What Happened to Arin Ilejay?

[@wesleystoughton7720]

I made a drum play-through video once for a band I used to be in, and I sent it to Arin asking for any critique/feedback/advice for me he might have. I sent it just as a random fan, thinking there’s no way he’s ever gonna see it. Not only did he actually take the time to watch my video, he actually fully responded with really good advice that improved my overall playing and writing. Arin is my favourite drummer ever next to Jimmy, and the fact that he took the time to watch me play drums is so cool, especially after the amount of times I’ve watched him play drums. Could never thank the guy enough for that

[@ds698]

That’s dope, that’s like love for the music and wanting to spread it!

[@marcafterlife]

Arin seems like a cool dude. Even if things didn't work out in Avenged, I think he was very underappreciated within the fanbase. Good to see him get his flowers!

[@LautaroQ2812]

He wasn't underappreciated. His drumming sucked. But to be fair to him, the whole vibe of HTTK sucked ass as an album. As individual songs, they were fucking hard on rock on. They are pretty great, including the ballads. But as a whole album it's one of the worst when you compare that album to the previous ones. It was too bland, too square and simple. I'm not saying you can't like it, if you love it that is great. In fact, I do listen to those songs until today. As I said, as individual songs they're ok. But people seem to forget The Rev was the og drummer and the heartbeat of the band when it comes to creation and versatility on many things within the drums as well as other instruments AND singing. The dude was (still is) legendary. That is why I don't think anyone else other than Mike Portnoy could fill his shoes to finish Nightmare. Arin then had some really weird and horrible decision making on the songs (or he was told what to do, I'll never know who decided to go that route). And the most he had, was bad luck. The band was transitioning away of Jimmy's passing, while also searching for a new sound, and also his drumming was "ok". All in all at least that album had a vision, unlike The Stage which was the first showcase of M Shadow's lacking vocals and a bunch of dudes being insanely skilled musicians just doing their parts. As much as I disliked HTTK in the past, I've come to appreciate it more and more for the simplicity of it and what it was when I heard The Stage, which initially blew my brains out, but after a while of actually listening to it with attention, I started disliking it heavily and started to lose its charm. Fermi Paradox being the song I hated the most. I can't listen to that song, that blast beat is hideous and repetitive lol. People think this is "being a hater" or whatever but it's the unpopular opinion that is the truth: The band lots its "mojo" if you wanna put it that way, and instead of quitting they just tried to "evolve" and change their sound and clearly Jimmy was a huge part of the creative process for things to be fucking great. Do I blame them? Hell no. It's completely understandable what they did. I guess most of us would've done the same. But one thing is not mutually exclusive of the other.

[@travisspaulding9540]

@@LautaroQ2812your opinion sucks lol

[@JeremyPowers85]

@@LautaroQ2812 Have you ever listened to any other videos/songs of Arin drumming? Did you ever see live footage of him playing other Avenged songs on tour? Or is your only point of comparison Hail to the King? Because if you haven't, you have no opinion. He did other tracks with Avenged other than just that album. Carry On, the Avenged track on Call of Duty Black Ops 2 was Arin drumming. He played Beast and the Harlot, Nightmare, and all of the Avenged hits they play on tour during his time touring as Avenged's drummer. He could hold his own, he was not limited to simple drumming like he did on HTTK. Maybe he wasn't creative like Jimmy (who I still think was an amazing musician, songwriter, vocalist, and human being and who I pay my respects to every time I'm in HB), but that doesn't make Arin a bad drummer.

[@king_hamlet]

you lost me more and more as the comment went on. fermi paradox being especially awful? man you’re gonna get crucified here lmao

[@areraceazhar7506]

​@@LautaroQ2812'unpopular opinion that is the truth'.........oookayyyy bro😂

[@karterestill]

I got to open for Islander when Arin was drumming. He was the absolute nicest guy, and he said nothing but good things about you guys.

[@delix787]

ARIN FREAKING NAILED ROCK AM RING 2014!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ryanllarena7681]

100% True

[@Gideonredbellomydrums]

I just met Arin at an event with head from Korn. Coolest guy ever man

[@AdamJCastro]

Fox Theater in Bakersfield right?! I was there too!

[@Ablon94]

my first ever concert was a7x at Rio de Janeiro 2011, Arin was incredible, still love that guy! God bless him!

[@GustavoGplay]

It was 2013, not 11. Just saying lol

[@Ablon94]

@@GustavoGplay they played in 2011 at citybank hall and 2013 at rock in rio. both concerts were awesome

[@GustavoGplay]

@@Ablon94 but 2011 wansn't Arin, it was Portnoy

[@GustavoGplay]

Or maybe I'm just tripping

[@Ablon94]

@@GustavoGplay it was arin,i was there xD portnoy left in january 2011 i think, the show was in april

[@mprior93]

They held Arin back because they wanted him to play 4 on the floor drum beats and that’s like telling a Ferrari to go the speed limit. Shame at the time, but Brooks coming in and the direction they went is so worth that change up

[@ds698]

Sounded like growing pains I’m glad everyone is happy I like all the homies.

[@mondobizzzarro]

Like telling a Ferrari to go the speed limit. Lol. Love that analogy.

[@EricJaegerMusic]

Well in hindsight you can clearly see why they needed to change. Brooks is closer in age, musical background/influence, and they are doing no things that would not have nearly been pulled off the same with arin. No disrespect cause I really like arin and was bummed when they let him go. But when you start dabbling with advant garde and really wacky shit, it helps to go to someone like brooks who is a wacky drummer but also super technical when needed. Someone like brooks who’s a big mr bungle guy like rest of the dudes along with jazz and again, advant garde, it seems to fit in well.

[@Cian._.]

Syn went on record on their podcast saying they had to rip the creativity out of Arin when recording his own parts. Apparently the "Not Ready to Die" sessions were an absolute chore because of this as Arin was playing it as safe as possible and the final result we hear (which isn't anything particularly special) was after a long time of the band basically coaching him through his tracking. He just wasn't a good fit for the band, as a drummer as well as personally.

[@justinbowen1183]

Yes I agree he is a great drummer and could have done significantly higher caliper work however that is not what was being asked of him on this record that is all. When it was requested of him he also went quickly Carry on and Not Ready to Die.

[@ClarenceWijaya]

Arin Ilejay came to Avenged in a pretty bad timing when the band is still figuring out what they would do after the rev died. Sure Portnoy fills but its just to finish what The Rev has started. After that they weren't really sure what to do, what music they want, what kind of drummer they want. I do think that they hired Arin because he is much younger than they are so that they can tell him what to do while figuring out themselves

[@TheVANITYKILLJOY]

I followed arin after a7x. Avenged and islander were playing the same festival. (Texas mutiny). I ended up jumping on stage with islander and was right next to Arins drum set. Awesome experience

[@miguelvaldez5950]

Gonna see you in Portugal guys. I can't wait to enjoy this legendary band!

[@halospawn0]

Awesome to see this, he filled in on drums for a tour we did for a week and hes insanely good at drums and super humble.

[@georgecoull1883]

Dude I know Jimmy, Synyster get all the recognition but being a diehard A7X fanboy you sir are one of the best bass players ever 💯🤘

[@sponge2068]

Same here dude ,Johnny is fucking awesome. Without Johnny Christ there is no Avenged Sevenfold lol

[@blvdes]

Johnny Christ is the leader of avenged sevenfold

[@SenseiMoldySoc]

Facts

[@slayerdude10]

@@blvdesAll hail Johnny Christ

[@rottenamiigo9443]

It always bothered Me. I play guitar and my best friend play bass. He always hated Johnny. It always irked me. But he’s my best friend. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I won’t have bad blood because of it. Music is subjective.

[@GorillaMon541]

Why is this the first time I've ever heard Arin's last name pronounced

[@benouzgane1929]

Johnny's Black T-Shirt In Summer Sonic 2007 Was WILDLY Cool.

[@mburke0330]

LOVE the Jimmy poster in the background!

[@ZombieCraftSlaya]

I remember my old friend her brother was orginally in that band confide with Arin

[@johnny2156]

I love Brooks now. But I prefered Arin, because of the emotions. Arin for me is the ''right one'' because of his energy. Brooks is so professional that he plays with such an ease that it almost looks boring lol. Arin loved what he did, and that was seen from the fan base.

[@lishtins]

I always wondered why they separated. I always hoped he got to play in another big name bans

[@justinbowen1183]

What guitar is hanging on your wall up top? It looks badass as hell man!

[@Clumplays]

Just wanted you to know. I bought my first stingray not long ago and I've wanted one since I saw you playing one on the burn it down video. One of my favourite bass players everywhere

[@nickshepley2566]

What happened to his part in HTTK Deathbat game?

[@evoxghiretti]

There's a Hail to the King Deathbat game??

[@markvngnz_894]

@@evoxghirettimobile yes

[@nickshepley2566]

@@evoxghiretti Yes, I don’t know where else it’s supported anymore, it’s from 2014. If you have an iPhone 📱 it’s on GameClub for a subscription $7 or something

[@rafaelsatriatama]

@@evoxghiretti yes it's a mobile rpg game kinda like diablo

[@chrismeadows4216]

​@@evoxghiretti, there's a whole soundtrack for it, too, which most Deathbats should listen to!!! 💀🦇💙

[@EatYourOwnBacon]

I saw arin at the HTTK album release party at the palladium. He was great. I just think brooks is everything the rev was- and would have wanted the band to be.

[@grogu1986]

Arin’s drumming on HTTK was so influential on me and my brothers as kids. Simple but fucking HEAVY.

[@StopPanakinAnakin]

Respect the Sting shirt wooooooooooo

[@TheGoldenConnorific]

Yeah man definitely one of my favorite WWE fighters!

[@SchecterIsKING]

Yeah... Message in the bottle is awesome. 🤷‍♂️

[@StopPanakinAnakin]

@@SchecterIsKING No police here, bud! lol

[@rokaanalzeer7148]

“It’s showtime folks!”

[@SchecterIsKING]

@@StopPanakinAnakin Haha!!

[@indiebrou]

Arin's performance in 2011 is so damn underrated. He nailed everything Portnoy written for the album.

[@Mikel209]

I been a fan since the Confide days. He’s a ripper on the kit.

[@Mastercaped]

This dude's 5 o'clock shadow is insanely thick

[@rokenrol17]

We miss arin

[@Lyendith]

…So _that’s_ how "Ilejay" is pronounced. =O

[@nicolascaro1424]

Can someone please tell me which band is this guy from?

[@DrinksWithJohnny]

Smash Mouth

[@aliaulman]

Arin's former band Confide also one of the best metalcore band out there dude. I love Confide better than A7x

[@Thatdude289]

Arin is a rad dude 🤟🏼

[@blacksunshine9995]

How do you have creative differences when the new drummer you hired (Arin) is already being directed to drum the way you want him to drum? Just have him follow your lead like they did with Portnoy and are currently doing with Brooks. I find it hard to believe that Brooks is dictating how he wants to play when the band is so far established and ran by Matt and Syn on the musical direction. So having Arin play the way they want him to do so should be easy peasy. It's also pretty scummy to just let the guy go over the phone. The same thing happened with Jay when he was fired and that has always rubbed me wrong. Both A7X and Slipknot have based their image on being about family and their community and embracing each other. But you can't even have a face to face with the guys that you've hired and built up in the public eye? That's a scummy move and they know it.

[@thenickseditious]

Bro brooks is a world class drummer who comes from a family of world class drummers. Mike portnoy has been a world class drummer for 25 years +. They can trust that the drums are not needed to be overlooked by the guitarist or singer.

[@blacksunshine9995]

@thenickseditious World class musicians that are being told how to drum for the band so it fits with what Matt and Syn want for the theme of the album. Portion had no say whatsoever in how the drums were done for that record and maybe now that Brooks is on his second album with them he might give some input. But make no mistake, Portnoy was a hired gun and so is Brooks. They do as directed.

[@thenickseditious]

@blacksunshine9995 only portnoy because the revs demos existed. And that's not true at all where did you get this info? Do you really think Matt or syn can do anything but suggest an idea to someone 1000x better then them? Or did they just do it to arin because he was a no name drummer and they just lost the rev and were writing AS the remaining members of avenged to try to keep the sound of avenged? Brooks does what he wants. portnoy was a session guy because originally they wanted to have multiple drummers (favorites of the rev who passed demoing Nightmare) but half of them couldn't play the revs stuff. So they had portnoy do all of nightmare. But portnoy went around saying he's the new drummer when they only had the agreement at that point to play on the album and some shows now a full member because they did not know what they were doing yet.

[@jd0879]

@@thenickseditiousYou sound like an idiot. Dude, it’s well documented that they tell Brooks what to play. On the newest album he said they told him to listen to electronic music and play like that for songs like Nobody and GOD. With Arin it wasn’t just the playing that got him fired. He was making mistakes live and acting like a roadie. There’s an M.Shadows interview from 2016 where he outlines this

[@FatGuyReviews.935]

Hail to the King is by FAR my favorite Avenged Sevenfold record, followed by Nightmare, Self Titled, Waking the Fallen and City of Evil.

[@JJSFC]

You’ve got the order the wrong way round.

[@906Roofer]

Same🥁🥁

[@JohnnyInJapan]

Yikes

[@thelonewolf7443]

Forgot to even mention Sounding the Seventh Trumpet? Might wanna listen to those albums a little more often…

[@FatGuyReviews.935]

@@thelonewolf7443 I'm going to be honest, I don't like Matt's vocals for the most part on Sounding the Seventh Trumpet. Warmness on the Soul was really good, Shattered by Broken Dreams was okay but other than that I don't really care for the album. I think he really found his voice on Waking the Fallen and sounded amazing on that album.

[@Tarmizi497]

What happened to Portnoy too!

[@basicoptimalmouse]

Arin was done dirty.

[@OffLeatherWings]

People criticize his drumming in HTTK, even though the whole album’s vibe was laid back dad metal for the bar. Quite the departure from the stuff A7X was doing before.

[@The_Real_Kilo_G]

He just wasnt a fit. The other members wanted to be able to say "give me a guns n roses type drumbeat here" and arin would pull out some rev type stuff. The rev was a huge writer for the band too, so having to closely delegate what they wanted to hear instead of just turning it over to the rev must have been difficult too. Now with Brooks they can give an idea of the type of beat and he can come up with something tasty on the fly. Arin didnt have the same influences so it was like they were talking different languages. At least that is the impression from watching interviews from around that time.

[@Davesworth]

Yooooooo Arin was good as hell but not the best fit

[@906Roofer]

They're Best album was with AI🤷

[@EdywinMiri96]

Take the guy back as A7X drummer..I love him so much man and miss him..even my android drums got his drums set lol

[@blvdes]

no thanks

[@StopPanakinAnakin]

no thanks

[@blitzy7961]

Nah Brooks is better for Avenged

[@taqiudintaufiq2395]

Brooks is fine

[@ralphlorenzperolino3054]

Brooks is better. Arin's good but Brooks will be the perfect successor for Rev's legacy.

[@TheEndIsMan392]

Arin is still far better than that Brooks dude and that's, that !!!!

[@reyzabell]

im sorry arin, but i really prefer brook... i dont know was that concept on hail to the king's album or that's just all that you could give .. such a boring drumming, feel so slow, im sorry arin, that's cool if i choose to hear one or two songs of the album, but when i decide to hear the entire album one after another.. that's really boring...