Originally released in 1993, progressive death metal pioneers Cynic's seminal debut album 'Focus' has been remixed and remastered for its 30th anniversary. The definitive version of a legendary and highly influential album.
Chuck Schuldiner's Death got pretty clinical with the odd time signature, and Atheist got pretty busy with their complex arrangements, but Florida's Cynic simply threw the progressive metal playbook out the window. Their groundbreaking 1993 debut Focus meshed metal and jazz on an unprecedented scale, and explored the creative possibilities of this strange musical hybrid to a degree which has yet to be equaled. For Cynic, the traditional framework of death metal songwriting served as a mere foundation over which the band would take flight, yielding moments of mind-blowing diversity and inspiration…

When one thinks about progressive rock, it's easy to imagine it as an almost academic pursuit with groups of men, armed with degrees in composition and Chapman sticks, trying to convert the secret math that rules the universe into musical notation. Playing against this seeming lack of approachability, Cynic deliver Kindly Bent to Free Us, an album that, while most definitely in the realm of prog rock, has the kind of open, unpretentious air that makes Rush such an easy-to-love band. Though Cynic continue to stray further from their heavy metal beginnings, they still haven't abandoned them, fusing layers of melody and jazzy chord progressions with searing, distorted guitar work, perfectly combining both sounds without letting one distract from the other…

The US band is finally presenting an official release of their famed and reverently discussed Portal tapes! After splitting up, Cynic members Paul Masvidal, Sean Reinert and Jason Gobel formed the short-lived project Portal together with Chris Kringel on bass and stunning vocalist Aruna Abrams. Aruna’s beautiful and haunting voice combined with Paul’s clean vocals is the perfect fit for these laid back and subtle songs that have more in common with the sound of Porcupine Tree and The Gathering than their original Progressive Death Metal roots. This genre was shaped by Cynic’s full-length debut “Focus” (1993). Yet since their reunion in 2006, Cynic have moved via the Progressive Metal of their highly acclaimed second album “Traced in Air” (2008) towards ever more open soundscapes combining many stylistic influences. With “The Portal Tapes” the missing link in Cynic’s evolution is now available.

In 2008, after a fifteen-year hiatus, the legendary Cynic reemerged with 'Traced in Air.' An album of sublime beauty, "Traced in Air" blended their renowned musical prowess with splendor and grace. Now, a decade later, the trio usher forth a renewed edition of that very album. Featuring new tracking by virtuoso bassist Sean Malone, and a vibrant new remix and remaster by Periphery’s Adam "Nolly" Getgood (Animals As Leaders, Devin Townsend, Haken), "Traced in Air Remixed" underscores just how vital and important this album truly is.

Cynic has made its long-awaited return with "Ascension Codes," the highly anticipated follow up to 2014’s critically acclaimed "Kindly Bent to Free Us."
"Ascension Codes" is the latest evolution in Cynic’s legendary career as the band is now fully immersed within the progressive rock genre, once again exploring new territory and pushing the boundaries as they boldly step outside their comfort zone to reach a new apex of musical proficiency. The album takes the listener on a cosmic journey through space and time, balancing polished technicality and moments of peaceful ambience, creating a dynamic experience that is filled with both bright energy and calming peacefulness.