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.
The Unknown Guest
Cynic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sadi sati killing down
Starved at the root again
We don?t taste the air
Mother tongue
Om shrim maha
Vibrate (inner) universe
Primal state (counsels)
To the unknown guest
Penniless, in reverse
A pathless land
Where we touch the earth
Dark at the bloom again
We don?t see the dawn
Mother tongue
Om shrim maha
Lakshmiyei swaha om
Vibrate (inner) universe
Primal state (counsels)
To the unknown guest
Pulsate
Starved at the root again
We don?t taste the air
Dark at the bloom again
We hold our despair
Mama tongue
Om shrim maha
Lakshmiyei swaha om
Vibrate (inner) universe
Timeless state (counsels)
To the unknown guest
Pulsate (silent) universe
Mantras grace
Om
The lyrics to Cynic's song The Unknown Guest depict a sense of longing for connection and understanding. The first stanza, "Memory, thunder cloud, Sadi sati killing down" seems to reference the idea of memory being clouded by negativity, particularly with the mention of Sadi sati, which in Hindu astrology refers to a seven-and-a-half year period of Saturn's transit over an individual's natal moon. This period is considered to be particularly difficult and can cause challenges and obstacles in one's life. The idea of being "starved at the root again" and not being able to "taste the air" further emphasizes a feeling of disconnect and lack of fulfillment.
The chorus, "Om shrim maha Lakshmiyei swaha om" is a mantra invoking the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is known for bringing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. This mantra is repeated throughout the song, reinforcing the idea of seeking abundance and prosperity.
The final stanza suggests a glimmer of hope, with the mention of the "unknown guest" and the possibility of connection and understanding through "primal state (counsels)" and "mantras grace". Overall, the lyrics suggest a search for purpose and fulfillment, and a longing for connection to something greater.
Line by Line Meaning
Memory, thunder cloud
The past is clouded and turbulent like a thunderstorm
Sadi sati killing down
The difficult period of Sadi Sati astrology is causing destruction and difficulty
Starved at the root again
Feeling unfulfilled and lacking nourishment from the source
We don?t taste the air
We are not truly present or connected to our surroundings
Mother tongue
Our native language or culture that roots us to our past
Om shrim maha
Lakshmiyei swaha om
Chanting a sacred mantra to invoke abundance and wealth
Vibrate (inner) universe
Connecting to the energy and vibration of the universe within oneself
Primal state (counsels)
Tapping into the instinctual and ancient parts of ourselves for guidance
To the unknown guest
Addressing the unknown or unconscious parts of ourselves
Penniless, in reverse
Going backwards and feeling impoverished or lacking
A pathless land
Feeling lost, without direction or guidance
Where we touch the earth
Connecting with the tangible, physical world to anchor ourselves
Dark at the bloom again
Feeling overwhelmed and in the midst of a difficult situation
We don?t see the dawn
We cannot see a way out or a resolution to our struggles
Mama tongue
A reference to the same meaning as 'mother tongue' but in a different spelling
Timeless state (counsels)
Tapping into a state that exists outside of time for wisdom and guidance
Pulsate (silent) universe
Feeling the energy and connectedness of everything in the universe, even in silence
Mantras grace
Om
Meditative chanting and divine grace to bring inner peace and connection
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PAUL MASVIDAL, SEAN REINERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
papa squat
Memory, thunder cloud
Sadi Sati killing down
Starved at the root again
We don't taste the air
Mother tongue
Om Shrim Maha
Lakshmiyei Swaha Om
Vibrate (inner) universe
Primale state (counsels)
To the unknown guest
Penniless, in reverse
A pathless land
Where we touch Earth
Dark at the bloom again
We don't see the dawn
Mother tongue
Om Shrim Maha
Lakshmiyei Swaha Om
Vibrate (inner) universe
Primal state (counsels)
To the unknown guest
Pulsate
Starved at the root again
We don't taste the air
Dark at the bloom again
WE hold our despair
Mama Tongue
Om Shrim Maha
Lakshmiyei Swaha Om
Vibrate (inner) universe
Timeless state (counsels)
To the unknown guest
Pulsate (silent) universe
Mantras grace
Om
Erich Zann
Just found out Cynic has reborn and almost died again since the time I've been
enjoying their "Focus". Not the kind of music that sinks in easily, but
Focus was really great. And I think I love this album as well.
iEatAss247 _
Vedic Metal...At Its Finest 🤟🤟
Rikard Schumacher
Salutations to she who manifests every kind of abundance
Emanuel Gómez Cortés
Om shrim maha lakshmiyei swaha om