Cynic bassist Sean Malone, 50, dies

It is being reported that Sean Malone, the influential bassist for progressive metal act Cynic, has passed away at the age of 50.

According to a report from Lambgoat, the news came from Cynic’s co-founder and frontman Paul Masvidal, who shared the following news:

"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."

Malone joined the band in 1993, just in time to record their debut studio album Focus. He is the bassist for all three of Cynic’s studio albums, including 2008’s Traced in Air and 2014’s Kindly Bent To Free Us. Malone also released a solo album, Cortlandt, in 1996, and performed on releases from Gordian Knot, Aghora, and OSI.