“Focus”: The music of those floating on the gears!

“Cynic’s album “Focus” from 1993 marked a significant milestone in the world of progressive metal. It not only showcased the band members’ tremendous technical skills but also introduced a sound that blended death metal, jazz fusion, and even a touch of space music. With its innovative style and profound philosophical lyrics, “Focus” undeniably made a lasting impact on metal enthusiasts. However, I can’t claim that “Focus” appeals to everyone; to say so would be dishonest. For some, it may be challenging to listen to, even bordering on inaccessible.

Cynic, founded in 1987 in Miami, Florida, by guitarist/vocalist Paul Masvidal and drummer Sean Reinert, initially had roots in death metal. They had ties with the band Death, and their influence can be seen, including a contribution to the album “Human”. But with the “Focus” album, things took a different turn. This album pushes the boundaries of traditional death metal with its complex structures, intricate melodies, and lyrics steeped in deep contemplation. While influences from bands like Death and Atheist are apparent, Cynic’s futuristic sound is entirely unique.

As for the musicality on the album, Masvidal’s synth guitar solos and ethereal vocoder vocals truly stand out. Sean Malone’s bass lines are another significant driving force behind the album. Reinert’s sophisticated drumming and Jason Gobel’s guitar solos collectively elevate “Focus” to its full potential. Scott Burns’ production at Morrisound Recording ensured that each instrument’s sound was meticulously crafted. In short, listening to “Focus” is an intergalactic and musical journey that’s hard to resist. Personally, I think clearer robotic vocals or perhaps a more prominent presence could have heightened my interest.

The album cover, designed by artist Robert Venosa, reflects his interest in spiritual themes, depicting a special entity named Castor, also referenced in his other works. Venosa’s art also graces the cover of Cynic’s 2008 album “Traced in Air”.

The lyrics on “Focus” delve into philosophical themes, often reflecting existential questions through concepts from Eastern philosophies like Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism, as well as mystical traditions. Themes such as illusion, consciousness, and the search for truth are covered, inviting listeners to explore their own interpretations. I’ll attempt to deepen this experience for you.

One day, Brahma was alone in the infinite sea and desired a companion. Thus, Maya was created, and together they initiated the game of creation. Guided by Maya, they sequentially created the universe and humans. Maya informed humans that they contained a fragment of Brahma. The purpose of human souls was to transcend the illusion of ego and remember their divine nature, discovering unity. Terms like ‘you’, ‘me’, and ‘him’ were mere illusions of fragmentation; we all needed to remember that we are reflections of the same whole. “Focus” often wanders within this narrative.

The opening track, “Veil of Maya”, was my first introduction to Cynic. Since then, the bass lines have particularly stuck with me. Ironically, listening to it feels almost delusional. In Hindu philosophy, the concept of Maya represents the illusion that obstructs seeing the essence of reality. The term ‘Ahamkara’ represents the ego or the perception of individual identity, another significant concept. Maya creates the illusion of separate existence for this ego. Thus, although we are all parts of a single whole, we live as if we are separate. Hence, we perceive a world full of illusions, a bipolar world.

“Celestial Voyage” starts with the idea of embarking on a cosmic journey, enveloping listeners in the metaphysical realm. Tony Teegarden’s growling vocals, dynamic drums, and riffs give it a high energy. Overall, it emphasizes mortality and the concept of nothingness, reiterating the idea that all beings are interconnected. The stars are depicted as conscious entities observing the universe, described as eyes. Thus, we are all small eyes observing a vast cosmos!

Regarding the story, “The Eagle Nature” interprets the myth of Eros and Psyche. One day, Eros, suspecting Psyche of betrayal, leaves her. Psyche, in love with Eros, is willing to do anything to win him back. She approaches the jealous Aphrodite and says, “I’ll do anything to reunite with Eros,” starting Aphrodite’s tortures. After various arduous tasks, Aphrodite demands that Psyche fills a crystal goblet with water from the River Styx (river of hell). While Psyche ponders how to accomplish this task, Zeus’s eagle arrives, takes the crystal goblet from her hand, fills it from the river, and returns it to her.

This track also makes a reference to the Bible with the phrase “notice a sparrow’s fall”. I interpreted the subtext of the entire piece as follows: It’s certainly not easy to draw water from the river of hell with a delicate crystal goblet that could choke you when you get a little closer. While the sparrow represents the vulnerable Psyche, the eagle, possessing divine qualities in many mythologies, is sent by a god and sees and helps even a sparrow’s fall. Power against fragility. And loyalty.

When we come to “Sentiment”, for me, it’s the second-best track on the album. It starts with tribal drums and continues with superb bass collaboration. Then, a woman begins reciting prayers excerpted from Paramahansa Yogananda’s book “Whispers from Eternity”. It’s like witches from a spaceship performing a ritual. “Sentiment” addresses the return to inclusive unity, fertility, and femininity, addressing the creative mother, Sophia Gaia, or Earth Mother. It demands a world where scarcity, disease, and ignorance are eliminated. Alien witches might actually be real, huh?

With “I’m But a Wave to”, we’re reminded that in the infinite cosmic sea, we’re just a wave. It talks about interconnectedness and unity while also highlighting how insignificant we are, according to Masvidal. Despite some beautiful passages, it’s a piece that lacks overall coherence for me. I’d probably rank it lower.

“Uroboric Forms” creates a metaphorical atmosphere similar to Cynic’s latest album, “Ascension Codes,” with “Mythical Serpents”. The word “Uroboric” comes from the mythological serpent “Uroboros,” which bites its own tail and symbolizes eternity… Yes, we’re back to the theme of infinity! This song addresses deep themes such as consciousness, ego formation, and the search for wholeness, deeply intertwined with Carl Jung’s concepts of collective unconscious, individuation, and archetypal images. “Uroboric Forms” points to the process of individuation achieved through the integration of conscious and unconscious aspects. This movement, perceived as Jung’s goal of psychological development, lies at the heart of the song’s cyclical journey.

“Textures” leans a bit towards metal but can generally be classified as instrumental jazz/fusion. It was the last piece they wrote before recording “Focus”. It’s genuinely enjoyable.

Closing the album, “How Could I?” examines the relationship between humility and ego. This is one of my top three tracks. The initial digital synth, melodic vocoder vocals, Masvidal’s discordant solos, Jason Gobel’s closing solo… The feeling of this piece is unique.

In conclusion, Cynic’s “Focus” album is a groundbreaking work that combines technical mastery with deep philosophical themes, yet it’s rubbish to some. Nonetheless, it continues to be a cornerstone in the progressive metal genre and influences countless bands. Their latest album, “Ascension Codes,” is much more listenable from a production standpoint. I believe it’s worth a shot for listeners seeking both musical and intellectual engagement. “Veil of Maya,” “How Could I,” and “Sentiment” are my humble recommendations. Happy listening!

Absolutely, experiencing CYNIC’s musical depth and philosophical themes live would be fantastic! Don’t miss their concert at IF Beşiktaş on August 6, 2024. It’s going to be a chance of a lifetime. Experiencing CYNIC’s musical journey live could truly be an unforgettable experience. Get ready for a feast of music and thought!