Cynic - Focus

[BassGod]

I've heard so much about this album. Many people hail it as a prog/death metal masterpiece, and it has certainly peaked my interest. The fact that I love Gordian Knot, and that Sean Malone plays on with them and on Focus has made me really want this album (any bass solos on the album?). Unfortunately, I can only get it for thirty bucks, which is decidedly lame.

So discuss this album, and why/if it is necessary for a prog fan to own it.

Graeme

[The_Ryst]

I've got like 5 tunes from the album, and the bass playing is jacoesque IMO. Lots of busy 16th note playing with a touch of death.

It's quite cool.

[Petary791]

The music is great, but the vocals are atrocious in my opinion. The guy (IMO of course) sounds like he's gonna vomit when he screams (not growls,) and the computerized robot voice is just down-right cheezy.

It's unfortunate because the music is insane.

[nad]

Great album! I even dig the vocals, though they are certainly not the focus (no pun intended).

It was re-released not long ago, you should be able to score it for less than $30. Here:

http://shopping.theendrecords.com/s....10&category=14

Also you might want to check out Atheist and of course Death, though I prefer Cynic to both of those groups.

[The_Ryst]

Or even try the 'bay.

[BassGod]

Actually, the fact that I love Death got me interested in Cynic. I've heard that Sean Malone's playing is very much like Steve DiGiorgio's.

I'm gonna look around a bit more, and see if I can find it cheaper... failing that I'll buy it online.

Graeme