Founding member/guitarist Paul Masvidal comments, "I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the incredible visionaries, artists and colleagues that helped bring this album to life. Cosmic love to each of you who contributed your magic. In honor of my fallen brothers, the collective Cynic tribe, and with great respect to this beautiful spaceship Earth we inhabit, I offer you 'Ascension Codes.' I love you. Journey well, my friends.
I listened to this album for the first time on a heavy dose of lsd. The things it spoke to me were astounding and beyond this world while also pushing the traditional musical boundaries into something beautiful and unheard of. To me, this album totally changed the way I hear music, I'm honored to live in the same time period as the release of this album. All the great musicians of the past would've loved to hear this culmination of beautiful music.
@@musicmanxii that’s funny I had the same thing last night with an 1/8 of shrooms and stumbled upon this (previously a big fan of their other work). Blown away!
I can't even imagine how hard it must be to lose a friend, let alone two in such a short span of time. All the love to Paul Masvidal. Nothing but respect.
0:00 Mu-54* 0:31 The Winged Ones 5:39 A'-va432 6:06 Elements and their Inhabitants 9:16 Ha-144 9:45 Mythical Serpents 16:10 Sha48* 16:28 6th Dimensional Archetype 20:34 DNA Activation Template 26:00 Shar-216 26:23 Architects of Consciousness 32:43 DA'z-a86.4 33:17 Aurora 37:51 DU-*61.714285 38:20 In a Multiverse Where Atoms Sing 42:09 A'jha108 42:36 Diamond Light Body 48:19 Ec-ka72 Thank you guys for sharing this album with the world
There are bands like Meshuggah where we are certain the members are not human. And then there are bands like Cynic, where they are not even hiding the fact that they are extra-dimensional entities
yeah wierdly this band gives me the same vibes as sigur rus. like there is no way humans could make music like this. its too perfect and angelic sounding.
Malone and Reinert are leaving a huge hole in our musical world. Paul approached this in a genius way, it carries the rhythmic complexity needed for Cynic. The low frequencies played by keyboard and not a bass works here. Very clever and respectful in my opinion. I am of the belief that this band should carry on not only because they continue to provide vital moving works of art but to celebrate the legacy of one of the most formidable rhythm sections in modern music.
I'm loving this album and can already tell I'm going to be listening to this for years to come. There's so much musically to digest and discover, it's great. I hope Paul continues with Cynic but totally understand if he doesn't. I'll definitely be following Paul wherever he goes on his continuing musical journey.
I have a hunch that part of the bigger message is that the world is not "fucked up". It just is. So let's try our best to leave it better than we found it, this time around. "WE RAISE THE VIBRATORY LEVEL"
Yeah bro, We know how hard was to Paul to get here right now and this album is to have return from the ashes. Paul is a genius, and a humble and wise human being (all that i want from an artist nowadays).
The 1 time I've caught the Ozrics live, they were the 'headliners', with a local band called Hexxed and Israeli Mad Scientists Project R'nL in support. For SOME reason, the Ozrics decided to go on 2nd, and let Hexxed headline! Ed Wynne, what a ledge. 😉
This will be an unpopular take, but I thought this was a great album. Now I'll pray that somehow Jason Gobel will return for a future Cynic album someday. 🙂
This might be the most wholesome comment section I've seen in quite some time. I'm glad to see the Cynic fam come together to celebrate this incredible album.
It's not easy to be progressive band these days. Trying to find something new and original in the world of sound is bit like being explorer. You climb the highest mountains and dive the deepest underwater caves of sound looking for new formula. After hours, days, years of searching you finally find the place. A temple made of notes and beats so perfectly crafted that no human being would be able to create them and put them together in this order. You open the gates, walk in and see the chest . It says on it: "Dare to open and you shall find a formula for perfect album." Yes! You found what you've been looking for! You open the chest with a shaking hands. You find scroll inside. Open it. And what does it say? "Cynic was here!" . "Noooo! Not this again! All this years for nothing! I should just stay home playing in Metallica coverband! Screw you Cynic!" But hey... They can't hear you. They are too far from you. From us... Somewhere in the outer space. And no, they are not looking for the new perfect sound. They are The Sound.
And yet there are more combinations of notes and time signatures than there are stars in the entirety of the observable universe. One should always strive to find their own voice, else they become something that came before. Not to say that's regression, but it's certainly not evolution. (Immediate edit) These guys, however, are on their own plane of musical talent. They've created a completely unique soundscape with this album.
I must admit i am absolutely in shock by how good this album sounds, especially the direction. Cynic has really transcended, and hats off to Paul for showing such a musical width to make this record. I am a big Malone fan (and Reinert is probably my favorite drummer), and i can totally see him jamming along these tunes with Reinert up there. Not having a traditional bass player helps this record take this another form, and i think it's an homage in itself by refusing to find a quick replacement, as we all know Malone is entirely irreplaceable.
It has a sound that fits the bass synth. If it sounded more in the direction of cynics past albums I could see it feeling out of place. But the music was seemingly purposefully made to include the styles of both new members. They aren't the Sean's. And it's not kind to expect them to not just fill their roles, but fill their shoes. They can't. Not 2 once on a generation talents. It's best to let them have their own identities and to let the music suit their styles and feels
@@unclebobboomergames I disagree. I think a fretless bass would go great on this album. He’s used different tones to suit each album, and that could be the same here. I hope, with time, that we get a replacement.
The first piece I heard from this album, in June 2020, was a very short verse with lyrics going "Dangers on the road…" which Paul posted on Instagram. I'm sure I'll cry upon listening to that passage here.
What an indescribable experience this album is. During and particularly after my first full listen, I knew that I had come across something truly special. And when you take into account the recent tragedies the band has gone through, this music shines ever brighter with accomplishment and triumph, despite the overtones of grief. I'm thankful to have been alive at the same time as Paul and all past/present Cynic contributors. That includes the brilliant Robert Venosa and Martina Hoffmann and their phenomenal art that graces the band's music. Now I need to go get myself a record player, because I just bought the LP! Thanks Season of Mist for releasing this on my birthday. What a gift to celebrate life with! Thank you Paul for persevering and delivering one more gem. Your music heals. Thank you Sean & Sean for everything, and rest in peace.
I probably begin my 20th listening in seven day. Enough to say this is a pure masterpiece! Looking forward to find a vinyl version on my local stores. Much respect to Masvidal, and Reinert & Malone for sure. AOTY 2021
I lost my best friend earlier this year, the man who got me into playing music as a passion and this marks the first release of a band we spent years listening to in awe and I can't share it. 4:00 in and I'm consumed by grief I haven't felt in months now. I'm going to do something with those dreams. I'm glad Cynic continues through Paul's loss. Thank you.
- Focus - Portal (search the portal tapes) - Traced In Air - Re-Traced -Carbon Based Anatomy - Kindly Bent To Free - Humanoid (single) - Mythigal (Paul Masvidal solo) - Traced In Air Remixed - Human (Paul solo) - Vessel (Paul solo) - Ascension Codes There's still two aeon spoke albums between portal and Traced In Air that aren't easily available both in decent quality. Hopefully they get some love sometime soon. But the rest is the Paul journey. There's more that he's done but not really with him at the helm that would make this even longer (not much but still). But the sounds vary from death metal to acoustic soft rock and ambient space noises. But a journey worth taking. Also good for hallucinogens and staring at album art
I had the privilege and honor of mixing Sean Malone when he was working with John Wesley and Mark Prator. I know they are smiling up there somewhere at this amazing tribute to both of them. Thank you Paul, incredible job. RIP my brothers.
Whoa, when did Sean work with John Wesley? I'm a huge fan of Porcupine Tree and John Wesley not returning for the reunion has been one of the biggest disappointments of the past few years
Sean played on both Wes’s “Disconnect” and “A Way You’ll Never Be” recordings and toured with John in 2014. Unfortunately only one show for AWYNB in Tampa and two on The Cruise To the Edge in 2018.@@EvilMike349
I honestly had no expectations since the singles and Kindly Bent to Free weren't that great imo. But HOLY SHIT this is the best Cynic has sounded since Traced in Air
Totally in the same boat. Kindly Bent had some good ideas but it didn't really grab me, and the mixing was really awkward too. Traced in Air is an all time favorite of mine, and I love how this record feels like a spacier, more melancholy companion to it.
Sure thing, man! It's so beautiful that i can't comprehend it in words and make someone understand. But then i see this comment, and i know exactly what you mean. Cheers!
Very pleased to hear that Cynic is evolving as well as the humans behind the music.. loveternal to you, Paul.. You continue to be one of my biggest inspirados still to this day.. Loveternal..
This was a pleasant surprise tbh, was not expecting that from Paul. Great sounding album too with Drums, Bass and everything played to perfection. Nice flow to the album too, definitely the best since "Tracd in Air" or maybe with more plays even better.
Put this on to meditate and Connected with my guide Aerith on the morning of 2.22.22 through this! Thank you for helping me to activate my light body and to come into direct contact with my subtle anatomy. Infinite Love.
First listen through. In view of the recent tragedies surrounding this project, it is utterly SOUL-AFFIRMING to hear new Cynic... sounding absolutely ACE. I can hear elements of all previous releases, plus brand new ideas on top- like all the best musical projects do. It would've been nice/interesting to hear how either/both Seans would've played on this, but it's equally encouraging to hear the music sounding so great, even without them. Kudos to the new helpers! Still one of the most sonically-pushing, transcending bands out there; truly 'progressive'. This record feels like it's trying to evolve human DNA/consciousness itself. Thanks Paul, and thanks SoM for posting- I haven't bought anything in ages from ya's, mainly due to lack of funds, but I NEED this. 💜
You NEED to listen to their debut 'Focus.' If you were alive and already into metal back then (as I was), it is obvious that there was nothing even close back then. To this day I'm floored by it, let alone when it came out.
@@hecbiz75 I had heard it was completely different than every thing else at the time and that the metal scene just wasn’t ready for it yet but they came back together around the time a lot of bands started making progressive and technical death metal like Gojira and Meshuggah, I love progressive metal and progressive death metal so I’m surprised why I’ve never listened to them
Expected this album to be an homage to the fallen ones on the road. it blew me away. those who have gone, surely be missed a lot... but their spirit resounds in every note this album has. a stunning release, in my opinion, another aoty contender.
Listening to Cynic for the first time changed my life and my appreciation for music, it surely was a magical moment in my life and i was very young, i remember watching Death's video for Lack of Comprehension, with Paul and Sean playing along Chuck, and it was something remarkable, but Cynic for me will always be something out of this world, something tremendous and unique. I'm in tears listening to this gift, and as sad as Malone's and Reinert's departure were, i know in my heart they would be very proud of this release. Cheers to anyone enjoying this piece of art.
For me that was spirit crusher off the sounds of perseverance. When the song picks up around the 200-230 point and the song starts to go...when I was 16 that part would radically change the way I listened to music. And the sort of feeling in my chest I seek to relive. With success from time to time
@@IonObliv oh same. Still one of my top 5 songs all time. But spirit crusher changed the way that id view music and the effect it could and would have on me now 15 years later. 16 year old me wasn't ready. And it was perfect
I love that from the First song I new unmistakably it was Cynicc. I’m not picking up a bunch of influences. This is rare thing in the music industry today R.I.P Sean Reinhardt
With Paul's work it always works. Last time I did it to his solo album "Vessel." Start the adventure. Wait. Then listen to the albums start to finish and just stare at the album art. And then close your eyes and do it again. Works every time.
Tbh humanity doesn't deserve this album. All the musicians involved are insanely talented and Paul is an absolute genius and true visionary. So much admiration and respect to him for not only delivering one of the best performances in his life but also finding a way to honor his fallen friends, while he was working through waves of grief and pain. Sean Malone was one of my favourite bassist and no one will ever replace him but for me Cynic was always Paul's artistic vision, he is The Cynic. So if he wants to explore more ambient and electric sound, change the line up with each new album, I'm all for it. If this is the goodbye, what a way to go
this album is hella cute. may you all find peace, happiness, and freedom from suffering. and particularly you, paul. I have nothing but love for you. keep walking your path.
I have seen Cynic live in 2008, in south of France...they played Focus in its entirely...great moment, legendary band...this new album captures spirits of all the ancients members...RIP legends ! Long live your music, long live your art !
The album is on heavy rotation since last week, i'm blown away by this new album, i can easily say this is my second favorite record by Cynic after Focus. I really like the short mysterious interludes between some songs, it's very intriguing. songs like A'-va432, Architects of Consciousness, DNA Activation Template, In a Multiverse Where Atoms Sing are truely progressive gems. Long live Cynic ! May Sean and Sean rest in prog.
I’ll give my opinion, you can disagree... It’s a Paul Masvudal album. If you listen what did until now, Cynic, Portal, Aeon Spoke... you can hear melodies, counterpoint, chord changes that define his style through the years. But since Traced in Air, it’s no more Cynic; it’s only Masvidal. No more jazz, the prod is too modern, the music is compact, it doesn’t breathe enough for my ears; I don’t feel the “air” between the parts
i usually tend to skip music videos from this particular metal label, because they mostly put death and black metal on display, which is not really my jam. But sometimes, season of mist uploads something like this, and reminds me why i subscribed in the first place. This is absolutely awesome !
Absolutely beautiful and sublime .. This album gives me years of life. Thanks Paul for giving us this momentous work. you are an entity from another dimension
I couldn't attend the live stream because of work, I'm thankful for the opportunity to review the live chat with the Q&A with the guys, I hope it stays in the channel for posterity. Cynic are a significant portion of my being, they have been for 28 years now. Thank you guys.
this is absolutelz fucking great, I am sure both Seans would approve very much of this! hope you have a massive jam session with all other artists now in the afterlife! thank you for all your music these years! This is ending the year with a bang!
Thank you so much from this Paul, it's a great tribute to Reinert and Malone that left us about a year ago, it's really a beautiful piece of art, you can really hear the effort you put here, you and the lineup that accompanied you in the record from this album. Take care Paul, you're an amazing human being.
Wow, I'm quite pleased to see the reaction to this album is so positive, I absolutely adore this - very unusual - album. Even the short interludes which one would think would be automatic skips after the first listen are just fantastic (DU-*.... especially)
I had no idea that we'd lost Sean Malone in 2020 as well. I got about halfway through The Winged Ones and was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion and had to pause/back it up to listen again to what had moved me and at that time I scrolled through the comments and learned of Malone's passing, and some googling later led me to Paul's statement when they re-released Integral in tribute. Just devastating. I think I must have really felt Paul's grief in the music when I felt so moved.
my first impression about this album was not so good. But after many listenings of this i really liked it. Comparing to Focus it no make sense. Different stories...very good melancholic stories...all the best for you PAul.!!! stay strong You made a great music!
