Say what you want about A7X's image or style; they are unquestionably skilled.Avenged Sevenfold announced Wednesday that drummer extraordinaire Mike Portnoy will record drums on their upcoming album. The band released the following statement:

"I want our fans to know that with Jimmy in our hearts, our journey to record has officially began. Jimmy helped leave this world an amazing gift and now it's our job to make sure to deliver that gift to our fans. We asked Jimmy's all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that’s what Jim would have wanted. Its comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev's abilities.

"Even though it will never be the same without our brother by our side, his essence lives in our hearts and through the music he helped create. He was a legend before any of the success or any of that bullshit and we are fucking excited to lay this down for our fans, and especially for Jimmy."

A7X drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan was found dead in his Orange County home on December 28, 2009.

Mike Portnoy, of Dream Theater fame, had the following to say Thursday:

"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.

"I want their fans to realize that I'm not trying to step into or fill The Rev's shoes...I'm just merely lacing 'em up for him!"

Mike Portnoy is considered to be one of the premiere drummers of our time. He's known for his complicated beats, highly-technical play style, and expansive drum set. The Rev was a superb drummer. I've had the pleasure of seeing him live. The man was a beast. I think bringing in Portnoy is an excellent way to honor The Rev both as a man and as a skilled drummer. I anxiously await Avenged Sevenfold's upcoming album.

Don't know who Mike Portnoy is? That's okay. Now is as good a time as any to educate yourself:

Many thanks to Heath for the exuberant heads-up on this news!