Although the contributions of each member of cynic were obviously considerable, it is arguable that Paul Masvidal was the most influential figure of the band, (at least from an observers point of view). Frontman and guitarist for the band since it's inception in 1987, Paul was responsible for the famed and at the time quite shocking "celestial cyber-vocals" which were the trademark of "classic era" cynic. Both he and Jason used guitar-synths for their work on "Focus", another first for a band thought to be firmly placed in the death-metal genre. Paul was also responsible for the spiritual lyrics of the later songs. Paul explained the thinking behind the lyrics and his own spiritual "awakening" in an interview for Delirium magazine. Paul has now moved to California, where he studies guitar.
Jason Gobel is another of the original band members, and joined Paul on guitar. He too used guitar synth on the album and subsequent tours. Originally, due to cynics brutal death origins, 2 guitarists were an essential ingredient. However in the later music, Jasons guitar work became just as intricate as Paul's allowing the band to pursue highly convoluted rhythms but maintaining a full sound. He has now moved to Oregon where he lives with his new bride.
Although not the longest serving of Cynic's bass players, Sean Malone's contribution to the album FOCUS was remarkable, seeing as many of the basslines were not completed before recording. Sean joined cynic during the recording of FOCUS, as he was working for Morrisound Studios at the time. Subsequent to the completion of the album, he was asked to join the band. It still is not really clear as to whether Sean was a full fledged member of cynic. He appeared on the major tour with Cannibal Corpse and also the European tour. He appeared on the promotional literature, but maintains that he only ever played with cynic in a session capacity. This aside, Sean's playing fitted alongside the jazz elements of the later music, especially in his groundbreaking use of the chapman stick, a twelve stringed instrument which has a unique sound. This is probably the first use of such an instrument in the context of "heavy" music.
Sean now resides in Tampa, where he teaches bass. He continues to do session work for both local and international artists. He was involved in the recent RUSH cover LP "Working Man" on which he recorded "Red Barchetta" along with Sean Reinert and James LaBrie of DREAM THEATER. Sean's debut Solo LP "Cortlandt" was recently released worldwide by Audio Image Records. Recently he has formed a new fusion band with Sean Reinert called EVER.
Check out our Exclusive Interview with Sean Here
Sean Reinert first came to be known in the metal scene for his work on the DEATH Lp "HUMAN". Originally noted for his frighteningly fast double bass work, Sean's real strength in percussion stemmed from a strong understanding of melody, a trait not shared by many of his contemporaries in the scene. His approach to recording and writing for the songs on FOCUS was completely groove based. Because of the mellower more thoughtful nature of the songs, it was not enough to just power through. Sean's work on the album is extremely varied, and it is possible to pick up jazz and latin rhythms in the music. He also used electronic percussion for both recording and live performances. Originally he used a keyboard placed behind him, for parts such as the end of "the Eagle Nature", later these were sequenced into the drumkat, to be called direct from his kit.
Sean is now living and studying music in Miami, where he lives with his two dogs CARCASS & THELONIUS. He is involved in the EVER project along with Sean Malone and Jason.