Avenged Sevenfold Recruit New Drummer

After the sudden death of James "The Rev" Sullivan, this past December, the remaining members of Avenged Sevenfold were forced to search for a replacement drummer.  The band announced the addition of Dream Theater drummer, Mike Portnoy, to help record their upcoming album.  

The band released this statement about the addition: Mike [Portnoy] said it would be an honor and without question that's what Jim would have wanted. It's comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev's abilities."


"Even under normal circumstances, I would've been happy to help the guys out in any way I could as I think Avenged Sevenfold are a great band...but under these incredibly sad and tragic circumstances, I must say I am truly honored to have been asked to play with them and I didn't even have to think twice about saying 'yes,'" said Portnoy.


"These guys are a true family and it is an incredibly emotional experience to be here with them for the first time without their lost brother. But they have welcomed me into the family with open arms and there's a real excitement to make the record they had set out to make. 

I want their fans to realize that I'm not trying to step into or fill The Rev's shoes...I'm just merely lacing 'em up for him!"


The latest album by the hardcore band was a self-titled album released in 2007, followed by Live in the LBC: Diamonds in the Rough released in 2008.