Cynic will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their 1993 debut album Focus by playing it in full at both the 70000 Tons of Metal and ProgPower USA festivals this January and September, respectively. Cynic has also announced the return of Max Phelps (Exist, Death to All) on additional guitars and vocals and Brandon Giffin (ex-The Faceless, The Zenith Passage) on bass to their live lineup, both of whom played with Cynic live between 2011 and 2014.
"Eight years since Cynic's last live performance, like a blink of an eye. In this chapter we explore perseverance, overcoming hardship, and the healing power of music," said Cynic frontman Paul Masvidal. A press release also notes there will be anniversary and memorial tribute shows to late members Sean Reinert and Sean Malone announced sometime in the future.
On the topic of Focus, Masividal and frequent Cynic producer Warren Riker completed a remix of the album earlier this year. At the time, Masvidal said "We did it! Cynic’s debut record Focus has officially been remixed. Thanks to Warren Riker for his tireless commitment to process. Warren always shows up completely and delivers like no one else. We can’t wait to share it with you guys. Release date TBD"
"Special thanks to OG Scott Burns, who we originally recorded Focus with in 1993. Scott captured the moments that paved the foundation for us to take this journey"
