Juicy Tour Rumor: Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders and Intronaut

MetalSucks reader Jon M. went to the Lamb of God / In Flames show in St. Paul, MN on Friday night. Jon didn’t have anything to say about the show itself (we presume it was awesome), although he did send us a cell-phone photo, above, of a flier that was handed to him after the show advertising a Feburary 24th show featuring Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders and Intronaut. Swoon!

We’re gonna call this a full tour since there’s no other conceivable reason those three bands would be playing a show together in the coldest state in the U.S. during the coldest month of the year. We’re surprised to see Meshuggah tour the U.S. for the second time in a year — they typically only do one full U.S. tour per album cycle, and they already toured with Baroness and Decapitated this past spring — but hey, we’re not complaining! (for a fun take on that tour, check out MetalGF’s review of the NYC stop). We’re also surprised — but elated — to see Animals as Leaders supporting Meshuggah; word on the block is that the Swedish masters are hesitant to have any opening bands that in any way, shape or form resemble “djent,” but apparently good reason prevailed, and Haake, Hagstrom and co. realized AAL are so much more (the bands also toured together in Europe earlier this year). And as for Intronaut, that’s a pairing that totally makes sense in theory — even if it doesn’t necessarily on the aesthetic surface — since both bands are really proggy and full of talented musicians. Between this gig and their opening stint with Tool, dudes are finally get the recognition and opportunities they deserve!

Anyway, we expect that a full routing for this tour will be revealed soon. We’ll be waiting, dongs firmly in hand.