Cynic is an American progressive/technical metal band known for combining extreme metal with progressive structures and jazz-fusion elements. The group’s 1993 album Focus is widely cited in the reviews as a landmark work; the band also released a series of demos (1988–1991) and later albums that explore more atmospheric and electronic textures. Key figures associated with the classic lineup include Paul Masvidal, Sean Reinert and Sean Malone.

Recorded four demos between 1988 and 1991; released Focus in 1993; reunited in the 2000s and released Traced In Air (reviewed on DeBaser) and later albums. Two historic members, Sean Reinert and Sean Malone, died prior to 2022 (noted in reviews).

DeBaser's reviews consistently praise Cynic's technical skill and innovative blend of death metal, progressive structures and jazz-fusion. Focus (1993) is repeatedly described as a genre-defining masterpiece. The site's reviews trace the band's evolution through early demos, later atmospheric/progressive records and lineup changes, noting the loss of historic members.

For:Fans of progressive metal, technical death metal, jazz-fusion and listeners who appreciate advanced musicianship and atmospheric experimentation.

 this is the case of what perhaps was the most important technical death metal band of all time (alongside Atheist and in a different manner than Death), that is to say Cynic, authors in the distant 1993 of an immortal masterpiece of the genre, namely that "Focus" which was much discussed at the time.

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 Pure freedom, freedom to explore, to express, to not fear the reactions of an audience that in the past has already failed to welcome and understand.

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 "Cynic: A member of a group of philosophers from ancient Greece who taught that virtue constitutes happiness and that self-control is the essential part of virtue."

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