Cynic – Carbon-Based Anatomy (2011)

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Cynic, one of Metal’s most acclaimed provides us with a little insight into what to expect in their next full-length release. Constantly changing and incorporating new things into their music, the band has done away with the harsh vocals, they have added more ethnic chants and sounds, and keep experimenting with other genres such as Jazz Fusion and some Shoegaze. All of these ‘different’ elements will keep the forward thinking Metal listeners attention and appeal to some hipster non-metal fans as well.

Featuring 25 minutes of music divided in six tracks, this EP is very nicely arranged to flow naturally. The opening atmospheric track is pretty interesting leading to “Carbon-Based Anatomy”, a very emotionally charged and trippy track that has Cynic written all over it. The combination of interesting drum patterns with proggy guitars and clean vocals is excellently executed and works wonders. There are indeed some ‘heavy’ sections, but the overall construction of this track is what makes Cynic a truly different and unique band.

Before the next ‘real song we have a nice Middle Eastern sounding interlude named “Bija!”. “Box Up My Bones” delivers a nice Shoegaze-ish opening and then very prog rock sounding sections similar to what Cynic did on “Traced in Air” and what Anathema has been doing in their last albums. Paul’s clean vocals sound very nice when not patched through the vocoder. Again we have very minimal Metal influences in this song, so people expecting something brutal beware.

Moving into more proggy territory we have “Elves Beam Out”, a very interesting track that seems to have two main influences going on at the same time contrasting each other. On one side we have a very trippy atmospheric vibe and on the other side a very prog rock from the 70’s vibe, interesting indeed. The album closes with another atmospheric track and we are left impressed on how much Cynic has changed over the years and how their sound has become so rich and at diverse.

As a very interesting sample of what is to come, “Carbon-Based Anatomy” shows Cynic adding more and more experimental elements into their already consolidated sound. The musical geniuses Paul Masvidal and Sean Reinert have once again proved that they can grow the band’s sound into unknown directions while still keeping it very magical and effective. If you are looking for more Cynic magic, you will be in store for a big surprise with this excellent (but short) release.

Band: Cynic Album: Carbon-Based Anatomy
Label: Seasons of Mist

Release: November 15th, 2011

Oficial Site myspace
Genre: Progressive Metal/Fusion

Country: USA

Rating: 88/100
Year: 

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