Power of Metal.dk Review

Cynic
Kindly Bent to Free Us
Rating
Style: Progressive Metal á la Cynic
Release date: 14 February, 2014
Playing time: 41:58
 


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.


Tracklist
01. True Hallucination Speak
02. The Lion’s Roar
03. Kindly Bent to Free Us
04. Infinite Shapes
05. Moon Heart Sun Head
06. Gitanjali
07. Holy Fallout
08. Endlessly Bountiful
Label: Season of Mist
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Reviewed by: Philippe Leconte
Date: 12 February, 2014
Website: Cynic @ Facebook