The guitarist will remain involved behind the scenes, having previously spoken about sobriety and support among musicians on the road.
Suicide Silence guitarist Mark Heylmun will sit out the band’s Reminders Of Hell tour to prioritise his sobriety and mental health. He will remain a member of the group.
In a statement posted on 7 November, Heylmun said touring had long been difficult for him. He needed to make changes to sustain his future onstage.
“I’m not stepping away from Suicide Silence. I’ll still be involved behind the scenes,” he wrote.
With Graceless due on 20 November, Heylmun said the decision had been difficult. He needed a stronger foundation in his sobriety before returning to the road confidently.
He also thanked his supporters, bandmates and “Jordan for stepping in”. The post tags guitarist Jordan Lockrey.
His latest statement does not identify a substance.
Heylmun has previously discussed changing his relationship with alcohol and life on tour. In a 2014 Alternative Press interview, excerpted by Lambgoat, he described trying to sober up after years of drinking and other substance use.
He returned to the subject in a 2023 interview with The Rockman Power Hour, transcribed by Blabbermouth. Reflecting on his own experiences of sobriety, Heylmun said sober musicians could offer support to others on the road. He also described a growing acceptance of musicians looking after themselves.
His current announcement followed the tour’s 6 November opening show in Riverside, California, according to Lambgoat. Heylmun has not announced a return date or specified arrangements for touring commitments beyond Reminders Of Hell.
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