Cynic Releases Final Unreleased Sean Malone Track and Transcription

The world lost an amazing musician in December of 2020 with the passing of Cynic bassist Sean Malone. Bandleader Paul Masvidal has now opened up on the details of the fretless metal icon’s death in a touching tribute.

“Since my friend and Cynic bandmate Sean Malone’s passing in late 2020, many people have publicly speculated about, and privately reached out to me regarding, the circumstances around his death,” he wrote on Facebook. “I have kept my silence as I have worked through my grief and out of respect for Malone’s privacy. Questions and rumors have persisted, so I want to share what I can with the many fans whose lives he touched so deeply and who are seeking closure. On December 7, 2020, Malone was found dead by suicide in Largo, Florida, where his mother had lived. She had been ailing for some time before her death in 2018; Malone had been her sole caregiver during her difficult final year. Then, in January 2020, we suddenly lost our bandmate, Sean Reinert. Combined with his mother’s loss, it was an emotional double whammy that hit Malone hard.”

The Cynic frontman shared more details, but importantly he is using the opportunity to do something good.

“As I share this sad news about his death, I want to celebrate his life by sharing one of his most beautiful and lyrical moments ever recorded, and one which his fans have not yet heard. A few years after the release of Cynic’s Re- Traced EP, Sean Malone recorded fretless bass on this solo guitar and vocal track titled ‘Integral.’ Here’s a video celebrating his playing, and a full transcription in his honor along with the song file + transcriptions for download from Bandcamp.”

Fans can donate what they wish for the song, which includes Malone’s playing as well as a bass-less version for playing along, and the transcription. He’s donating 50% of proceeds to the suicide prevention organizations To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) and The Trevor Project. The remaining proceeds are going towards funding a documentary about the lives of Malone and Cynic drummer Sean Reinert.

Hear the song below and donate for the track and transcription via Bandcamp