Paul Masvidal, Sean Reinert and Sean Malone are back: the good old trio alchemy,
where the musicians really know and understand each other.
Bass players and, more broadly, music fans who complain about the lack of space
for the low strings on many metal records will enjoy here the magnificent
presence of Malone's bass and Chapman stick. I guess Jeff Walker from Carcass
would like it.
I actually feel
that each
instrument gets an equal share to support the others on 'Kindly Bent to Free
Us', Masvidal's voice included, with harmonies and choirs. We know him as a more
than inspired guitarist. Well, he is a singer too.
Sean Reinert was and is still one of my favourite drummer: his palette has no
limit. Do I need to add something?
This perfect and so important balance is enhanced by a direct, organic
production.
The compositions are long enough to give space to many themes and ideas, to make
them live and breathe, to guide and please the listener through a unique musical
universe.
Cynic remains faithful to Robert Venosa, who sadly passed away in 2011, for a
terrific artwork: a tree, a brain, an atomic bomb.
I can quote Paul Masvidal when he is saying 'Kindly
Bent to Free Us' is not aggressive but
powerful.
The death metal elements on 'Focus' have more
or less been left behind since the band's reformation, but the strength and the
beauty are still there, with
a new chapter you just cannot miss.
