Although highly regarded in their time Cynic was noted more for their individual members' contributions to other acts (Atheist, Pestilence, Death, Gordian Knot). They were formed in 1987 and released several demos before recording their debut album, Focus, in 1993. The album was a unique metal phenomenon, as it included long instrumental work-outs, with influences taken from jazz, which had been a territory largely unexplored by metal bands prior to Cynic. In 2008, they returned with Traced in Air and have been constantly touring ever since.