AVENGED SEVENFOLD Taps Former CONFIDE Drummer

January 20, 2011

AVENGED SEVENFOLD has tapped Arin Ilejay, former drummer for Los Angeles-based Christian rock group CONFIDE, to sit behind the kit for AVENGED's upcoming tour dates in support of the "Nightmare" album.

AVENGED recruited ex-DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy to play on "Nightmare" and take part in the band's touring activities in 2010 following the death in December 2009 of the band's drummer, James "The Rev" Sullivan. Portnoy was Sullivan's favorite drummer.

Commented AVENGED SEVENFOLD: "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 longtime 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."

Ilejay is featured on CONFIDE's full-length debut album "Shout The Truth" (2008) and he performed with the band during the 2008 Vans Warped Tour, among others.

Sullivan was found dead in his Huntington Beach, California home at the age of 28.

Sullivan's death was attributed to a lethal combination of several prescription drugs, including OxyContin and Valium, with alcohol.

The drummer died just before AVENGED SEVENFOLD was to begin recording its fifth album.

The disc, titled "Nightmare", came out last summer and was AVENGED SEVENFOLD's first No. 1 record.

Portnoy was dismissed from the group in December.

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