April 2019 marked 10 years since former Refluxguitarist Tosin Abasi made his debut as Animals as Leaders with a self-titled debut album. Now a full-fledged trio, the metal outfit celebrated a decade since their debut release with a 2019 commemorative tour. The celebratory trek kicked off May 1 in San Antonio, with the band playing 18 dates total across North America. Abasi released the instrumental Animals as Leaders through Prosthetic Records in 2009. Produced by Periphery's Misha Mansoor, the album shone a spotlight on Abasi's virtuosic guitar talent and technique in a metal style that drew influence from jazz and electronic.