Animals As Leaders

If you are looking for something a bit different to do in Brighton this summer, the instrumental progressive metal trio Animals As Leaders will be playing at Chalk on August 3, 2026. It is a bit of a shift from the usual local scene, bringing a technical sound that blends progressive metal with jazz and experimental rock elements. The band consists of Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes on guitars, alongside Matt Garstka on drums, and they are known for their use of eight-string guitars and synthesizers to create their specific instrumental style.

The show is being brought to the city by LOUT Promotions and is part of a wider series of international dates for the band in 2026, which also includes appearances at festivals like the Radar Festival in Manchester and Wacken Open Air in Germany. For those planning to head down to the venue, doors are scheduled to open at 18:30. It is worth noting that the event has an age restriction of 14+.

Regarding the logistics, tickets are priced at £22.50, though the total comes to £24.75 once booking fees are included. Chalk is a familiar spot for many of us, and having a band with this specific technical focus play there offers a chance to see them in a relatively intimate setting compared to the larger festival stages they are also visiting this year. Whether you are already a fan of their work or just curious about seeing this kind of instrumental performance live, the date is set for that Sunday evening in August.