Suicide Silence recently played a new song live and fans noted that guitarist Mark Heylmun was absent from the show. Darkest Hour's Mike "Lonestar" Carrigan was seen filling in for Heylmun, who did not announce anything about his absence at the time.
Now he's taken to Instagram to say that he's been on sabbatical from the band since February to spend time with his family and that he does plan on returning to the group.
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!! ?✌?❤️??