Suicide Silence has clarified its future direction following the announcement that founding guitarist Chris Garza will be stepping back from live performances. Longtime guitarist Mark Heylmun shared an open message to fans, reaffirming the band’s ongoing momentum adn plans for upcoming tours.
In late 2025, Garza revealed his decision to take a break from the band’s live activities, while emphasizing that he remains a vital member of the group he co-founded in 2002. This news raised concerns among fans about the future of these deathcore legends—concerns that Heylmun has now addressed directly.
In a heartfelt message to fans, Heylmun, reflecting on nearly two decades with suicide Silence, expressed both his personal investment in the band and his full support for Garza’s choice. To fill Garza’s role during this hiatus, Suicide Silence has enlisted the exceptionally talented Ian Waye, known for his work withSoreption.
“Hello everyone! With news ofGarza’s hiatus, I wanted to share some thoughts I feel are important,” said Heylmun. ”I joined this band in 2005; while I didn’t start it, I’ve been involved in shaping every piece of music (for better or worse) you’ve heard as than—except for our EP and early demos. I did perform at our EP release show shortly after joining.”
“I took a break from touring for about nine months in 2019 as I was preparing for my father’s passing due to cancer; it was only a matter of time before we lost him. I never publicly shared this because I didn’t want my dad to know how much it affected me. Eventually,though,I returned to help write what became *Become The hunter*.”
“I wholeheartedly support and respectGarza’s decision to take time off. That said,< strong >SS is part of my very being at this point; it’s always been a five-headed dragon and must continue moving forward—and it will.”
< p>“On behalf of all members, I’m excited that we have an amazing replacement ready to step up for all upcoming shows! Our freind @themilkywaye fromSoreption will join us on our European and Asian tours as our fill-in guitarist. For those familiar with Ian’s playing style, he possesses an impressive skill set capable of shredding alongside any top-tier musician out there! Whether temporary or long-term, we’re bringing serious energy wherever we perform!”< / p >
< strong >Garza addressed his hiatus directly through his own statement at that time: “As many have noticed, I’ve missed several recent< strong >Suicide Silence shows recently because I’m taking some time off from performing with the band.< / p >
This project has occupied my mind daily since 2002 without pause; everything is fine—I just need some space so that when I’m back I’ll make better decisions moving forward.” As The Terminator famously stated… ’I’ll be back.'”
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