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Cynic - Reflections of a Dying World CD (album) cover

REFLECTIONS OF A DYING WORLD

Cynic

 

Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

1.84 | 13 ratings

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UMUR
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
2 stars Cynic is one of the most influential bands in the tech metal genre, even though they only released one album in 1994 called Focus. Cynic is very different compared to most tech metal bands though as they have a more soft and melodic jazzy sound mixed with the tech metal madness. The robot voice from Paul Masvidal is also an original element on Focus. Allthough it was 1994 before Focus was released Cynic had been around for some time before that. They recorded 4 demos and played as session musicians on many metal albums from other artists ( Death, Pestilence, Master, Monstrosity, Atheist) before getting a record contract with Roadrunner records. The last demo was recorded for Roadrunner in 1991. This demo from 1989 is the second demo Cynic made.

Like on the first demo Cynic made, the style here is very inspired by the mid- to late eighties Bay Area Thrash Metal Style. A style played by bands like Forbidden, Testament, Death Angel, Dark Angel and Vio-Lence ( which featured Rob Flynn of Machine Head). Itīs a pretty aggressive metal style and it involves fast technical playing and lots of soloing. The death metal influences that would later become a big part of Cynicīs sound is not present here.There hasnīt been that much development since the first demo and what sticks out the most is still Sean Reinertīs drum playing.

The musicians like the music donīt seem to have developed that much. There has been some change in the lineup though as singer Jack Kelly has left the band. Paul Masvidal has taken over the vocals and a new guitarist Jason Gobel has been added. The playing is a bit better than on the debut demo though.

The sound quality is not very good on Reflections of a Dying World, but you have to remember the poor recording conditions extreme metal bands had in the eighties. Itīs not an excuse though the sound is pretty bad.

This one like the first demo is only for the devoted fans. Iīll rate it 2 stars as a devoted fan is exactly what I am. Others will probably give Reflections of a Dying World 1 star though as it isnīt that impressive.

UMUR | 2/5 |

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