Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater will be filling in on drums for Avenged Sevenfold as the band records their new album and first since the passing of drummer James Owen Sullivan. Portnoy had this to say about the situation:

"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.' … I am treating my participation on this album with the utmost respect for Jimmy's memory and am remaining as true as possible to the drum parts that he wrote for the songs and the record he wanted to make."

The band last released Avenged Sevenfold in 2007.