Mark Heylmun explains his absence from Suicide Silence in 2018
If you're a lover of all things heavy, you'd know it's been two years since Suicide Silence last graced our shores with an Australian tour, just prior to the band releasing their (questionable) 2016 self-titled album. What you may not know is that since February this year lead guitarist Mark Heylmun has been noticeably absent from their touring lineup and instead Mike "Lonestar" Carrigan of Darkest Hour has been filling in, in his place.
Well, some fans obviously figured it out and questions started flying about where he was and why he wasn't with the band anymore, so Mark finally revealed he's been taking a "radical sabbatical" from the band to focus on himself and his family. In a statement on his Instagram page he revealed:
"So the cat is outta the bag... I’m not on tour with the band. I’ve been on radical sabbatical since about February of this year. I just feel I need a break to spend time with my family and give my mind and body the attention it deserves. I’ve abused myself for years and a member of my families health has got me aware of mortality and the length of time I may have on this earth. It landed me on the “it’s all or nothing” state of mind for the band... and right now the attention I am used to giving the band is not there."
"I am not in a bad way of any sort or in a depressed state, I just wanna listen to my heart and do what feels right. It has never steered me wrong in the past. So with that I’m still writing music, planning new ventures, and I WILL be back to ripping for SS when the time is right. Super stoked @lonestardh is filling in for me on #Ragefest. Peace & Love y’all!!"
So no need to fear, no departure bad blood between him and the band, just a hiatus and R&R. Wishing Mark and his family all the best. In the meantime (until we wait for another tour announcement) revisit the last time we spoke to Mark just prior to the band's 2016 tour, which (fun fact) is one of the most popular interviews we've conducted on the site.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlocXJqgRBL/?taken-by=markheylmun
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQgMTuyjATk&w=853&h=480]
