On March 8th, 2024, we traveled to Bochum to catch the beginning of CRYPTOSIS, CYNIC, and OBSCURA’s The Focus Of A Valediction tour. CYNIC intended to focus attention on the reissue of their famous album “Focus,” following a remaster and new mix, an album that has left a legendary legacy throughout the band’s career. Guitarist and frontman Paul Masvidal embarked on a quest to bring that legacy back to Europe once more, playing “Focus” in its entirety alongside co-headliner, the technical death metal German band OBSCURA, with thrash metal band CRYPTOSIS as support. OBSCURA‘s frontman Steffen Kümmerer was also set to join CYNIC onstage to provide additional vocals until the evening took an unexpected turn.
Despite a significant delay in the schedule, the evening began with a performance by the Dutch trio CRYPTOSIS, delivering a dose of thrash metal. However, their style infuses elements from other sub-genres, blending harsh black metal, fast thrashy riffs, and groovier death metal with a futuristic touch, making their style particularly interesting. These elements, combined with their energetic performance and interactions with the crowd, made CRYPTOSIS’ set memorable.
As the concert progressed, attendees remained puzzled by the schedule delay. The reason became apparent when CYNIC took the stage next. Frontman Paul Masvidal appeared alone and explained that the concert couldn’t proceed as planned due to drummer Matt Lynch being stuck in transit from the USA to Germany. Despite this setback, frontman Masvidal received positive engagement from the crowd, who cheered him on to start the show. He proceeded to perform some of his solo work and solo versions of CYNIC classics, such as “Evolutionary Sleeper.” The creative mind behind CYNIC also engaged with the crowd, reflecting on touring and comparing it to the condensed experience of everyday life, before concluding that the day alone felt like an entire year considering the band’s difficulties upon arrival in Europe.
While the concert deviated from the original plan, it’s worth noting that the majority of CYNIC followers are familiar with Masvidal‘s solo work, which is calmer but truly just as compelling and emotional. The singer and guitarist also took a moment to pay tribute to his former band members, drummer Sean Reinert and bassist Sean Malone, who were symbolically represented behind him in the form of a tall banner. Both of these renowned musicians have left a lasting impact on the musical world beyond their passing.
Despite the change in tempo from the previous act and the extended wait for the evening to begin, the audience’s spirits remained high as they welcomed OBSCURA to the stage. The band opened with “Forsaken” from their most recent full-length album “A Valediction,” followed by classics like “Septuagint,” a composition that carries significant power live. It starts with an acoustic passage as an intro that ultimately explodes into a plethora of complex heavy riffing, consequently showcasing their signature sound and the unique, prominent styles of guitarists Christian Münzner and frontman/guitarist Steffen Kümmerer. For this tour, bassist Alex Weber (MALIGNANCY, EXIST, and SVENGAHLI) and drummer Gabe Seeber (VEIL OF PNATH, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS) joined their efforts live. OBSCURA ensured the crowd received the promised dose of heaviness for the evening.
Check our photo gallery of the evening here…
Cryptosis
Cynic
Obscura
Text & Photos by Michelle R.
