Ex-DEATH/CYNIC Guitarist PAUL MASVIDAL Remembers CHUCK SCHULDINER

ChAoS MuSiC FoRuM ecently conducted an interview with former DEATH/CYNIC guitarist Paul Masvidal. A couple of excerpts from the question-and-answer session follow:

Chaos-Forum: What can you tell us about Chuck Schuldiner as a human being... songwriter and a bandmate?

Masvidal: "He was passionate about music and his work. He was a very sensitive person and life was very intense for him. Chuck's songs were very much a reflection of his personality. He really found a voice and style that was truly original. I remember him as an original thinker and interested in the beauty of music. We had a good connection as guitarists."

Chaos-Forum: From a personal standpoint, how did Chuck Schuldiner's death affect you?

Masvidal: "I knew about his illness from the beginning and had a sense that it was going to be terminal. When I received the call that he died, I prayed that he was at peace and was able to surrender. I accepted Chuck's passing as his fortune. He exited the body at a young age, but left an indelible impression with his work as an artist. The way of his death was part of his life path, and we all will have our story too."

Chaos-Forum: Let's talk about CYNIC. I would like you to comment on all CYNIC demos. Tell us your opinion about the songs, lyrics, sound etc. Your first demo was in 1988....

Masvidal: "The beginning four-track demo with some cool riffs...songs about animal rights, childhood abandon and mystical beings wrapped up in three thrashy, energetic tunes. Our friend Dodger did the cool artwork.

"The '89 demo was young, earnest and politicallly steered. We were kids with big aspirations and the songs reflected the travails of our youth as nerdy musician kids that thought too much. Thrashier than the '88 [demo], more precise riffing and ideas coming into play. Another friend Sergio did the artwork on this one, which was more specific to the songs.

"The '90 demo was more realized. We were finding our prog identity and merging a more emotional sensibility into the music. Metaphorical songs about the meaning of prison, accepting who we are and other psychological topics. The band was really finding its musical language. Our friend 'Wizard of Gore' did the artwork. Kelly Shaefer from ATHEIST did backup vocals on the song 'Cruel Gentility'.

"The '91 demo was the warm-up demo to 'Focus' which Roadrunner flipped the bill for. I had found a lyrical identity by now and was immersed in that language. The band was getting precise and serious about all the details. We were taking everything to another level."

Chaos-Forum: Are you still in touch with Mr. Sean Malone and Mr. Jason Gobel?

Masvidal: "Yes. Just spoke to Jason today. Sean and I email and speak occasionally."

Chaos-Forum: Have you ever thought about a reunion of CYNIC?

Masvidal: "Yes, and more often lately."

Read the entire interview at this location.