Cynic is a cult band. They released merely an album 15 years ago, named “Focus” and gained legendary status for some fans (author included). After all these years and several quests with several jams they decided to come back for a series of live performances (including one in An club), since many of the young fans didn’t have the chance to see them back then.

Guitarist / vocalist Paul Masvidal along with his permanent partner in drums, Sean Reinert and bass guitarist Sean Malone felt they had more to give, sat down and created a track that was tested successfully on the reunion tour. So now we have the full-length “Traced In Air” with Jason Gobel being replaced by guitarist (and death metal vocalist) Tymon Kruidenier of Exivious. The session bass guitarist that plays Malone’s parts (hard work) also comes from this band.

What can be said about this album? It doesn’t contain the element of surprise as in their debut and it’s definitely a lot more melodic, so much that will bring Aeon Spoke (the last musical vehicle by Masvidal / Reinert, technical and tender pop / rock) to mind but in a more harsh way. The songs, though, are above any criticism. It’s a fact that these guys walk on a fine line between the simplicity of composition and their impressive musical abilities and ideas without crossing on either sides. The CD can be heard all at once due to its small length and by no means will bore anyone because of its high technique.

Those that know nothing about this act should begin with “Focus”. The rest’d better notice that once again the band, in times of unstoppable aggression, has a very different musical proposition.

P.S.: In Wacken Open Air they played parallel from Job For A Cowboy!