Animals as Leaders is an American Washington, D.C.–based instrumental progressive metal project by guitarist Tosin Abasi which now includes guitarist Javier Reyes and drummer Navene Koperweis. The self-titled debut album was released in April 2009 by Prosthetic Records.
Animals as Leaders was formed "out of the ashes" of guitarist Tosin Abasi's previous band, Reflux, a progressive Hardcore band. The heavy metal record label Prosthetic Records saw Abasi's guitar work and asked him to create a solo album for them. Abasi initially declined, feeling such an endeavor would be "egotistical and unnecessary". When Reflux disbanded, Abasi decided to take the label's offer. The name Animals as Leaders was inspired by Daniel Quinn's 1992 novel Ishmael, which addresses anthropocentrism. Abasi coined the name as a reminder "that we're all essentially animals".

The project's first album, Animals as Leaders, was recorded in early 2008. Abasi recorded all guitar and bass tracks on the album; drums and various synthesized effects were programmed by engineer Misha Mansoor of Periphery, Haunted Shores. The album was released April 28, 2009 by Prosthetic Records.

In 2010 the band has done extensive touring including the 2010 Summer Slaughter tour with such acts as The Faceless, All Shall Perish, Cephalic Carnage, Veil of Maya and Decrepit Birth and since Summer Slaughter have toured with more mainstream acts like Circa Survive and Dredg. Recently they have announced that new music has been recorded and this time will feature performances from all the members of the band.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animals_as_Leaders