Sean Malone, Legendary Bassist of Cynic and Gordian Knot, Has Died, Age 50


Terrible news in the world of music as bassist Sean Malone, best known to metal fans for his time in Cynic, and other contributions to progressive music and Jazz, has died. He was just 50 years old. No cause of death has been revealed at this time. The news was shared by Cynic leader Paul Masvidal on Facebook in a message: “I learned today that Sean Malone has died. I am numb and grief-stricken. He had a brilliant mind, a gracious heart, and was one of the greatest musicians I’ve ever encountered. I know that this is a shocking loss for so many fans whose lives he touched with his artistry, as it is for me,” Paul added. “Please keep him in your thoughts and listen to his playing to celebrate his life.” In addition to playing on the critical Cynic albums Focus and their comeback Traced in Air, Sean was in several Cynic side projects, his own prog band Gordian Knot and wrote a series of incredible books on bass guitar for publisher Hal Leonard. Several artists also took to social media to share memories of Sean and grieve the loss. Malone’s death follows the passing of bandmate Sean Reinert, who died in 2020 at 48 years old. We send our sympathies out to his family, friends, and fans. Continue reading


Sean Reinert, Legendary Death Metal Drummer (Death, Cynic, Aeon Spoke) has Died, Age 48


UPDATED: 2020 continues to give us grief and loss of great drummers. News has broken that Sean Reinert, world-class Death Metal and Progressive Metal drumming legend, has died. Nd He was just 48 years old. Blabbermouth.net has reported that “he was apparently found unresponsive at his California home Friday night (January 24).” No cause of death has yet been revealed. He was only 48 years old.No further information has been given at this time. Sean’s lifelong friend Kelly Schaeffer of Athiest spread the news in a social media post. Reinert came to fame in bands such as Death and Cynic (a member until 2019), playing on genre classics such as Death’s Inhuman, and Cynic’s Focus, Traced In Air and more. He also featured in Gordian Knot, and Aeon Spoke. Sean also participated in the Death To All tribute band and tours, celebrate all the eras of the music of Death. Just a few months ago, Reinert’s drumming was the basis for a new series of drum samples from Toon Track, based on his work in Death. We send out condolences to Sean’s family, friends and fans at this time. Continue reading