After a long-awaited return to NYC, progressive metal legends Cynic are welcomed back to celebrate 30 years of their album Focus at Manhattan’s Le Poisson Rouge. Joining them were fellow progressive metal and tech death titans Atheist. The tour also gave opportunities for openers from every city on the tour, and they surely did not disappoint.
Starting off the night was guitar virtuoso and member of Gorguts and Dysrhythmia, Kevin Hufnagel. Kevin played a beautiful acoustic set, which was the perfect way to ease us into the whirlwind of sound we were about to experience later that evening. Next up, representing Long Island Death Metal, was Hierarchy. With their fast, dueling guitars and deep growls, Hierarchy amped up the volume and got the crowd moving. Having been on the scene for 20 years, they continue to make the New York metal scene proud.
As soon as Atheist stepped on stage, you can feel their energy reverberate throughout the intimate setting at LPR. Vocalist Kelly Shaefer commanded the room with his vocals from start to finish. Guitarists Jerry Witunsky and Alex Haddad (also of Arkaik), who joined the band in 2023, absolutely decimated the stage and showed us what they’re made of alongside bassist Yoav Ruiz-Feingold who joined in 2019. Drummer Dylan Marks was a powerhouse behind the kit, propelling the sound of the band forward. The stage presence was out of this world for every member, and you can feel the excitement continue to build. With songs like I Deny, Piece of Time, and Unquestionable Presence, one couldn’t help but be captivated by the massive sound and all the movement, which included a whole lot of hair flying all over the stage. Atheist ended their set with a shoutout to legendary record label executive Monte Conner, who was partly responsible for the success of several of the artists performing that night.
It was then time for Cynic to take over the stage. Since they were playing the entire album Focus (1993), the audience was in for quite the journey. Cynic opened with Veil of Maya, setting the tone for the wealth of musical talent that was about to be exhibited. Paul Masvidal (also previously of Death) displayed such incredible stage presence in an intimate setting, playing his guitar with feel and precision while going around to face all members of the band to bring a smile to their face. Alongside Masvidal was drummer Matt Lynch (Intronaut, Nova Collective, and Trioscapes). Lynch had been with Cynic since 2015 after the departure of the great Sean Reinert, and later became a permanent member of the band. Lynch commanded the kit in every way possible and you can feel the emotion on his face as he performed. On bass, returning Brandon Giffin (The Zenith Passage, ex-The Faceless) was grooving along to every note and every song just seemed to flow so seamlessly as he played some of the most intricate bass parts ever written. Max Phelps (Exist, Death to All) played guitar flawlessly along with Paul Masvidal and unleashed such powerful growls all while also making it look so easy. Behind Phelps was a backdrop with a tribute to the late Sean Reinert (drums) and Sean Malone (bass). It was such a beautiful homage to the most influential individuals of this genre of music. Watching the juxtaposition of the band performing in front of the banner gave an ethereal feeling of what once was and how the present continues to move forward.
Cynic continued to amaze the crowd with complex songs such as Textures and How Could I, further proving that this music stands the test of time. It was the perfect mix of transitions from very heavy parts to tasteful more relaxed moments. It makes one feel joy and warmth but at the same gives them the power to feel invincible. After the songs from Focus were complete, Paul Masvidal made a sage ritual on stage dedicated to his fallen band members and lifelong friends, Sean Reinert and Sean Malone. It felt like a sacred moment for all who were present as Masvidal walked around barefoot and let the sage flow from one end of the stage to the other. Cynic continued their set with songs from Traced In Air (2008), Kindly Bent to Free Us (2014), and Ascension Codes (2021), showing their eclectic and ever-expanding sound evolution. One could clearly hear the influences that were made on future generations with the introduction of Cynic’s iconic sound.
With an ever-so-colorful lights show and face-melting talent vibrating off the stage, Cynic finally ended their set with the song Evolutionary Sleeper from the album Traced in Air, leaving the crowd wanting more. The band came forth and thanked the crowd with a bow as the audience kept cheering. We were all left in awe of this experience. Cynic showed us the power of music through their performance while also exhibiting the power of perseverance through all trials of life, and it was truly a gift to be able to witness.
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY AMANDA SAYAH