CYNIC - The Truth About Breath Metal
August 12, 2010, 14 years ago
Metallus Maximus' Natalie-Zed recently spoke with CYNIC's Paul Masvidal. An excerpt from the interview is available below.
NZ: In your press release, Cynic is referred to as “breath metal.” It seems that this could be a reference both the poetic concept of the breath line, as well as breathing practice. Could you talk about that definition a little bit?
PM: "That was just me being playful and spontaneous. It was something I said once and I think it's very cool that it continues to be associated with the band. Someone asked me "Are you life metal?" (as opposed to death metal). And I said, "No, we're breath metal."
NZ: I was wondering if that was a play on words or a deliberate choice.
PM: "Yes, it was a choice. It also made sense as a reference to the way that our music plays with space – creating space, allowing for space. Also, the breath is an integral aspect of how the music is structured, especially the newer stuff. I learned a lot about space from jazz. When you play a solo, you do it as a conversation. You don't just keep playing continuously, You leave pockets of empty space, moments of silence. It's actually the negative space that tells the story. So, when I say 'breath metal,' I am playing with that juxtaposition. It is also a reference to my being a breath-oriented person as a meditator and a yogi. It's all intertwined well. I don't even know if the 'metal' part of the definition works anymore, but it does for now."
Go to this location for the complete interview.
