When you think of heavy music, images of raw power, defiance, and innovation come to mind—and Black creators have been at the forefront of this movement. Although often underestimated, these innovative musicians are known for their groundbreaking music, which blends punk’s rebellious spirit, metal’s intensity, and unique artistry. I’m a drummer and I’ve done Thrash, Crossover, and Death Metal projects over the years, some known, some not so much. But here in New York, I’ve grown up seeing everyone on stage. So this Black History Month, I want to show off the sounds of ten essential bands shaped by Black visionaries who have left an indelible mark on the world of heavy music. From thrash to hardcore, and everything in between. These bands embody the spirit of heavy music in all its glory. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Tosin Abasi
Watch and Listen to New Devin Townsend Podcast Episodes with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Tobin Abasi
Devin Townsend has just shared the latest episode of the re-launxhed Devin Townsend Podcast. Working with InsideOutMusic, he has already interviewed the likes of Steve Vai & Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders), and now, for the fourth episode, talks with Joe Satriani. Check them out and find out more in the article below.
ALBUM REVIEW: Plini – Mirage
Work on Mirage began shortly after Plini’s acclaimed second album, Impulse Voices (2020).
Has it been worth the wait?
Watch The Trailer for Reality Show “No Cover” with Celebrity Judges Alice Cooper, Lzzy Hale, Gavin Rossdale, Bishop Briggs, and Tosin Abasi
No Cover is a new reality show conceived and created by Ash Avildsen (CEO of Sumerian Records) and Josh Bernstein and presented by Hit Parader! on Sumerian’s YouTube. Premiereing on April 20th, No Cover is a reality music competition show designed to mentor and provide opportunities to unsigned artists. Filmed at the legendary Troubadour and Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood, CA, twenty-five original artists will be competing for the top prize, which includes a six figure recording contract with Sumerian Records, representation from United Talent Agency and Shelter Music Group, performance slots at a Danny Wimmer Presents Music Festival, a $10,000 shopping spree from Guitar Center, PLUS! brand new gear from Gibson USA, Mesa Engineering, Ernie Ball, Liquid Death and Discmakers. No Cover features five main celebrity judges: Alice Cooper, Lzzy Hale, Gavin Rossdale, Bishop Briggs and Tosin Abasi, and hosted by Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens) Caity Babs (Sirius/XM) and Matt Pinfield (MTV, Hit Parader!). Watch the trailer now! Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Animals As Leaders – Parrhesia
Animals As Leaders started as a project by virtuoso guitarist Tosin Abasi, after his former label Prosthetic Records asked him to create a solo LP, following the end of his band Reflux. After taking a year out to study and immerse himself in his guitar playing, he put together the group who have now been releasing music for over a decade through to Parrhesia (Sumerian) their fifth album.
Jason Becker’s Three Most Important Guitars Are Going to Auction
Legendary guitarist/composer Jason Becker (solo, David Lee Roth Band, Cacaphony) will offer three of his most important and rare guitars through Guernsey’s Auctions, the prestigious New York auction house renowned for offering unique memorabilia and artifacts. These guitars are being sold as part of a fundraiser, co-organized by DragonForce guitarist Herman Li, to provide funds for Jason’s ongoing battle with ALS. Guernsey’s Auctions will offer the following in its ‘A Century of Music’ auction:
Aenimus – Dreamcatcher
Technical Death Metal feels like such an unnecessary term. The cornerstone of Death Metal, outside of the cartoonish violence depicted in lyrical content, is a virtuosic musical ability. How exactly do you make something already technically proficient even more extreme in its dexterity? Fortunately, bands like Aenimus are here to provide the answer.Continue reading
Tosin Abasi Opens Up About Abasi Guitars
Photo by Randy Edwards
Animals As Leaders frontman Tosin Abasi is excited to announce that he has officially launched Abasi Guitars. Continue reading
Animals As Leaders – The Madness Of Many
People tend to think and listen along genre lines. They tell themselves “I enjoy band X, so bands like band X will also be up my alley.” Most of the time, that is a sound way to go, and a good stepping off point in this fast food music culture where we consume a streaming track at a time. Then there is a band like Animals As Leaders. Whether you have never been into the band or bands of this ilk, or have been in deep since ‘CAFO’, AAL is a band that takes all comers by surprise and pays off like a strong drink after a particularly rough week at the office. Continue reading
Audio: Animals As Leaders Releases The Brain Dance From The Madness of Many
Animals As Leaders will be releasing The Madness of Many on November 11th via Sumerian Records.Continue reading