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Avenged Sevenfold Part Ways With Drummer!

Photo credit: Francois Berthier

AVENGED SEVENFOLD are making changes behind the kit and have announced the departure of their drummer Arin Ilejay.

The split is due to be because of creative differences.

In the announcement, the band only offered their kindest words towards the drummer, describing him as nothing but a ‘positive energy and monster drummer’. Check out the statement below:

Hello Everyone –
We are writing this to inform you all that we will be moving forward without Arin Ilejay as our drummer. Arin has been nothing but a positive energy and monster drummer for us over the past 4 years. We love the guy and always will. We are and will always be grateful to him for helping us to move forward through some very dark times. Creatively though, we felt we needed to move in a different direction. While we can’t say more at this time, we are excited for the future and looking forward to sharing our plans soon with the greatest fans in the world. As always we appreciate your understanding and unwavering support.
With Love –
Matt, Zack, Brian, Johnny

AVENGED SEVENFOLD found themselves in need of a drummer after the tragic death of The Rev in 2009. Recording their Nightmare album with the help of Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy.

Ilejay joined the group as a touring member, but settled in and the band had him record on their Hail to the King record in 2013.

His replacement is not yet known but we’re keeping our eyes peeled!

Jessica Howkins

Deputy Editor of Distorted Sound, Editor-in-Chief of Distorted Sound New Blood, Freelance Music Journalist, Music Journalism and Broadcasting graduate.