TRACED IN AIR

Ive been a fan of Cynics Focus for years, and I couldn't believe this was true: a new alum from the legendary and cult band. The outcome? Well, its all very logical really, if you take into account what the members have been doing since the first album. The rhythm base, with both Malone and Reinert, has gotten very technical as in the Gordian Knot recordings. On the other hand, Masvidals group Aeon Spoke, a ballad sort of rock group, also influences the sound this record has. The way it pans out is that this album is a mix of Aeon Spoke + the previous Cynic+Gordian Knot. This creates a more melodic, less heavy, and more complex structure (more stop and go, sort of stuff). But hardcore metal fans don't be scared, this is still heavy enough to be frowned upon by all your parents and grandparents if played at a family reunion. Some stuff that has changed: The guitar riffs are somewhat slower than on Focus and are more melodic; the robotic voice is more human, and its easier to recognize Paul's voice in it; the robotic/grunt voice ratio is inversed, now, the robotic voice has the lead most of the time; the second guitar has less participation; the Keyboards are rarely used (if at all?), and the jazzy parts are also less frequent. All in all, Ive really liked this recording, the band has matured, and stayed true to themselves, not copying what they already did, but giving Rebirth (pun) to a band that feels fresh and delivers a high quality recording. This aint as groundbreaking as the original but stands up to the test of this humble fan, who is grateful of their return.