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Interview with the legendary Paul Masvidal (CYNIC)

Paul Masvidal, and more specifically his band CYNIC, is a benchmark and pioneer of progressive death metal. Paul (who was also part of the legendary DEATH and has had other projects such as Æon Spoke, as well as solo releases), is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his iconic album Focus, from 1993, and that is why he has decided to embark, for the first time, on a tour over Latin America.

CYNIC will be playing the record in its entirety during this tour, commemorating and remembering the memories of the late drummer Sean Reinert and the late bassist Sean Malone, who both left us in 2020. Before his visit, we caught up with him to talk about the importance of Focus, his recording and legacy, the latest album (Ascencion Codes), the future, his memories with DEATH’s Chuck and more.

Cynic’s music has been described as a fusion of metal, jazz, and progressive rock. Even, at the beginning it was punk and hardcore. You defined a whole genre and inspire a lot of progressive bands. Probably this is something you have already answer a lot in the past but taking into account that some young people doesn’t know you yet… Can you talk me about how you approached blending all these different genres, and what influences inspired your sound?

We grew up listening to all kinds of music (from jazz, pop, classical, world, experimental, electronic, etc) and as we got more skilled as musicians these influences found their way into the songs. We loved a variety of sounds and wanted to create something that honored everything we loved but also was completely our own.

CYNIC: «Focus» and the reasons of the first break up

The tour is about «Focus», an album that features an unique mix of death metal and jazz fusion elements and is often cited as a landmark album in the development of progressive metal. What do you think sets this album apart from other metal releases of its time, and how do you reflect on its impact on the genre today?

Focus didn’t really have a reference point when it was released. It stood on its own as a bizarre and odd creature that people weren’t quite sure what to do with. Eventually they found this creature was quite friendly and inspired to share lots of valuable information. It took on a life of it’s own and that was really cool to see. It’s always great to see art spreading inspiration that helps to create more art. If it ever had a purpose, that could be it: To keep art alive.

The recording of «Focus» was plagued by difficulties and disagreements. In fact, one year after that, you disbanded. Looking back on the album now, how do you reflect on the challenges faced during its production, and do you think these struggles ultimately helped -in some way- the final product?

The making of the album wasn’t so much about internal conflicts, but more about disagreements with the music business in general. We felt alien and disconnected from the scene in general. This is mostly why the band first broke up. We wanted to go back to being artists without people telling us what we should sound like. We wanted to continue making music for music’s sake.

Why the tour is named Refocus? Are you doing revamped versions of the originals? Like in “Re-traced” in which the songs were converted to new ones?

We’re releasing a complete remix of the Focus album in June titled ReFocus. That’s all.

CYNIC: The new tour and the new album

Great. And what can we expect from you on this first visit to South America?

This tour is celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the album and honoring the lives of the two bandmates and friends who died in 2020.

Let’s talk about «Ascension Codes». We, at Rocktambulos, choose it as one of the best albums of 2021 in our year-end chart. What was the creative process like for this album, considering that your last album was 7 years prior and a lot of things happened in between. Did you had any particular goals or themes in mind when making it?

Awesome! The album was perhaps the most challenging one of all. Not only is it the most layered and dense work we’ve ever made, but I was also grieving the loss of my mates while making it. I unraveled completely in the process and had to start all over again. It was the most grueling and beautiful experience of my life.

Cynic has gone through some lineup changes over the years. How have these changes affected you as a person, and how have affected the band’s sound and creative direction?

At the root, I was always writing the majority of the songs so the core of the music hasn’t changed. The first recording band since Focus, was myself with Sean Malone and Sean Reinert up until 2015. Malone and I carried on till 2020 when he passed away (along with Sean Reienrt) while working on Ascension Codes. So in making the new album, I went to people I had musical kinship with, Matt Lynch who played drums with Cynic on the song Humanoid and actually played a Cynic show with Malone and I in 2015. The live band consists of musicians that have a relationship to Cynic’s history having toured with us or worked with me in some way over the years.

Your lyrics often deal with spiritual and philosophical themes. Why these concepts -and not others- are the main influence in your music? and how you hope your listeners interpret your lyrics?

It’s about reflecting an inward process and observing the world like an alien in a human body. My aspiration is always to tell the truth and share from a place of authenticity and an open heart.

Paul Masvidal, the future and the DEATH years

For me, Cynic is a must for the progressive metal fans. Is a cult band and your influence in huge, but some people only know you (Paul) for your time on Death. ¿Can you tell me how was being in a band with Chuck Schuldiner and what is your best memories from that time of your life?

Chuck was like an older brother to me. I enjoyed working with him for many years, since we met and first toured with him when I was in high school. I learned a lot watching him navigate the business over the years which wasn’t easy. We had a great connection as fellow guitarists and I reflect on that the most.

BTW, Do you speak spanish? I mean, you were born in Puerto Rico and live in Miami so I was wondering if you speak your native lenguaje.

I can speak a little bit, yes. I understand almost anything if spoken to me. I’m practicing again! My family moved to Miami when I was three and I grew up around gringos so I became American quick but I never forget and am proud of my Spanish roots.

Last question: Are you planing something with Æon Spoke? You re-release your self-title album last year, after 15 years of silence, so I was wondering if this is a signal of life and you are making new music with that project?

Possibly. Or more solo acoustic music. I love writing simple, melodic songs.

Thank you very much, Paul, see you soon!

Gracias Frank, abrazos!

Frank Hernández
Director en Rocktambulos
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Periodista musical. Radio Host. Colaborador en Billboard y Rockaxis. Fundador de Rocktambulos
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