1. Formed in Florida, United S… Read Full Bio ↴There are three artists called Cynic.
1. Formed in Florida, United States in 1987, Cynic is a progressive metal band that recorded a few thrash metal demos before moving to a highly complex form of jazz-fusion influenced experimental/avant-garde death metal, manifested in their seminal album, 1993's Focus, which for over a decade was the band's only official release.
Cynic disbanded in 1994 due to artistic differences while working on their second album, but regrouped in 2007 to perform a series of shows. The reunion was successful, with the group also performing a new song, entitled Evolutionary Sleeper, a composition in the unique style of Focus. This was a harbinger of things to come, as the group recorded two additional tracks, Integral Birth and Adam's Murmur and then signed a contract with Season of Mist for two albums. Their second album, Traced in Air, was released on November 17, 2008 in Europe and November 25, 2008 in North America.
They released Re-Traced, a collection of re-workings of songs off Traced in Air, in 2010. This album features a different style that has been described as "space science fiction prog-folk". The album also includes the new track Wheels Within Wheels, which Cynic felt fit better on this album than Traced in Air.
Cynic's ground-breaking and pioneering footprint on the world of progressive metal continues to influence avant-garde and technical metal bands to these days. Members of Cynic have also participated in the projects Portal, Æon Spoke, Aghora, Exivious, Gordian Knot and Death.
Longtime drummer Sean Reinert died on January 24, 2020. Hank Shteamer of Rolling Stone magazine wrote a tribute to Reinert shortly after his passing commemorating his contributions to Death and Cynic.
Bassist Sean Malone died on December 9, 2020.
Cynic's lineup currently consists of Paul Masvidal (guitars, vocals), and drummer Matt Lynch, who joined the band in 2015.
2. British NWoBHM Cynic was founded in 1980, and still exists. They released two demos, one 2 track 7", one album and one 'best of' compilation. Their page is here: Cynic (UK)
3. The German RAC band Cynic released one album in 2008 called Wach endlich auf. They also released 3 splits in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
Circle
Cynic Lyrics
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you are spring alive and with new growth
I am summer burning in my beatitude
you are fall shedding leaves grown old
just when the circle's drawn
just then the circle's gone
the circle's gone
I am petals found in frail wayside flowers
you are wind blowing bare open
I am sunlight showering the rays of play
you are sand soft yet hard as stone
just when the circle's drawn
just then the circle's gone
the circle's gone
merging with the land now
with all things
and all the beings
knowing I am one now
with my vision
with all the feeling
I am Winter, you are Spring
I am petals, you are wind
faith fills my inner space
clears my circle's place
turns me inside out
moves away my doubt
just when the circle's drawn
just then the circle's gone
the circle's gone
just when the circle's drawn
just then the circle's gone
the circle's gone
The lyrics to Cynic's song "Circle" explore the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. The singer describes themselves as representative of different seasons and natural elements - winter, summer, petals - while the person they address represents other seasons and elements - spring, fall, wind. The repetition of the phrase "just when the circle's drawn, just then the circle's gone" emphasizes the inevitability of change and the fleeting moments of balance in life.
The lyrics suggest a deep contemplation of the singer's place in the world, as they describe themselves merging with the land and all beings. There is a sense of spiritual awakening and understanding of the unity of all things, as the singer experiences a "vision" and "all the feeling." The final lines suggest a sense of clarity and faith, as the singer reflects on how their perspective has shifted and doubts have been removed.
Overall, the lyrics of "Circle" are both introspective and universally relatable, exploring themes of change, balance, and interconnectedness.
Line by Line Meaning
I am winter dormant in my solitude
I am in a state of introspection and isolation, much like the season of winter.
you are spring alive and with new growth
You represent new beginnings and growth, much like the season of spring.
I am summer burning in my beatitude
I am in a state of bliss and contentment, much like the season of summer.
you are fall shedding leaves grown old
You represent shedding old ways and letting go, much like the season of fall.
just when the circle's drawn
At the moment when everything seems complete,
just then the circle's gone
the cycle starts anew and changes, nothing is permanent.
I am petals found in frail wayside flowers
I represent the delicate and fragile parts of life, much like the petals of flowers found in the wayside.
you are wind blowing bare open
You represent the freedom and openness of life, much like the wind.
I am sunlight showering the rays of play
I represent the playful and radiant aspects of life, much like the rays of the sun.
you are sand soft yet hard as stone
You represent the duality of life, being soft and delicate yet hard and unyielding, much like sand that can be both soft and hard as stone.
merging with the land now
Coming together with the environment around us,
with all things
and everything around us,
and all the beings
and all living creatures around us,
knowing I am one now
In this moment, I feel connected and united with everything around me,
with my vision
With my perspective on life,
with all the feeling
and with all the emotions I experience.
faith fills my inner space
A sense of trust and belief in something larger than oneself gives me a sense of purpose and fills my inner being,
clears my circle's place
I am able to see clearly and find my place in the cycle of life,
turns me inside out
I experience a profound transformation,
moves away my doubt
And am able to let go of any doubts or fears that were holding me back.
just when the circle's drawn
At the moment when everything seems complete,
just then the circle's gone
the cycle starts anew and changes, nothing is permanent.
the circle's gone
The cycle continues endlessly, much like the circle of life.
Writer(s): Sean Reinert, Paul Masvidal Copyright: 1830 Music O.B.O. Reinert Music, 1830 Music O.B.O. Masvidal Music
Contributed by Julia S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.