CYNIC Apologizes For MARYLAND DEATHFEST Cancellation

The reunited CYNIC, whose 1993 album "Focus" is regarded as a landmark release in the field of technical/progressive metal, has released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding the cancellation of their appearance at the Maryland Deathfest, which is scheduled to take place May 26-27 at the Sonar in Baltimore, MD. It reads as follows:

"To CYNIC friends & fans,

"We apologize for having to cancel the MDF show.

"We're committed to giving 'Focus' back in full force for you and for us. Due to logistics involving our upcoming AEON SPOKE release and tour [AEON SPOKE is the new project featuring CYNIC's Paul Masvidal [vocals, guitar] and Sean Reinert [drums] — Ed.),we are needing to 'fill our crystal goblet one step at a time.' We do plan on the summer Euro festivals and some U.S. dates may happen later in the year.

"Thank you for your patience with us. We wouldn't be doing this reunion if it wasn't for your tremendous support over the years."

CYNIC recently abandoned plans to utilize the services of AGHORA's Santiago Dobles for its upcoming tour. According to the band, "due to the commitment required for the reunion, it was mutually agreed that another guitar player would be better suited." A new guitarist has already been found and will be announced in the next couple of weeks. The rest of the group's lineup will consist of Masvidal, Reinert, Tony Teegarden (vocals, keyboards) and Chris Kringel (bass).

Kringel, who replaces Sean Malone (who can't participate in the reunion because of teaching and work commitments) in CYNIC's reunion lineup, has been involved with the band since the pre-"Focus" days and toured with the band in Europe in support of the CD. He also played bass on the classic and much-sought-after PORTAL demos and toured the U.K. with Paul and Sean's AEON SPOKE project. Teegarden also previously toured with CYNIC in support of "Focus".

According to Masvidal, guitarist Jason Gobel was approached about participating in the reunion, but was forced to turn it down due to family and work commitments. However, he gave the rest of the group his blessings to proceed.

CYNIC will embark on a three-week European tour beginning mid-June, which will include dates in U.K., Iceland, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Switzerland. So far the band has been confirmed for the Hellfest and Fury Fest in France, Hovefestivalen in Norway and Evolution Festival in Italy. More dates will be announced soon.