had that realization but there are tons of his motifs in his riffs and licks that if you slow them down a little bit start sounding like gorgeous emotional pieces.
Now I'm biased ofc because his music aesthetic just happens to resonate strongly with my own tastes. So there's that.
@hastesoldat This! If you aren't aware of his intent to construct technical progressions, its tough to even be aware of the magic that's taking place especially if you aren't remotely familiar with the style. But once you know, you can start to hear it. Also I've never actually slowed down his pieces so I'll have to give that a listen and see what comes out of it.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT TOSIN IS THAT HES NOT A CAT KILLER LIKE THOSE 80'S/ 90'S SHREDDERS!! KWAH WAH MEOW WOW GWOW GWOW...😅😂
He doesnt make real music, he makes absolutely unreal music its so friggin badass
The end of Monomtyth is one of the dopest things ive ever heard
Please write a book and keep a tight leash on your editor. Bc your use of the English language is as phenomenal as Tosin’s prowess on the guitar. Wonderful piece my dude, thx for the content
I'm not a particular fan, but they are genius. This is a special level of excellence. It is an example of how a person was able to discover a talent given to them by God or nature (depending on your views). I am sure that most people have some talent for something. More often than not, even several. But only a few manage to open the most important one. Tosin and Xavier are grandiose musicians.
0:47 - absolute truth. Genre subjectivism is the main obstacle for a person who wants to understand music. The fact that I can listen to, for example, pygmy music now and, later on, harsh noise and enjoy both of them is better than having a head full of prejudices about certain genres.
Oh shit this is a great video. Instant sub.
I think Tosin sits in the same guitar realm as Robert Fripp - It's experimenting and then repeatedly testing how far a concept can go, which is really sick to see! I'm not a diehard AAL fan, and I'm not a big fan of this style of technical playing in general, but it's incredible to listen to nontheless!
I would love to see them collaborate on an album or two.
He's definitely surpassed the title of guitarist into composer
Brilliant as usual you are!!!!
🙌
@richardchristensen1768 Appreciate you Richard!
really good take. agreed that Tosin is a legend of his craft in this day n age!
when it comes to prog there's always going to be people that don't think it has feel or emotion. animals as leaders in my opinion has the perfect balance of technicality and feel. i'm into other genres like grindcore and mathcore as well and a lot of people feel the same way about that music.
If you haven't seen AAL play live....do it. It is a beautiful time
great vid, and mirrors alot of my own thoughts, echo chamber found, subscribed.
It feels overdue, but I'll be a new fan in no time.
Boy I thought I was going to have to go off on you... great vid....Tosin is him😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉
@royjones3099 Nahhh, we're on the same team
Bro the title is in quotation marks, this is not rage baiting lol.
Alright, didn't even know these guys existed, checking them out now!
If I wasn't a guitar player, I would never listen to his music outright. The editing on this video is top-notch. 😊
I’m not a fan of the music but I like Tosin because he has respect for completely different styles. I’m into gritty rough playing styles and I tend to play that way myself I don’t have the patience to construct everything perfectly. But everybody has their thing
I wish someone would make a sequel to it might get loud with Abasi, Julian Lage, and Trucks/Marcus King.
Absolutely incredible musician ❤
To me, music is organized sound.
👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿Best video on Tosin I have seen to date. ✊🏿
Some players play because it's something their mind has to do, some players play because it's something their hands gotta do.
The thing is not about being technical is about the music in harmony with the technique and to make this sounds you have to be completely enveloped in it or it wont sound as good and yes there is a lot of people that can do the techniques but can't push it like he does because that is where he shines above the rest is that he actually trying to make music with this sounds and concepts
While I accept that AaL aren't my thing, the biggest gripe for me is the lack of a bass player in the band. You've got Garstka playing like a madman and no one really 'gluing' his playing to the guitars. This was even more apparent live, where I was left wanting to hear space for the bass to bring the whole arrangement together.
Tosin is a beast
I listen to Archetype by Tosin and I listen to Animals as leaders a bit and yet I had no idea they were associated.
Tosin is one of a kind. He’s kinda like Eddie Van Halen: not SUPER technical like Paul Gilbert or John Petrucci, but rather does something truly unique and takes advantage of the fact.
How can you dislike Tosin's playing
He took Victor Wootens thump technique and translated it to an 8 string guitar. I haven't met a single critic of this man.
Those of us that have studied music for decades across every genre that exists, and understand the nuances in not only producing, but performing such music, are able to appreciate everything he does - especially musically. Remove the obvious and virtuostic technical proficiency from the equation. The objective reality here is 100% defensible. Whether or not one prefers it, is a different, and irrelevant notion to the idea of "real."
Rick Beato’s facial expression is priceless
Great breakdown. Honestly he is in my opinion the most technically talented guitarist around.
Seen him live, and it was Hella uncomfortable
This was like 10 years ago
I was at a Deftones Concert, Animals as Leaders were the first Band.
I never heard about them before, all i can say is they absolutely killed the concert.
They were so good that i hated Deftones and went home.
I still vividly remember when I first heard Tempting Time and then CAFO for the first time back in 2010. To me it felt like one of those pivotal moments in guitar playing where someone comes along and just raises the bar for what's possible and changes the entire guitar playing landscape. There's only been a handful of times this happened in history. Hendrix, Van Halen, Malmsteen (yes, I know most hate him), and then Abasi. Personally I still listen to AAL quite a bit and love the music (though that first album is till the best IMHO). To me it just sounds sonically, and rhythmically rich and interesting. Some people interpret complexity as automatically meaning the music is soulless but I disagree. You can have both.
SAME, I agree with all that. CAFO was something else, glad to be a young adult when it dropped as the other pioneer shredders were already known. I'm a big fan of rhythmic bands like deftones and Meshiggah as well as all the shredders like Death, Pantera, Archspire... but Tosin does it all and once you get those gateway AAL grooves it's on like Donkey Kong hey. 🎉
"More is more" and AAL has more notes and groove. 😂
I was drawn by Navene's drumming, then Basal Ganglia dropped. I've been hooked on by these guys ever since
What would compression and overdrive over elevators music sound like? O ya..
I love Tosin since Reflux, most of my "boomer minded" guitar player friends hate it. I went to an AaL concert last year and it was great.
You're made to make content.
Fantastic video!
@johnmurray5241 Absolutely goated commented, really appreciate that!
Hes not my cup of tea, but very talented. Kind if like Steve Vai- technically good but not the songwriting I tend to enjoy. They are both guitar players I like to watch rather watch than listen to, if you know what I mean
@jasonbrumley5453 I'm sure there's a lot of people with respect for what Tosin does, but would take this position
I love it. It's nearly all I've been listening to for the last year and a half. There is so much to focus on and track. I didn't like it at first, and now I can't get enough.
Tosin delivers what Polyphia tries to deliver. Something complex and masterful, while retaining enough structure to carry the listener through the textures in a meaningful way.
I guess im rare but ive enjoyed everything they've put out since I found out about them guitar magazine i believe 2011