Credit: Clay Patrick McBrideAvenged Sevenfold is parting ways with Arin Ilejay, the band's drummer for the past four years. In a statement on their website, the remaining Avenged Sevenfold members write "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 four years," the statement reads. "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."
Ilejay joined Avenged Sevenfold as a touring member in 2011 after Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy's one-year tenure with the band. Portnoy had been touring with Avenged Sevenfold in place of founding drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan, who died in 2009. After two years as the band's touring drummer, Ilejay became an official member and played drums on Avenged Sevenfold's most recent album, 2013's Hail to the King.
"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," Avenged Sevenfold's statement concludes. "As always we appreciate your understanding and unwavering support."
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