Kindly Bent to Free Us
Cynic · 2014
46 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of progressive metal and intricate melodies that invites both introspection and sonic exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
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True Hallucination Speak — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its complex time signatures and ethereal instrumentation, encapsulating Cynic's signature blend of heaviness and melody.
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The Lion’s Roar — With its dynamic shifts between aggressive riffs and serene passages, this track exemplifies the band's ability to balance technical proficiency with emotional depth.
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Kindly Bent to Free Us — The title track showcases introspective lyrics paired with an intricate musical landscape, highlighting the themes of liberation and self-discovery central to the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate arrangements with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Cynic's evolution while maintaining a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The lyrical themes explore existential and philosophical concepts, with each track contributing to an overarching narrative.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Earth Is My Witness
The narrative voice reflects on personal accountability amidst broader existential questions.
This shift from abstract contemplation to personal stake engages listeners directly with the song's thematic depth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 True Hallucination Speak 6:03
- 2 The Lion’s Roar 4:34
- 3 Kindly Bent to Free Us 6:27
- 4 Infinite Shapes 4:57
- 5 Moon Heart Sun Head 5:21
- 6 Gitanjali 3:58
- 7 Holy Fallout 6:35
- 8 Endlessly Bountiful 3:52
- 9 Earth Is My Witness 4:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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