Track List:
1: Nunc Fluens
2: The Space For This
3: Evolutionary Sleeper
4: Integral Birth
5: The Unknown Guest
6: Adam's Murmur
7: King Of Those Who Know
8: Nunc Stans
One of the most unique metal outfits of all time, no doubt, Cynic absolutely amazed the world back in 1993 with their debut focus. They managed to seamleasly integrate jazz, electronica and death metal in a way that no band had ever done before. Not only was it entirely unique, it also sounded amazing, and quickly became a favorite of many a progressive fan. Cynic disbanded before they could make a second album, but in 2007, woopdido, they reunited and made a new album!
Traced In Air doesn't sound as heavy or technical as Focus, instead, Cynic this time focus on creating melodies that are upbeat, with vocals that are beyond beautiful at times, and choruses that are basically singalong. The result is a short (a mere 34 minutes), but incredibly catchy and conscise effort. It's clear from the very first note where Cynic are heading with this album, and they never stray away from this! Even the complementary headbanger song, Integral Birth (perhaps also the highlight of the album), manages to encompass all these mid-tempo, beautifully inticrate guitar melodies. The drums are mixed masterfully, and played just as well.
Stylistically, no, they don't stray far away from their jazz fusion roots, but this is definately a more focused and respectable effort than Focus ever was. Dropping the death metal and going completely progressive was a great choice, especially considering that Cynic had been copied about a million times in these 15 years between Focus and Traced In Air. I doubt anyone would've wanted "Focus II".
This album has a little bit for everyone. Technical madness for people who like that (The Space For This), space for headbanging and singing along (Integral Birth) and beautifully composed songs like Adam's Murmur.
Any fan of progressive music should listen to this album, if you're not shy of some.. unconventional vocals.
320 kbps CBR
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