Avenged Sevenfold Announce New Drummer

After recent news of the departure of Mike Portnoy from Avenged Sevenfold, many were left wondering who would be the next replacement drummer for the OC-native band.

The announcement coincided with the start of their newest tour, which kicks off tonight on the East Coast. The band had been asking friends of Jimmy Sullivan, their former drummer who passed away in December 2009, for suggestions on replacement drummers for the tour.

The band’s drum tech, Mike Fasano, suggested they go with Arin Ilejay, former drummer of Confide. Check out the message from the band’s official site:

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

Here’s a sample of Ilejay’s work with Confide: