CYNIC „“Traced in Air””

Music: Prog
Country: U.S.A.
Web site: www.cynicalsphere.com
Cool Songs: Adam’s Murmur, Nunc Fluens, The Space For This

CYNIC member’s Sein Reinert (drums) and Paul Masvidal (guitar) originally gained fame for their precise musicianship on the DEATH album “Human.” Two years after that monumental release, with the help of Jason Gobel (guitar and guitar synth) and Sean Malone (bass), the two released “Focus” through their own creation, CYNIC. Said album proved a groundbreaking record, combining progressive rock with death metal. Just a year after this colossal release, the group broke up. Fifteen years later, this legendary group has reformed and returned in the form of “Traced in Air.”

“Traced in Air” retains many of the aspects of “Focus” such as complex timing, guitar shredding meandering rhythms, and jazzy breaks. The drums, particularly on the album's opener ‘Nunc Fluens,’ sound beautifully organic, attaining an acoustic ring out of near-tribal proportions. Production wise, the group produces a crisp and clear sound, although the bass is much less noticeable than “Focus.”

Vocally, the group still alternates between clean and death vocals. The death voice consists of a short shriek, while the clean vocals are of a subtle, synthetic quality. The slumbering nature of the vocals often matches the melodic breaks, and combines with the death-like voice when the group pushes the pace. CYNIC produced similar vociferations on “Focus,” but the effect was different. “Focus” featured synthetic vocals that related a spooky, Sci Fi vibe. While the later album contains digitized voices too, it lacks the scary aspect of the former.

Progressive music is an art form not appreciated by everyone. Its lack of hooks and scizo nature make latching onto a particular riff or melody a difficult task, which is the main issue with this album. Another point of negation is CYNIC seem to have lost the drive apparent on their first recording. Those expecting the extreme musical oppositions found in modern progressive bands like OPETH and INTO ETERNITY (‘The Space for This’ does contain some OPETH-like melodies, though), should look elsewhere. Guitar geeks and gear heads take notice!

note: 6/10

Tracklist

1. Nunc Fluens
2. The Space For This
3. Evolutionary Sleeper
4. Integral Birth
5. The Unknown Guest
6. Adam's Murmur
7. King of Those Who Know
8. Nunc Stans
Total playing time 35:00

Line-up

Paul Masvidal – Guitars, Vocals
Sean Reinert – Drums, Keyboards
Sean Malone – Bass,
Tymon Kruidenier – Guitars, Vocals