Music Review: Cynic's "Traced In Air"

Album Title: "Traced In Air'
Artist: Cynic
Review By James Kukucka

It is very rare that an album comes about and defines a genre. In 1993 that album was Cynic's "Focus," a record that blended elements of jazz, progressive rock, and death metal to produce one of the most groundbreaking albums in the progressive metal genre and certainly of the early '90s. However shortly after Cynic went on an indefinite hiatus.


Fast forward 14 years and it is 2008, and "Traced In Air," the new Cynic album is eagerly anticipated by prog metal fans everywhere. However, after over a decade many questions arise, Can this new record live up to one of the most important metal releases ever? Have Cynic lost their edge? It is safe to say, that after listening to "Traced In Air," countless times that Cynic have surpassed "Focus" to create their new masterpiece. There is no better way to describe the atmosphere and feel of the record than looking at the title, "Traced in Air." It almost feels as though the sound embodies the air through which it is traveling, in all its beauty and yes, sometimes chaos. The record features electronic vocals overlapping smooth flowing soundscapes, resulting in a majesty that is rarely found in metal.

Of course, having a group of phenomenal musicians helps too, guitarist Paul Masvidal showcases his technical playing abilities on "The Space For This," one of the albums highlights. Drummer Sean Reinert formerly of seminal death metal band,Death, shows his prowess in working with the guitars to produce just the right number of fills and improvisation, so that the music is not overpowered. Bassist, Sean Malone provides a solid rhythm to the entire record.

In terms of overall highlights, I feel that this is one of those albums that must be played from start to finish. It is an easy listen, clocking in at just about 35 minutes, but the record feels immense due to the execution of the air concept and the technical musicianship. Obvious accessible tracks are "Integral Birth," and "Evolutionary Sleeper," whereas "King of those Who Know," and "The Unknown Guest," Will quench the thirst of prog metal fans looking for something fresh.

Cynic are back folks, and they are doing what they do best. This is the album that will save metal.