The world lost both Cynic bassist Sean Malone and drummer Sean Reinert in 2020. Reinert passed away in January due to heart issues, and Malone passed away in December due to unspecified circumstances.
Cynic vocalist and guitarist Paul Masvidal posted a retrospective on both his lost bandmates, adding that he will hold a virtual memorial for both of them. Masvidal also promises a new Cynic album in 2021.
"Having lived through the loss of my two Cynic lifelong musical bandmates/friends in 2020, I’ve become intimate with the energy of grief. One thing in particular is experientially clear to me now:
"We are all living in a kaleidoscopic process of change. A constant flow.
"Sometimes we shift a little, and blue is dominant, we shift again and pink is dominant. Our identities are like that. There is no free standing self. We are a flow of awareness that rests on the body. We are awareness itself.
"When I first heard the news about Malone‘s death earlier this month, I went from being actively engaged in a creative process to feeling like I was suddenly up to my neck in quicksand. I was unable to play my guitar for weeks, and found myself expending whatever energy I had cleaning and organizing my home. Grief is the most powerful experience; it wipes everything else away.
"Thank you for the support and comfort I’ve received. I’m reminded through your messages, that we’re all in this together and that the Cynic family has endured through a lifetime of kaleidoscopic change. A new record will see the light of day in the new year, along with a plan to organize a virtual musical memorial/celebration of Malone and Reinert.
"I know this has been a turbulent year for everyone. Loving and kind New Years wishes to you all. May you have peace of mind, freedom from fear, may you have everything you need; love, shelter, food, and good health."
