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 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.