Mestís is a Los Angeles-based instrumental rock project helmed by guitar virtuoso Javier Reyes of Animals as Leaders and T.R.A.M. The project's music contains extremely complex yet melodic arrangements that combine elements of jazz fusion, progressive metal, Latin music, and other influences. Mestís' recordings typically feature Reyes on eight-string guitar, bass, and productions duties. The project's 2012 debut EP, Basal Ganglia (released by Sumerian Records), featured drum programming by Reyes' Animals as Leaders bandmate Matt Garstka as well as contributions by percussionist Héctor Barez and veteran trombone player David Stout. Reyes spent the following years concentrating on his guitar workshops while writing new Mestís material. In 2015, Reyes assembled a live lineup of the group including bassist Joe Lester (Intronaut) and drummer Dave Timnick. Mestís' full-length debut, Polysemy, which included contributions by Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel of Chon in addition to appearances by Garstka and Lester, arrived on Sumerian Recordings that November. ~ Paul Simpson