Progressive instrumental juggernaut Animals As Leaders have announced the cancellation of their upcoming tour dates in Mexico, South America, and Australia after drummer Matt Garstka sustained a serious arm injury requiring surgery. The band issued an official statement on July 30 confirming the unfortunate news and expressing their disappointment at having to pull the plug.
“Matt sustained a serious arm injury that requires surgery, and there’s no way we can perform without him,” said Animals As Leaders in a post on Instagram. “Canceling isn’t something we take lightly. Thank you for sticking with us.”
While the band didn’t reveal the specifics of the injury, the seriousness of the situation has forced them off the road indefinitely. Rather than attempt to reschedule immediately, the trio — Garstka, guitarist Tosin Abasi, and guitarist Javier Reyes — will instead shift their focus to their next studio album, which they confirm is already in the works.
“We’re calling it now and putting our full focus into writing the next Animals As Leaders album. New material is already in the works, and we’ll have more to share soon.”
Fans who have long awaited the band’s return to their regions will undoubtedly be disappointed, especially as these tour dates had been heavily anticipated. The band last released Parrhesia in 2022 and have continued to push the limits of progressive metal and instrumental technicality ever since.
Though sidelined temporarily, Animals As Leaders reassured fans that they will return with new music and an even more powerful live set once Garstka has fully recovered: “We’ll make it back to your cities with new music and a set that hits even harder.”
More information regarding Garstka‘s recovery timeline and the band’s next chapter is expected in the coming months.
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