Avenged Sevenfold are preparing to release their first album, entitled Nightmare without founding member/ drummer  James "The Rev" Sullivan who passed away in December of 2009.  For Avenged Sevenfold in particular, the loss is especially difficult considering how close the band members are.

“We basically all grew up together,” said frontman M. Shadows during a recent interview for Walmart Soundcheck.  “We all knew each other since we were little tiny kids in some way or another.  I met Jimmy at a basketball camp when I was 10 years old.  We all grew up in the same neighborhood, it’s pretty crazy that [Zacky Vengeance] played guitar, and Jimmy played drums, and I thought I could sing, and how it all came together.”

Watch Avenged Sevenfold Interivew:

Hear the entire interview here: http://soundcheck.walmart.com/avenged-sevenfold

To replace Sullivan, the band has enlisted Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy who says he is honored to play in the band in place of such a great drummer.

"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,” Portnoy said in a recent statement.  “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."

While Sullivan may have been replaced on the album, he is in no way forgotten as the band said that the entire album has been dedicated to the memory of Sullivan.
 
Avenged Sevenfold’s Nightmare is due out July 27th.