Debuting at number 92 on the Billboard Top 200 list, Weightless marks a change in Animals as Leaders’ tone. While 2009’s self-titled album saw guitarist Tosin Abasi and Misha Mansoor handling all the duties, Animals as Leaders’ sophomore studio album finds the new lineup of eight-string virtuoso Tosin Abasi, drummer Navene Koperweis, and rhythm guitarist Javier Reyes focusing on songcraft as much as speed in their instrumental exercises. Another notable enhancement is that they add electronic breakdowns (à la “Impulse”) in more arrangements to make the music that much more complex. Epic riffs play a bigger part than before, but Abasi is as jaw-dropping as ever with his double-tapping technique and arpeggiated whirlwind solos, proving once again that he is one of the most imaginative guitar players in modern-day prog metal. – All Music
