Arin Ilejay, the newest member of Avenged Sevenfold

  Back in December of 2009, the original drummer of Avenged Sevenfold, Jimmy Sullivan, passed away leaving the band with the song called "Nightmare". After he had passed Avenged Sevenfold needed someone to fill in for Jimmy to record the rest of there album, except Carry On and Not Ready to Die, and they ended up choosing Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater. The band also decided Mike was not the right person to fill in for Jimmy forever and so eventually they found Arin Ilejay who used to be the drummer for Confide.

  Arin was recommended by Avenged Sevenfold's drum tech, Mike Fasano. "...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 he deserves." Said by Avenged Sevenfold back in 2011.

  On November 14, Arin did an interview with Rock Sound and he seems to be very excited to able to play with Avenged Sevenfold, one of the biggest metal bands out there. He said, "..Instead of sleeping in a van I'm not sleeping in a massive bus!" and also, "There have been times when I’ve tried to help the crew set everything up, and they’re like, ’What the fuck are you doing out here?!’ I’m not used to being ‘the talent’"

  I think Arin is a great person to have in the band, he's young and he has experience and he's just an amazing drummer. To be able to fill the shoes of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan has to be hard, but he is doing such a great job. Avenged Sevenfold couldn't have picked anyone better.

Matt (left) and Arin (right)