Mike Portnoy von den Progressive Metallern DREAM THEATER (Link) wird nach dem tragischen Tod des AVENGED SEVENFOLD-Trommlers im Dezember letzten Jahres das Drumming für deren neue Scheibe übernehmen.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD äußerten sich folgendermaßen über die Aushilfe Portnoys: „We asked Jimmy’s all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that’s what Jim would have wanted. It’s comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev’s abilities.“

Mike Portnoy selbst zu den Neuigkeiten: „Even under normal circumstances, I would’ve been happy to help the guys out in any way I could as I think Avenged Sevenfold are a great band…but under these incredibly sad and tragic circumstances, I must say I am truly honored to have been asked to play with them and I didn’t even have to think twice about saying ‘yes‘.“