SOREPTION’s IAN WAYE Joins SUICIDE SILENCE For Live Shows, MARK HEYLMUN Explains His Hiatus From Years Ago

Suicide Silence have clarified their path forward following news that founding guitarist Chris Garza is stepping back from live performances, with longtime guitarist Mark Heylmun issuing a candid statement reaffirming the band’s momentum and plans for upcoming tours.

In late 2025, Garza announced that he’s taking a hiatus from Suicide Silence‘s live activities while stressing that he is still very much a member of the band he founded in 2002. The announcement prompted questions from fans about the deathcore giants’ future — questions Heylmun has now addressed head-on.

Sharing a detailed message with fans, Heylmun reflected on his nearly two decades in Suicide Silence, emphasizing both his personal investment in the band and his full support of Garza‘s decision. As for Garza’s fill-in, Suicide Silence has recruited the massively-talented Ian Waye of Soreption.

“Hey everyone, with the news of Garza‘s hiatus I thought I’d share some things I feel pertinent. I’ve been in this band since 2005. I did not start this band, but I’ve been a part of creating every piece of music (for better or worse) that you’ve heard minus the EP and early demos. I did play the EP release show at showcase theatre in my first months of joining.

“I took a break from the band for about 9 months in 2019 because I was preparing for my father’s passing who was fighting cancer and I knew it was only a matter of time. I never shared that publicly because I didn’t want my dad to know I was taking the break because of him. I’d have taken a longer break but was asked to come back to help write what became Become The Hunter.

“I fully support/respect Garza‘s decision to take a break. That said, SS is a part of my blood and DNA at this point and this band has always been a 5 headed dragon and the show must go on, and it will.

“I speak for the guys when I say we’re stoked to have a ripping fill in step up to the plate for all upcoming shows. We are bringing our friend @themilkywaye of Soreption on board as fill in for the upcoming European and Asian tours. For anyone familiar with Ian‘s playing you know he has a heavy right hand and can rip with the best of em. If it’s brief or if it’s for a while, we are gonna bring some serious firepower to every stage we step foot on as we always have. Can’t wait to see you all on the road!”

Garza addressed his hiatus directly in a statement of his own at the time, explaining that he just needed a break: “As some of you have noticed, I’ve missed the last couple Suicide Silence shows. It’s because I’m on a hiatus from the band. SuSi has been on my brain every day since 2002 with no break. Everything is fine. I just need to press the reset button so I can make the right decisions in the near future. As the Terminator said… I’ll be back.”