In 2015, a reissue titled Animals as Leaders – Encore Edition was released with bonus tracks.

Before Animals as Leaders Tosin Abasi was a member of metalcore band Reflux that had been disbanded.

[1] Abasi later changed his mind saying that "doing a solo album seemed to make a lot more sense", and decided to take the label's offer.

Abasi recorded all guitar and bass tracks on the album; drums and various synthesized effects were programmed by engineer Misha Mansoor (Periphery, Haunted Shores).

[3] Abasi uses techniques such as tremolo picking, sweep-picking, two-handed tapping, fingerpicking, and slapping throughout the album.