Cynic drummer Sean Reinert has contacted BraveWords with a statement clarifying the situation surrounding the band’s demise.

Says Reinert: “I would just like to clarify that this break up was not out of the blue. It was a long time coming. As I posted earlier on my social media sites, that when you are in a bad or unhealthy marriage/relationship you get a divorce. You don't ask if you can, you just do it. I don't have to ask Paul (Masvidal - guitars/vocals) for permission to split up the partnership, which is what Cynic was.

“People can finger point all they want but if you just use common sense and look at the common denominators all around it should be apparent what the problem is. I understand it might be an inconvenience to him but that is life. Paul's new project was supposed to open up on the upcoming European tour (how is that metal??) so I think that's playing a role in the bitterness as well.

“It was just too messy and too toxic to continue. How many guitar players have we had? Bass players? Engineers?”

Paul Masvidal previously issued the message below, following Reinert’s announcement yesterday that the band “has come to an end”.

Says Masvidal: “Dear fans and friends, this is all news to me. I just landed from Japan and my inbox was exploding. Sean didn't confer with myself or (bassist Sean) Malone about Cynic's official breakup or the tour being cancelled.

“I’m honestly somewhat relieved it's finally over since it's been quite challenging over the years but I'm also trying to figure out how to possibly salvage this tour (with a new drummer) since the damage he's causing by pulling out at this last minute is inconceivable for me at the moment.

“Please share this message with friends or fans as Sean has taken me off our FB page so I can't access it at the moment. Love to you all. I apologize for the drama... but sometimes life gets messy.

“P.S. Cynic will continue one way or another.”

Sean Reinert’s original message from September 10th follows:

“It is with a heavy heart that I post today's Cynic news. Cynic is no longer an active band. Due to artistic and personal differences, the second chapter in the Book Of Cynic has come to an end.

“I will say the last shows we played in Japan have left me with a positive charge, even though they were the last live performances with Paul (Masvidal ), Sean Malone and I on the same stage. My longstanding creative partnership with Paul, which started when we were very young kids in south Florida, has simply endured so much friction that there is no way, from my perspective, that Cynic can be salvaged, repaired or kept afloat by any means.

“I profusely apologize to the fans who were not only expecting us in China and Taiwan (that was not our fault), but to the fans who were planning to see us in Europe next month. These things happen, unfortunately, to bands. There can be differing levels of conflicts and/or differences in opinions, musical directions, or perspectives. Sometimes these things are insurmountable, and no amount of time or effort can resolve them. This is the case with Cynic.

“This page will stay up, and of course there are our respective personal pages and websites that will continue to let everyone know what we’re doing individually. I wish all of you love & peace.”

Stay tuned for updates.