AVENGED SEVENFOLD announced that they will be performing in the UAE on May 4th.
The official press release states that the band will be performing in Dubai, while the location states that the event will be held at Flash Forum, located in Abu Dhabi.

Read the official press release after the break:

"Avenged Sevenfold announced today that they will be returning to the Far and Middle East beginning April 16th in Tokyo, Japan, for a tour that will culminate in a special show in Dubai, UAE on May 4th.

“We are excited to go back to the Far and Middle East,” said Avenged Sevenfold front man M. Shadows. "We played to some of the most amazing crowds when we toured the album there, and we can't wait to bring our live show back to our friends in those regions.”

Long time friends Metallica have asked Avenged Sevenfold to perform at the first ever Orion Music + More at Bader Field in Atlantic City, NJ, on June 24th. M. Shadows had this to say: "We really hadn't planned to play the United States in 2012. But after Lars called to describe their plans for Orion and asked us to join them, we decided there's no way we would miss it." The band toured with Metallica in 2006 as part of Metallica’s “Escape From The Studio Tour” and that year M. Shadows and Metallica’s James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich were featured together on the cover of Revolver Magazine. 3 years later, Avenged Sevenfold toured with Metallica on their “World Magnetic” tour.

In July 2010, Avenged Sevenfold released their fifth studio album Nightmare, which earned the band its highest-ever debut on the Billboard album chart when it bowed at No. 1 and topped the Rock, Hard Rock, and Digital charts. It has been certified gold by the RIAA and has scanned upwards of 660,000 units. The album spawned three hit singles – the gold-certified singles “Nightmare” and “Welcome To The Family,” and “So Far Away” – each of which peaked at Number 1 on the Media Base Active Rock chart. The title track was the most-played current song at Media Base Active Rock for 2010. Avenged Sevenfold have toured incessantly on their “Buried Alive” and “Welcome to the Family” tours selling out arenas around the world. They also headlined the Uproar Tour and the first annual Carolina Rebellion Festival in 2011 where the band played to a sold-out crowd of over 30,000 fans. The band also toured Iraq with the USO and has played to nearly 1,000,000 people in the last two years. Their breakout album City of Evil and the Live In The LBC DVD have both been certified platinum and the band’s self-titled album has been certified gold.



APRIL

16th Tokyo, Japan Zepp
18th Nagoya, Japan Diamond Hall
19th Osaka, Japan Hatch
22nd Taipei, Taiwan Taipei University Auditorium
24th Bangkok, Thailand Thunder Dome
26th Manila, Philippines Araneta
28th Singapore The Coliseum @ Hard Rock Hotel
29th Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Stadium Negara


MAY

1st Jakarta, Indonesia Carnaval Beach
4th Dubai, UAE Flash Forum"

[Via: Have You Scene That?]

AVENGED SEVENFOLD posted the following message on their official website, stating that the band has been rehearsing with Arin Ilejay (Ex-Confide) who will be joining the band on their next tour as their new drummer.

"We recently asked several friends who knew Jimmy and his style, and also knew our music and each of our personalities to suggest drummers to tour with us starting this year. Our long time studio drum tech, Mike Fasano, recommended Arin Ilejay. We've rehearsed with Arin and have been impressed with his technical skills, attitude and work ethic. We're very excited to tour with Arin and hope all of you will give him the warm welcome to the family we have.

Thanks for your never ending support. It means the world to us.

See you on the Nightmare After Christmas"

AVENGED SEVENFOLD recently parted ways with legendary drummer Mike Portnoy (Ex-Dream Theater) after reaching an awkward position due to media controversy arising between Portnoy and his former band mates in Dream Theater. Portnoy recorded drums for AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest studio album "Nightmare" after the band's original drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed away on December 28th, 2009 from a drug overdose.

Apparently, Mike Portnoy reached out to his former band mates in Dream Theater for a possible reformation of the original line-up. Unfortunately for die-hard DT fans; the band, or to be more specific, their lawyer declined Mike's offer.

It's really disappointing to see things reach a formal reply from the band's lawyer. Although, in their defense; it was too soon for Portnoy to attempt to settle things after the media sword fight the 2 sides waged upon one another, most recently.

Portnoy does mention in his message that:

"I figured it was still possible to try and save us because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer..."

Which is basically like looking down a gun's barrel, wondering if it's loaded.

Portnoy gets some props though, for the fact that he posted the statement on his own message board, to reply to his own fans; knowing full well that Blabbermouth will eventually troll it up for heavy metal bloggers, like this one, to leave their smart ass remarks on the whole situation.

One way or another, Portnoy will find his place. If Dream Theater are still too sour about the whole thing, and want some time to "cool off;" maybe Mike could take it as an opportunity to slay it up with some new Djenting blood. It didn't take Portnoy a whole week to track the drums for Avenged Sevenfold's "Nightmare."

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Seems like one person got the short end of the stick out of the whole Avenged Sevenfold/Dream Theater drama. And sadly it's the one that pounds a drum kit better than Courtney Love snorts a line.

Here's a song ironically fitting the situation; from Dream Theater's 2009 release "Black Clouds and Silver Linings."

It appears that the way Dream Theater and Mike Portnoy handled their split, resulted in Avenged Sevenfold ending their run with the drumming icon.

In a recent interview with The Pulse of Radio, Avenged Sevenfold front man M. Shadows, said that the band was not too happy about how Mike handled his split with his former bandmates, which ultimately resulted in causing tension between Avenged Sevenfold and Mike.

"We felt that maybe both parties could have handled it a little more internally without being so press release-happy about what had happened between them. Because we're a band that, really, when it comes to news all over web sites or this or that about bands, you know, we don't tweet much, we don't try to put ourselves out that much, and all the drama and controversy wasn't something that we wanted at all."

Portnoy posted the following message on his official site, breaking the news to his fans:

"Yes, the rumours are true...sadly my time with Avenged Sevenfold has come to an end...

The band has decided to carry on into 2011 without me...I had a great time with them throughout 2010, but it was their choice to end the relationship at the end of 2010 as was always the initial plan....

I had an awesome time on stage with the guys every night and have so many cool memories from the experience with them...I am proud to always be part of the A7X family and history.

I also adore the A7X fans and totally appreciate the way they welcomed me aboard and were so loving and supportive during my time with the band...thank you!

As far as my future, I am excited by the endless musical possibilities that lie ahead of me...my love for music runs very deep and my taste is very broad and ecclectic which will give me the chance to explore many different things and collaborate with many great friends and artists I admire and respect...

Happy Holidaze to you all and c-ya in the New Year,"

I don't want to say it, but seems like one person got the short end of the stick, out of all this Dream Theater/Avenged Sevenfold drama.


[Interview Source: Blabbermouth]

Alternative metal heavyweights Avenged Sevenfold, released a new video for the title track of their upcoming studio album "Nightmare," which can be viewed below.

Nightmare is scheduled for a July 27th release through Warner Bros. Records.

Avenged Sevenfold have also released a new lyric video for the song "Buried Alive" which can be viewed by clicking here.

Avenged Sevenfold will be releasing their first new studio album, since drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed away last year due to a "accidental" drug overdose. The album which is titled "Nightmare" is slated for a July 27th release via Warner Bros. Records.

The band posted a teaser clip for the first video from the release for the album's title track, which can be viewed by clicking here.

Alternative metal band Avenged Sevenfold, released the title track from their upcoming album "Nightmare" as the first single from the effort.

Since the band's drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed away last year, Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy has stepped in to handle drumming duties for the record.

Nightmare is set for a July 22nd release via Warner Bros. Records.

Alternative Metal band Avenged Sevenfold, have announced Nightmare as the title for their 5th studio album, which is set for a summer release via Warner Bros. Records. The album will be the band's first since former drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed away late last year, due to "natural causes."

Drumming legend Mike Portnoy joined the band to finish up recording their new album, and later on it was announced that he will also be going on tour with the fold.

You can listen to a 30 second sound clip from the title track from Avenged Sevenfold's new album Nightmare, below:



[Source: Blabbermouth]

Avenged Sevenfold posted the following on their official website:

"I want our fans to know that with Jimmy in our hearts, our journey to record has officially began. Jimmy helped leave this world an amazing gift and now it's our job to make sure to deliver that gift to our fans.

We asked Jimmy's all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that’s what Jim would have wanted. Its 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 though it will never be the same without our brother by our side, his essence lives in our hearts and through the music he helped create. He was a legend before any of the success or any of that bullshit and we are fucking excited to lay this down for our fans, and especially for Jimmy. -Avenged Sevenfold"


Later Mike Portnoy issued the following:

"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.' "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 am treating my participation on this album with the utmost respect for Jimmy's memory and am remaining as true as possible to the drum parts that he wrote for the songs and the record he wanted 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!"


Surprised?

Avenged Sevenfold's drummer/back up vocalist and co-founding member Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan passed away yesterday (Monday December 28th, 2009).

Jimmy was found dead in his home in Southern California at 1:PM on Monday, The Orange County Register is reporting that the 28 year old drummer passed away apparently due to natural causes.

The band posted the following statement on their official website:

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan.

Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Jimmy you are forever in our hearts.
We love you.

M Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Christ"

James Owen Sullivan, (born February 10, 1981) better known by his stage name, The Rev, or The Reverend Tholomew Plague was the drummer and back-up vocalist for the band Avenged Sevenfold, and lead vocalist in the avant-garde metal band Pinkly Smooth with fellow Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates.

Sullivan resided in Huntington Beach, California and was married to Leana MacFadden aka Leana Silver.

Jimmy also played many different instruments other than the drums, such as the piano and guitar and had used these abilities to write songs such as "A Little Piece of Heaven." Before leaving to join Avenged Sevenfold, Sullivan performed with the third wave ska band Suburban Legends as their drummer. [Source]

R.I.P.