Avenged Sevenfold Announce New Touring Drummer

Avenged Sevenfold Gino DePinto, AOL

It's only been a little over a year since Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan was found dead at the age of 28. In that time, the band recruited former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy to finish the album 'Nightmare' and do subsequent touring in support of the release. But with the famed prog drummer out due to the very public and very heated split with his former band, the question has been who would be the next to replace The Rev. For now there is an answer.

"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," the band said in statement. "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."

Some will remember Ilejay as the drummer of Los Angeles-based Christian rock act Confide, who played on 2008's 'Shout the Truth.'

Ilejay is manning the kit for Avenged Sevenfold on their Nightmare After Christmas Tour with Stone Sour, which is going on now until Feb. 13.

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