Originally Posted by Raust

Avenged Sevenfold

I really can't stand this band. M. Shadows vocals are annoying as hell, there songwritting sucks and there musicianship is really nothing impressive. I'm not really a fan of Dream Theater, but I do respect Mike Portnoy as a musician cause he's nuts. What I don't get though is why he joined the band. I think it was cause maybe the Rev was a huge fan of him and when A7X asked him to play he did it out of pity. Whatever the reason I think I just lost a little bit of respect for him.

Originally Posted by Mike Portnoy

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. [...] These guys are a true family and it is an incredibly emotional experience to be here with them for the first time without their lost brother. But they have welcomed me into the family with open arms and there's a real excitement to make the record they had set out to make. 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. [...] Although I wish I could stay on board with Avenged Sevenfold in a more permanent capacity; I will need to resume work with Dream Theater to start a new album at some point in 2011. However, I will be able to join my brothers in Avenged Sevenfold for at least the duration of their touring throughout 2010, and hopefully this will give them the time to continue to heal and get comfortable back on the road.[10][4]