Cynic Planning New Album & Virtual Memorial For Late Band Members

To say 2020 was a tragic year for Cynic would be an drastic understatement. The band suffered the loss of two key players in their history. Former drummer Sean Reinert passing away in January due to an aortic rupture and heart-related issues. His death was sadly followed by that of the band’s bassist Sean Malone earlier this month.

Frontman/guitarist Paul Masvidal currently plans to honor the duo with a virtual memorial/celebration in 2021 and is also pushing forward with a new Cynic album. Speaking of the loss and and what is to come, Masvidal stated yesterday, December 30th:

“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.”