Cynic - Carbon-Based Anatomy EP Band Origin: Miami, Florida, USA
Genre: Progressive Death Metal / Jazz Fusion
Label: Season of Mist
Running Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Best Part: The ambient sections are short but sweet.
Favorite Tracks: Carbon-Based Anatomy, Box Up My Bones, Elves Beam Out, and Amidst the Coals
Grade: 4.5
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Carbon Based Anatomy in 20ish words or less:
A stylistic shift for this highly influential progressive death metal band has them exploring the more ambient and melodic sides of their progressive nature.
The Band:
Cynic is a progressive metal band from Miami that at various stages over the past 20 years has created music that blends technical death metal, with hints of alternative rock and a heavy dose of jazz fusion. Cynic was formed originally in 1987, eventually splitting up in 1994 after the release of their highly influential debut record. Cynic would reformed in 2006 with original vocalist/guitarist Paul Masvidal and drummer Sean Reinert, recording their first album in over 15 years in 2008, with the help of original bassist Sean Malone who has contributed the bass and Chapman stick tracking for every Cynic release, including their most recent EP. Cynic are currently working on their third full-length album due in 2012.
Cynic is a progressive metal band from Miami that at various stages over the past 20 years has created music that blends technical death metal, with hints of alternative rock and a heavy dose of jazz fusion. Cynic was formed originally in 1987, eventually splitting up in 1994 after the release of their highly influential debut record. Cynic would reformed in 2006 with original vocalist/guitarist Paul Masvidal and drummer Sean Reinert, recording their first album in over 15 years in 2008, with the help of original bassist Sean Malone who has contributed the bass and Chapman stick tracking for every Cynic release, including their most recent EP. Cynic are currently working on their third full-length album due in 2012.
Jay's Take on Carbon Based Anatomy:
Carbon Based Anatomy is the first recording by Cynic since guitarist Tymon Kruidenier and bassist Robin Zielhorst left the band, leaving the guitar recording of the group in the hands of Masvidal. It also represents a distinct take-off for the band, as half of the EP is comprised of short and ambient tracks which when looking back at their previous work is rather unheard of - but a pleasant twist nonetheless. Where Cynic has always been known as very technical, and a progressive death metal band, Carbon Based Anatomy keeps their progressive mindedness but heads into a calmer, more ambient and melodic direction. The music has a much larger emphasis on emotion as a result, and it begs the question as to whether this will be the new direction for their third full-length release which they've announced is coming in the next year. Still, I'm reminded this is just an EP, and also did not include a full compliment, missing a proper rhythm or lead guitarist in the recording stage. Both of Cynic's first two albums were masterpieces, with their debut Focus remaining one of the more influential records of its genre and time, giving credence and inspiration to bands such as Between the Buried and Me and Veil of Maya, to whom which their band name is credited; Veil of Maya being the opening track on Focus. The bands members are equally as renowned, as Masvidal and Reinert were recruited by Death for the recording of the album Human. Sean Malone has also pursued a successful career as an author and leader of the band Gordian Knot which has included a who's who of musicians which includes members of Cynic, John Myung of Dream Theatre, Steve Hackett of Genesis, Ron Jarzombek from Watchtower and many others.
Sample of the Day:
- J
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