Cynic has been one of the most forward thinking bands in the history of metal. Known for their own unique brand of mind-boggling progressive metal, over time they have been able to create a special spot for themselves within the scene thanks to their unique sound which ranges from everything metal to jazz and alternative. The uncertainty of them performing or coming up with new material is a disappointing fact fans have to live with it. However, we do have something to look forward to. On the 10th of February, they are set to release ‘Uroboric Forms’, Cynic’s complete demo collection.
The Forty-nine minute compilation is a peek into the raw roots of the band and is completely different than anything they may be previously known for. It showcases their earlier experiments with technical death and thrash metal while they were still in search of their signature sound. When we talk about Cynic’s music, brutality is definitely not the most apparent virtue they possess. They are better known for their progressive, mind numbing capabilities. However, this compilation speaks a different story.
Right from the opening riff of the title track, the morbid growls, the ever changing riff and drum patterns, the intricate, out of this world solos and changing tempos demonstrate some top notch technical death/thrash based in somewhat old-school realms. One of the special elements about listening to the album is that these tracks date back from 1988 to 1991. The metal world was yet to embrace terms such as ‘technical’ and ‘progressive’, and you hear such amazing music along the same lines coming from that era. The debauchery continues on with the next track “The Eagle Nature” and “Pleading for Preservation”.
A great job has been done in producing and re-mastering the album. Though It has a hard hitting, in your face sound, it retains the feel of listening to a demo. The next three tracks namely “Lifeless Irony”, “Thinking Being”, “Cruel gentility” have a very thrash vibe to them. While everyone will have their own perceptions, to me it felt like that the album started as death metal centric, and then the pointer slowly moves to thrash metal. The prominence of thrash metal continues further into other songs like “De-naturalizing Leaders” and “Extremes”. It then further progresses to a death/thrash sound as apparent in “Once Misguided”, “Weak reasoning” and “Dwellers of the Threshold”.
There is no compromise on the technical aspect of it at any point of time. Have a closer look and you can also find the progressive elements hidden underneath, which over time evolved into the signature sound the band are now known for. It also features two tracks with Brian DeNeffe from Viogre
Cynic’s ‘Uroboric Forms’ is a peek into the death/thrash roots of the band, which is otherwise known for its mind-altering progressive metal. The compilation exhibits a stark difference to the better-known materials of the band and is a masterpiece in terms of technicality and raw aggression. This is a must have in your CD/Vinyl collection if you have a thing for rare materials.