Suicide Silence guitarist Mark Heylmun has decided to sit out the band’s current US tour. He wants to focus on his sobriety and mental health. He stressed, however, that he is not leaving Suicide Silence and will continue working with his bandmates behind the scenes.
Mark Heylmun explains why he is sitting out the tour
After much reflection, Heylmun decided not to take part in the Reminders Of Hell Tour, which began on November 6. He says some things need to change if he is to keep playing with the band for years to come.
He says: “Right now, I need to put my sobriety and mental health first.”
Reassuring fans about his future with Suicide Silence, he adds, “I’m not leaving Suicide Silence. I’ll continue working with the band behind the scenes. I’ve had to face the fact that life on tour has always been difficult for me. And if I want to keep doing this for years to come, some things need to change.”
The decision was especially difficult with Suicide Silence set to release their new album, Graceless, on November 20 via Century Media Records.
Heylmun also explains, “With the release of Graceless approaching, this really wasn’t an easy decision to make. But I know I need to strengthen my sobriety first before I can confidently get back on the road.”
The guitarist also thanked his bandmates for their support, as well as Jordan Lockrey, who will fill in for him onstage. He acknowledges that he still has work to do and intends to “come back stronger than ever”.
Suicide Silence’s tour continues without him
The US tour continues with Emmure, AngelMaker and Synestia through December 13. Machine Head’s Robb Flynn, Whitechapel’s Phil Bozeman and Lacuna Coil’s Cristina Scabbia are among the musicians who have voiced their support for Heylmun.
Suicide Silence also have a European tour planned for spring 2027 with Fleshgod Apocalypse. His participation in that tour has yet to be confirmed.
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