FOCUS

This is undeniably one of the most trippy releases ever released in the genre of prog/deathmetal. It has a huge cult following for many, many reasons. It gives off this mystical vibe that somehow comes across as genuine, thats all I can say really. The growls will offend many and the altered vocals are quite bizzare at times yet everything seems to fit. This is an obvious cliche but you will hear this album differently every time you listen to it. The production is also strange but effective, it seems muffled but adds to the atmosphere of this rather perplexing release. There is of course a late Death influence and some Atheist that was part of the Floridean zetgeist at the time but this is fundamentally a different journey that the cynics embarked upon. The Holdsworthian guitar tones are a sure indication of wider listening which gives the album its spacey feel. The progressive time sigs and excellent yet controlled bass playing is also exemplary. A pivotol factor for any genuine prog album.

After many listens i still do not know what to make of this rather enigmatic release.

The jazz/fusion thing is often overstated when analysing what is a metal genre but in this case Cynic do something that almost seems to transcend every category that can be put upon them.

Listen to this album at your peril. It is a confusing and strange beast.

Brilliant, perhaps, strange and hauntingly beautiful, absolutely.