CYNIC


"Traced in Air" (Season of Mist; 2008)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

After a 15-year layover, the seminal Florida metal troupe Cynic have triumphantly returned with "Traced in Air."

This stunning eight-track endeavor picks up where the cult outfit's 1993 release, "Focus," left off, as this disc reassures that Cynic's mindblowingly technical assault is not only firmly intact but sounding fresher than ever ("The Space For This", "Integral Birth").

Remaining at the forefront of the progressive end of the metal spectrum, whirlwind time signature switches, jazzy fretwork, complex percussion, and bevy of vocoder-laden vocals (with a good portion of death metal growls strewn in) are conscientiously woven together to create a rich musical tapestry which truly embodies fusion metal at its finest, rendering a welcomed comeback for Cynic.

For more information, check out http://www.cynicalsphere.com.


Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.


Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home

Copyright © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 26 Feb 2024 19:59:25 -0500.