### Cynic: Traced in air

#### 13/10/08 || Euthanatos

If there ever was a Gothenburg movement, it was because of At the Gates. If there ever was a technical death metal sound, it was mostly due to the inspirational, jaw-dropping and absolutely innovative album “Focus”, from Floridians Cynic. Alas, the band decided to part ways shortly afterward, and all the fans got was that legendary album and the demos to remind them of that grand era. Like with most acts, though, the new millennium also brought by the reunion of Cynic, initially with some rotating members touring-wise, but the new album, “Traced in Air”, features Paul Masvidal, Sean Reinert and Sean Malone from the original line-up. Which is all the better, because Cynic without Malone would be a little weird.

Where does “Traced in Air” feature among the gazillion reunion albums, then? Amongst the best, for sure. It truly seems that not a day has gone by for these guys, while at the same time they have evolved brilliantly. While this may not have the same epic impact of “Focus”, it will certainly be one of the year’s best works. Cynic, as one could expect, sound much more progressive this time around; but the great surprise here is that their aggressiveness is still there, and newcomer guitar player and vocalist Tymon Kruidenier aptly gives a strong contribution with his death growls, giving Cynic that familiar mixture sound. While “Nunc Fluens” is your typical ethereal intro into the Cynic world, “The Space for This” already reminds us why so many love and truly idolize this band. All the jazzy and metal elements are there, with Masvidal’s space vocals sounding amazing. This is another great aspect of the album; the production sounds killer, and that’s something that makes the entire experience all the more enjoyable. “Evolutionary Sleeper”, a track Cynic had already been playing live before the album’s release, continues the progression into aggression and trippy ambiance. “The Unknown Guest” is probably among Cynic’s most brilliant songs, while “Adam’s Murmur” goes along a more soothing path, giving great balance to “Traced in Air”.

Honestly, mentioning anything about the individual performances here would be utterly ridiculous. These guys are so good at what they do, it would just preposterous to keep blowing on their pipe. My, that sounded homo-erotic. Good.

“Nunc Stans”, the outro, proves that even when making vignettes, Cynic is better than most out there. Everything about this album is godly, surely many will turn their backs on it simply because it is “new”, but do not be fooled; this is truly an instant classic.

The cover: Everything you could expect from an evolution of “Focus”.

9.5 cynics on acid out of 10.

- Information
- Released: 2008
- Label: Seasons Of Mist
- Website: www.cynicalsphere.com
- Band
- Paul Masvidal: guitar, vocals
- Sean Reinert: drums
- Sean Malone: bass, chapman stick
- Tymon Kruidenier: guitar, death growls

- Tracklist
- 01. Nunc Fluens
- 02. The Space for This
- 03. Evolutionary Sleeper
- 04. Integral Birth
- 05. The Unknown Guest
- 06. Adam’s Murmur
- 07. King of Those Who Know
- 08. Nunc Stans