The Animal State is a one-piece progressive metal and alternative rock band based near Portsmouth, UK and created in 2017 by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Col Mullins. With a wide range of influences spanning multiple genres, from the classic Prog Rock and Psychedelic acts of the 60s and 70s to the modern day Progressive Metal scene, his music could be placed somewhere on the rock spectrum between Mastodon and King Crimson—loud, metamorphic and with an irresistible driving energy.
His debut album ‘Genus’ is a conceptual offering, each song packed with compelling riffs and propelled forward through a melodic progression which never pauses for rest but builds and evolves to an often climactic end. The lyrics are provocative and fit into the larger concept of the album, which deals with mankind’s precarious relationship with the natural world.
There is also a visual element to The Animal State’s work which plays an intrinsic role in his output. The cover art for ‘Genus’ is imaginative and visually stunning and for each song there is a separate piece of artwork along with several other designs like puzzle pieces to the larger tapestry of the album as a whole.
The Animal State is currently in the studio working on a follow-up EP and is writing material for a second full-length album.