i was totally confused when it came out hey as i was into death and thrash metal but after several listens i was like wow this is something special. still the greatest thing ever.
I love the little clips of Chuck and the guys from Atheist hanging out. That’s one of the things I love about the Florida scene in the early 90’s; the bands were all just hanging out.
I work in a music store in NJ. Had a shredder in his 50's come in who was in that scene during its hayday. We talked for a while about Florida in the late 80's - early 90's. He said it was craziness. Everyone was just trying to have a band that did something, anything at all. He said basically anyone with a pulse was getting signed left and right. However, the scene was still relatively small. You could go to any show and find what is in essence the big four of OSDM all there, whether they were playing or just hanging out. Lots of cool stories from what was seemingly one of the coolest scenes ever. It burned hot and fast, that's for sure!
I find it quite unbelievable all of the best old-school death metal came out of Florida. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if it came out of one of those Nordic countries with horrible depressing weather, but it came out of a place with sub-tropical climate and palm trees everywhere. Really weird...
@@condorsmurphlyI love hearing this! I'm one of the older dudes that discovered the tape right after release and I can still remember it clearly. It was so alien. For the first moments I honestly didn't know what I was hearing though I knew it was musical. Then I Focused in 😉 and was able to follow the symmetry. It gave me some instant chills. Hair standing up on my neck .. endorphin release .. ect... instant all-time favorite. They were so ahead of their time. There are few of these moments in musical history and Cynic owns one of them.
@@CynHicks I feel like I had a very similar reaction. It felt alien, otherworldly, but the symmetry, the counterpoint, the progressive harmonic concepts, it all made sense intuitively to my ears, but I still couldn't comprehend it. I kept listening, and re-listening, because while it felt alien, it still fascinated me, and drew me in. It kept rewarding me with every subsequent listen. The deeper I listened, the more it revealed itself to me. Now when I listen, it still feels alien, but it also feels equally inspired by the Divine, unquestionably.
@@dpclerks09 ..to be clear my first listen was of a tape in my friends car and he hit play from where he randomly left off before. It was in "the middle" of a song. 🤯
The album Focus has been my favorite of all time. But I regret of never get to meet both Seans...their sounds of musicianship will always be in my heart & will never be forgotten. Cynic 4 Life.
The jazz drumming oriented is unbelievable. And the guitarwork like this back in 90s is mind blowing. These guys are really genius back then. Hail Cynic!
I can clearly remember when for the first time i discovered Focus: the amazing chords, the lyrics, the elegance. All merged in a musical vision that is Art in its purest form. Thank you Cynic: i love you.
So ahead of its time. I wish metal community was more open minded to appreciate those guys. I read that they even had bottles thrown at them during concerts, and I can imagine how discouraging those incidents can be.
I was alone in my room watching this, all excited, smiling, pointing on everyone, surprised... but this thing gone wild when Chuck appear! Thank you for this.
My morning started with goosebumps and by the end of this video tears. Boy are the two Sean's missed in the music world but this album forever lives on in the memory of many. Can't wait for the documentary.
This video is a homage not only for Sean Malone and Sean Reinert, but also for the underground metal community of those years, years that I never lived because I'm young but that feel nostalgic anyway. From the band t-shirts, pubs and small but warm stages to the appearence of gone friends, this video is like going back in time to the old-school death metal days. I love Cynic and I'm grateful to them for so many reasons. RIP Sean Reinert and Sean Malone.
I’m thankful to have shared a few emails with Sean M. in the late 90’s. One of the all-time greats of my instrument. His solo in “Textures” was perfect.
Was, is and will be one of the examples of pure transcendence and piwer of audial visionary in music. THIS is a true music of our multiverse! Good and joyful journey to Sean and Sean, thank you for your legacy, you left on this planet!
It's been a long time since listening to such rich music with nostalgic memories from the late 80s together with Death vibes. Thank you, I couldn't ask for more, now I have an ocean to explore. And also (very important), massive respect for Mr. Masvidal who were rocking these mind blowing melodies at that time while most of us were in diapers!
Speechless, the remix sounds incredible. And thank you for sharing these memories with us (the footage during the solo is epic!). Thank you also for being part of our musical life and being an inspiration also outside of music, for 30 years.
Cynic is a band composed entirely of Master Musicians. Their music is transformative and healing on a deeply Spiritual level. They changed my life forever, and I will be forever grateful for that. Rest in Peace Sean Reinert and Sean Malone 🙏 Godspeed Paul! 💗🌎
greatest of all time! Одно из самых лучших вступлений к лонгплеям, первые минуты данной открывающей композиции! 1:01 мелодия стоит как рингтон на смартфоне, сопровождает все звонки. Очень забавно, когда в твоём окружении у всех стандартные рингтоны или что-то очень популярное. А у тебя то, что никто не знает )
We needed this, I'm in tears honestly, bringing back alot of memories. Because of the Jazz style of music & overall how amazing your lyrics are, even my mum loves you. I especially love Sein Reinert RIP.
I saw Cynic in 94' in Berkeley Ca. It was a surreal experience.. They were all still kids/young adults but musically mature beyond thier ages and the times.
Focus is a life changing album. It's the only album that I didn't get at first, but didn't want to give up on either. It took me around 10 listens before I could understand and fell in love with this music. Thanks, Cynic, RIP Reinert and Malone
I had a similar experience. A friend wanted me to check it out. This was 93sh so it was fresh. I sat in his car and he started the tape. It was in the middle of some song, I remember it being this one actually. It only took me maybe 20 to 30 seconds to Focus in on it but at first it was like alien noise. Craziest thing really. As soon as I wrapped my head around what I was hearing I got that endorphin release, hair standing up, tingling in the spine ect ... instant all time favorite for me. It may take 30 more years for it to be properly appreciated but I'm convinced that some generation is going to come along and make this album a mainstream classic.
Woah, I remember Jason talking about making a Focus documentary several years ago, but now seeing it come to light? I am so excited and cannot wait for this.
Sounds as fresh as when I first heard it 30 years ago. I miss our fellow travelers who left us but it was nice to see them in the video. Even caught a Chuck sighting too.
Just can’t get past how good this album was/is/and will be forever more. Those who get it, are in awe of this magnificent timeless work. Long may it continue to influence.
This hits just as deep as it did when it first came out. Look at those guys! The youth, the ninetees, the prowess on their instruments. Thank you so much for Focus. Rest in peace, Sean Reinert and Sean Malone.
I met Sean Malone at a guitar festival around 1996. I was wearing the Cynic Focus shirt and he said "Nice shirt" to me and I noticed it was him and started chatting. He told me that Jason Gobel was working in a tile factory and I said "That's such a waste of talent". He asked if I had a demo and sadly I was unprepared.
this particular album made me elevate my being to another level. This album makes me feel many feelings, mostly good and comforting. thank you paul and jason for continuing to give me hope and strength. Freedom and reason shrine through.
Focus is the album that broadened my horizons in terms of what metal could be. When I discovered it I was knee deep into bands like Necrophagist, Dying Fetus, and similarly "brutal" tech death that--don't get me wrong--is great but I always felt was missing *something*. Turns out what it was missing was the atmosphere Focus is absolutely drenched in. Practically overnight after listening to this album I became a giant prog dork and have never looked back.
Don't forget the SONGWRITING. Cynic stand head and shoulders above their peers and the bands they've influenced due in large part to their focus on the craft of songwriting/composition. This is a criminally overlooked aspect.
Man this album changed everything for me. How I listen to music, approach spirituality and travel through life. Thank you Cynic! Rip Sean Reinert and Sean Malone. 🙏
Whomever edited this video, I must give great props to. The timing of each individual live clip to the audio with how fast they cycle must of been a great endeavor. Cheers to Cynic!
I still can't comprehend the fact that they wrote "Focus" when they were in their early 20s and on top of that, they did it in 1993. For instance, I wouldn't be shocked if it'd been released in this day and age when you could get inspirations from so many bands but not in 1993. Cynic will always be one of my favourite bands of all time. Because these guys never cared about fame and such, only focused on making music that they'd love to play.
I was talking with Paul Masvidal recently about my son's (then) upcoming high school graduation. He mentioned that he'd missed his high school graduation ceremony because he was off touring Mexico with Death. These guys were children, man! It blows my mind.
Nice to see them remaster this. Even though Focus is one of my favorite albums of all time, it has one of the worst mixes I've ever heard on a great album :D. Also so nice to see old live performances and studio clips from the 80s/90s.
I remember when this came out. My and my guitar friends lost our fucking minds. I'm not at all surprised at how much music is influenced by this very album. Doesn't even sound 30 years old.
3:09 Chuck Schuldiner ❤
Really a once in a century album
This album is magic
It's truly a masterpiece and I don't use that term lightly.
i was totally confused when it came out hey as i was into death and thrash metal but after several listens i was like wow this is something special. still the greatest thing ever.
That's what I said in 1992
Saw em live also, but that had some girl on vocals.
They had some random girl on vocals circa 1992!
I love the little clips of Chuck and the guys from Atheist hanging out. That’s one of the things I love about the Florida scene in the early 90’s; the bands were all just hanging out.
I work in a music store in NJ. Had a shredder in his 50's come in who was in that scene during its hayday. We talked for a while about Florida in the late 80's - early 90's. He said it was craziness. Everyone was just trying to have a band that did something, anything at all. He said basically anyone with a pulse was getting signed left and right. However, the scene was still relatively small. You could go to any show and find what is in essence the big four of OSDM all there, whether they were playing or just hanging out. Lots of cool stories from what was seemingly one of the coolest scenes ever. It burned hot and fast, that's for sure!
I find it quite unbelievable all of the best old-school death metal came out of Florida. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if it came out of one of those Nordic countries with horrible depressing weather, but it came out of a place with sub-tropical climate and palm trees everywhere. Really weird...
Thank you so much for this. Sean Malone & Sean Reinert will never be forgotten. 🙏
and chuck who appears briefly
Probably the best metal rhythm section ever, maybe only behind Ward and Butler.
@@antoinesecret Yeah, Chuck at 3:09.
Awesome footage from the 90s. They are really ahead in metal genre at this time. World class musicianship. Max respect❤
Amen! 🙏🙌
Kings of their craft. Focus is a timeless album. 30 years and it's still listens like a new release.
I found it the other day and was surprised with the age
@@condorsmurphlyI love hearing this! I'm one of the older dudes that discovered the tape right after release and I can still remember it clearly. It was so alien. For the first moments I honestly didn't know what I was hearing though I knew it was musical. Then I Focused in 😉 and was able to follow the symmetry. It gave me some instant chills. Hair standing up on my neck .. endorphin release .. ect... instant all-time favorite.
They were so ahead of their time. There are few of these moments in musical history and Cynic owns one of them.
@@CynHicks I feel like I had a very similar reaction. It felt alien, otherworldly, but the symmetry, the counterpoint, the progressive harmonic concepts, it all made sense intuitively to my ears, but I still couldn't comprehend it. I kept listening, and re-listening, because while it felt alien, it still fascinated me, and drew me in. It kept rewarding me with every subsequent listen. The deeper I listened, the more it revealed itself to me. Now when I listen, it still feels alien, but it also feels equally inspired by the Divine, unquestionably.
@@dpclerks09 ..to be clear my first listen was of a tape in my friends car and he hit play from where he randomly left off before. It was in "the middle" of a song. 🤯
Rip Sean Reinert, Sean Malone, and Chuck. This is a great vid btw.
2020 was a killer
The album Focus has been my favorite of all time. But I regret of never get to meet both Seans...their sounds of musicianship will always be in my heart & will never be forgotten. Cynic 4 Life.
The jazz drumming oriented is unbelievable. And the guitarwork like this back in 90s is mind blowing. These guys are really genius back then. Hail Cynic!
To this day I can’t find a single album that sounds like Focus! So unique and creative with such innovative and progressive ideas!
This album is timeless, if it were released today, it would still be ahead of its time. Hearing new iterations of it just furthers that even more.
Very true, along with Atheist and Death the Florida scene back in the day seemed INSANE!
This remix and remaster is INSANE.
I gave this a chance but this sucks. Whoever did Human in like 2012 should’ve done this instead
03:09 Chuck!!! ❤❤❤
So ahead of its time even now. These guys were living in the future.
3:09 rip legend
I can clearly remember when for the first time i discovered Focus: the amazing chords, the lyrics, the elegance. All merged in a musical vision that is Art in its purest form. Thank you Cynic: i love you.
Happy to see Chuck show up (briefly) at 3:09
One of best death metal albums of all times. This album with "Human" and "Individual Thought Patterns" by Death change death metal world.
One of the most epic drum parts in Metal 's history..
I like the pattrens on How Could I, such a steady and open-minded parts!
So ahead of its time. I wish metal community was more open minded to appreciate those guys. I read that they even had bottles thrown at them during concerts, and I can imagine how discouraging those incidents can be.
I was alone in my room watching this, all excited, smiling, pointing on everyone, surprised... but this thing gone wild when Chuck appear! Thank you for this.
Same) it even hurt. Realising that these great guys are gone now -sean, sean and chuck
My morning started with goosebumps and by the end of this video tears. Boy are the two Sean's missed in the music world but this album forever lives on in the memory of many. Can't wait for the documentary.
Also we see a glimpse of our Lord Chuck 😢
this song makes me proud to be named Maya
Thank you Cynic. You've helped make me the musician I am today.
PS- Also thank you Paul, for keeping things going.
This video is a homage not only for Sean Malone and Sean Reinert, but also for the underground metal community of those years, years that I never lived because I'm young but that feel nostalgic anyway. From the band t-shirts, pubs and small but warm stages to the appearence of gone friends, this video is like going back in time to the old-school death metal days.
I love Cynic and I'm grateful to them for so many reasons. RIP Sean Reinert and Sean Malone.
I'm one whose carried Focus around since the 90's, imagine my joy getting this 30th anniversary remaster, a true masterpiece of an album!
I’m thankful to have shared a few emails with Sean M. in the late 90’s. One of the all-time greats of my instrument. His solo in “Textures” was perfect.
Very nicely put together. Legends. RIP to the Seans and Chuck.
Was, is and will be one of the examples of pure transcendence and piwer of audial visionary in music.
THIS is a true music of our multiverse!
Good and joyful journey to Sean and Sean, thank you for your legacy, you left on this planet!
It's been a long time since listening to such rich music with nostalgic memories from the late 80s together with Death vibes. Thank you, I couldn't ask for more, now I have an ocean to explore. And also (very important), massive respect for Mr. Masvidal who were rocking these mind blowing melodies at that time while most of us were in diapers!
Speechless, the remix sounds incredible. And thank you for sharing these memories with us (the footage during the solo is epic!). Thank you also for being part of our musical life and being an inspiration also outside of music, for 30 years.
Cynic is a band composed entirely of Master Musicians.
Their music is transformative and healing on a deeply Spiritual level. They changed my life forever, and I will be forever grateful for that.
Rest in Peace Sean Reinert and Sean Malone 🙏
Godspeed Paul! 💗🌎
greatest of all time!
Одно из самых лучших вступлений к лонгплеям, первые минуты данной открывающей композиции!
1:01 мелодия стоит как рингтон на смартфоне, сопровождает все звонки. Очень забавно, когда в твоём окружении у всех стандартные рингтоны или что-то очень популярное. А у тебя то, что никто не знает )
It's wild looking behind them and seeing CRATE stacks. I never dreamed that they played those.
We needed this, I'm in tears honestly, bringing back alot of memories. Because of the Jazz style of music & overall how amazing your lyrics are, even my mum loves you. I especially love Sein Reinert RIP.
I saw Cynic in 94' in Berkeley Ca. It was a surreal experience.. They were all still kids/young adults but musically mature beyond thier ages and the times.
My Favourite band ever
Focus is a life changing album. It's the only album that I didn't get at first, but didn't want to give up on either. It took me around 10 listens before I could understand and fell in love with this music. Thanks, Cynic, RIP Reinert and Malone
I had a similar experience. A friend wanted me to check it out. This was 93sh so it was fresh. I sat in his car and he started the tape. It was in the middle of some song, I remember it being this one actually. It only took me maybe 20 to 30 seconds to Focus in on it but at first it was like alien noise. Craziest thing really. As soon as I wrapped my head around what I was hearing I got that endorphin release, hair standing up, tingling in the spine ect ... instant all time favorite for me.
It may take 30 more years for it to be properly appreciated but I'm convinced that some generation is going to come along and make this album a mainstream classic.
Woah, I remember Jason talking about making a Focus documentary several years ago, but now seeing it come to light? I am so excited and cannot wait for this.
Had no clue this was in the works - Focus has been a big part of my life for near 20 years now. Will be watching!
Documentary and remixed album incoming? 😮
I remember when this hit the shelves. Legendary album with incredible talent all the way around
4:00 that legendary Morrisound couch...
One has to have dozens of re-incarantions to create such a spiritual experience, at such a young age. Blessed souls
It was awesome to finally catch this again in London this week. Hearing Focus in its entirety made my week!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I first heard this as a early teen, still amazing 20 years later!
Sounds as fresh as when I first heard it 30 years ago. I miss our fellow travelers who left us but it was nice to see them in the video. Even caught a Chuck sighting too.
So young ,and so much talent...I'm envious 🙄
Be inspired, instead! Create your own "Focus"!
Such a masterpiece of an album top to bottom.
Timeless music that can never be replicated
Just can’t get past how good this album was/is/and will be forever more. Those who get it, are in awe of this magnificent timeless work. Long may it continue to influence.
Amen!
I'm incredibly excited about the upcoming Cynic Focus documentary. So rad!
This hits just as deep as it did when it first came out. Look at those guys! The youth, the ninetees, the prowess on their instruments. Thank you so much for Focus. Rest in peace, Sean Reinert and Sean Malone.
This brings back so many memories...
Sean Malone was such an incredible bass player. I am thankful for have known him and for him instilling some of his knowledge in me.
I met Sean Malone at a guitar festival around 1996. I was wearing the Cynic Focus shirt and he said "Nice shirt" to me and I noticed it was him and started chatting. He told me that Jason Gobel was working in a tile factory and I said "That's such a waste of talent". He asked if I had a demo and sadly I was unprepared.
Jason is active again. He just took a different path, but it seems like he's playing music.
The remaster i didn't knew i needed...
this particular album made me elevate my being to another level.
This album makes me feel many feelings, mostly good and comforting.
thank you paul and jason for continuing to give me hope and strength.
Freedom and reason shrine through.
Focus is the album that broadened my horizons in terms of what metal could be. When I discovered it I was knee deep into bands like Necrophagist, Dying Fetus, and similarly "brutal" tech death that--don't get me wrong--is great but I always felt was missing *something*. Turns out what it was missing was the atmosphere Focus is absolutely drenched in. Practically overnight after listening to this album I became a giant prog dork and have never looked back.
Don't forget the SONGWRITING.
Cynic stand head and shoulders above their peers and the bands they've influenced due in large part to their focus on the craft of songwriting/composition. This is a criminally overlooked aspect.
This band is a monumental milestone in just how out there you can get, but still retain the supreme death metal that leaves dents in your face!
No estoy llorando, me entró una basurita a los ojos ❤🙏
Está lloviendo, hermano
estoy llorando en esta tribuna
me sumo al llanto
@@Gabriel-pz9ct Esta es una hermosa manera de expresar un sentimiento que muchos sienten. Esta es Gracia. Gracias hermano.
So Beautiful!!!!
Man this album changed everything for me. How I listen to music, approach spirituality and travel through life. Thank you Cynic! Rip Sean Reinert and Sean Malone. 🙏
one of my favourite albums by my favourite drummer RIP Sean
Grandioso. Discazo, no hay que agregar más
Awesome. Neat that you got some quick shots of Chuck, Kelly, Rand, Scotty, some of the other clowns :) Great stuff!
Padre Santo! "Focus" no es un simple disco. Es una obra de arte monumental adelantada a su tiempo. Es música para el alma y la conciencia
What a lovely invitation to get back to this gem of an album!
The fact that half of Cynic is no longer with us does not make the world a better place.
is that Schuldiner at 3:09 ?!
Whomever edited this video, I must give great props to. The timing of each individual live clip to the audio with how fast they cycle must of been a great endeavor. Cheers to Cynic!
You were way ahead of the times. Masterpiece!
Tremendo.
Happy Birthday, Beautiful Master Sean Reinert! 🙏
unbelievable!! great quality of footage. can't believe it's been 30 years already...
This record means so much to me, I can only imagine what it means to all the souls who worked on this project
Love this band
Totally 100% ahead of there time when this came out....
Awww the old times. Love all of you, guys. Thanks for all.
The Sean's will never be forgotten..
Great remix.. 👍🤘🤘
So much joy in this footage, I'm in tears, thanks for everything you gave us, this is a celebration of life and inmortality
Sounding great, the genius is still there, can't wait for the full album release
The Pink Floyd of Metal pure art 👌
I still can't comprehend the fact that they wrote "Focus" when they were in their early 20s and on top of that, they did it in 1993. For instance, I wouldn't be shocked if it'd been released in this day and age when you could get inspirations from so many bands but not in 1993. Cynic will always be one of my favourite bands of all time. Because these guys never cared about fame and such, only focused on making music that they'd love to play.
I was talking with Paul Masvidal recently about my son's (then) upcoming high school graduation. He mentioned that he'd missed his high school graduation ceremony because he was off touring Mexico with Death. These guys were children, man! It blows my mind.
1:16 lol. Time capsule. Love this ❤️
I m going High School first time listen Focus album " Oh My Gosh sounds incedirable!" and still loved
I love u guys and Rest in peace Sean x 2
12月の日本講演まで何とか頑張って生きる！
Theses guys are just on another level
great vid, cant wait for documentary and full album
3:09 Chuck!
Nice to see them remaster this. Even though Focus is one of my favorite albums of all time, it has one of the worst mixes I've ever heard on a great album :D. Also so nice to see old live performances and studio clips from the 80s/90s.
🤩🤩🤩 Thank you so much for amazing memories, Sean Malone and Sean Reinert forever 😪😪😪😪 Refocus LP preordered today 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘👍👍
May the Seans rest in peace and jam together foreva!
rip sean malone and sean reinert. thank you for everything
One of the Greatest Bands Ever to Grace the Planet!!!
Amen!
Untouchable by time,beyong critisism ,to me a true momument of art full of personal and human emotions.Pure energy.
Hear hear!!!
Amen!
Crying with emotion. Speachless. Love you all.
Cool video for sure!!!!
I remember when this came out. My and my guitar friends lost our fucking minds. I'm not at all surprised at how much music is influenced by this very album. Doesn't even sound 30 years old.
3:56 -> Bruuuh
They were ahead of their time not only musically ...
It was great!
Love you guys! I live you all
Such a masterpiece beyond the universe..