Sean Reinert

Sean Landon Reinert (May 27, 1971 – January 24, 2020) was an American musician.

In 1991, Reinert and Paul Masvidal (also of Cynic) joined the band Death to record the Human album.

This album is seen by many as the start of the technical death metal genre.

After touring with Death, he returned to Cynic.

1993 saw the release of Focus (regarded as a landmark release in the field of technical/progressive metal) on the Roadrunner Records label.

In 1999, Reinert helped form Æon Spoke alongside Masvidal, which is described as an "ethereal rock" band.

The band saw releases in 2004 and 2007, receiving national and satellite airplay, performing, hosting radio appearances, and even appearing on television show and motion picture soundtracks.

Roadrunner re-released it in 2005 as a special collector's edition due to high demand.

After Cynic's disbandment Reinert had been a member of the Cynic spin-off band Portal which released a demo but eventually disbanded.

Having relocated to Los Angeles, Reinert continued working with music by writing and performing for television shows and motion pictures.

During this time in 2006, it was announced that Cynic would reform for a tour which took place in the summer of 2007.

The reformed lineup then recorded a follow-up to Focus entitled Traced in Air, which was released in 2008 and followed by more touring.

In 2009, a new EP with Cynic was recorded scheduled for release in May 2010.

As of May 2014, he publicly revealed his homosexuality along with fellow Cynic member Paul Masvidal.

He was the drummer for the rock band Æon Spoke and the drummer and cofounded the progressive metal band Cynic along with Paul Masvidal until leaving the band in September 2015.

Reinert died on January 24, 2020, due to an aortic rupture.

Reinert credited Kenny Clarke, John Bonham, Neil Peart, Gary Husband and Vinnie Colaiuta as being important influences during his formative years.

Many artists have cited Reinert as an influence, including Peter Wildoer of Darkane, Brann Dailor of Mastodon, Gene Hoglan, Richard Christy, Dirk Verbeuren of Soilwork and Megadeth, Chris Pennie of The Dillinger Escape Plan and Coheed and Cambria, George Kollias of Nile, John Merryman of Cephalic Carnage, Daniel Moilanen of Katatonia, Elliot Hoffman of Car Bomb, Evan Sammons of Last Chance to Reason, and Mario Duplantier of Gojira.

In addition, other artists have been quoted expressing admiration for his work including Hannes Grossmann, Kai Hahto of Nightwish, Dan Presland of Ne Obliviscaris, and Danny Walker of Intronaut.