Cynic's music defies typical genre categorization, instead embodying a principle rooted in truth and integrity, earning them the title of "breath-metal" pioneers. Their legacy challenges listeners to explore complex harmonic progressions akin to pop and jazz innovators like Milton Nascimento and Pat Metheny, described as both radical and progressive by music critics.

With albums like Traced In Air and Kindly Bent to Free Us, Cynic's sound draws comparisons to the intricate melodies of King Crimson and the futuristic flair of Allan Holdsworth, transcending traditional boundaries of time and genre. Their music, like the timeless Focus, resonates with a sense of otherworldly innovation that continues to captivate audiences across generations, cementing their position as groundbreaking artists in the realm of progressive music.