Suicide Silence guitarist Mark Heylmun has announced that he will not perform on the band’s fall tour to prioritize his sobriety and mental health. Heylmun posted on Instagram.
Heylmun explained his decision to skip the “Reminders Of Hell” tour and what it means for his future with the band.
“After A LOT of thought, I’ve decided not to go on the ‘Reminders Of Hell’ tour,” Heylmun said. “Right now I need to put my sobriety and my mental health first.”
He added that he remains committed to Suicide Silence despite stepping back from touring. “I’m not stepping away from Suicide Silence. I’ll still be involved behind the scenes. I’ve had to accept that life on the road has always been a difficult environment for me, and if I want to keep doing this for years to come, some things need to change.”
Heylmun acknowledged that the timing is challenging, with new music from the band on the horizon. “With ‘Graceless’ coming out, this definitely wasn’t an easy decision. But I know I need to build a solid foundation in my sobriety before I can confidently get back out there. I’m grateful for everyone who’s supported me, for the band standing behind me, and to Jordan for stepping in. I’ve got work to do… it’s time to level up and come back stronger than ever.”
The announcement comes as Suicide Silence prepares for the fall tour with a replacement guitarist stepping in for the dates.
Suicide Silence’s new album Graceless is set to arrive on November 20 through Century Media Records. The record draws from the band’s early MySpace-era deathcore sound while maintaining a fresh, contemporary feel. The Reminders Of Hell tour, which kicked off on November 6 in Riverside, California, runs through December 13 in Los Angeles, and features support from Emmure, AngelMaker and Synestia.
Heylmun is not the first member of Suicide Silence to step back from touring recently. Guitarist Chris Garza took a leave of absence earlier in the year, during which Soreption’s Ian Waye filled in on guitar. Garza officially returned to the band in July 2026 after his hiatus.
Heylmun has been open about his relationship with sobriety in previous interviews. In a 2014 conversation with Alternative Press, he discussed efforts to stop drinking after years of substance use. He returned to the topic in 2023 when speaking with The Rockman Power Hour, reflecting on how sober musicians could support others on the road and noting a growing acceptance of musicians prioritizing their health.
