Avenged Sevenfold drummer and back-up vocalist James Sullivan (aka The Rev) was apparently found dead yesterday at his home in Southern California. Additional details have yet to be disclosed, though intitial reports suggest that he died of natural causes. Sullivan was 28 years old.

The remaining members of Avenged Sevenfold have issued the following:

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan. Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time. Jimmy you are forever in our hearts. We love you."

We don't cover Avenged Sevenfold too much these days, but in the early days of Lambgoat (circa 2000), the group used to email us occasionally with news etc. They obviously got huge and didn't need our help anymore, which is completely fine. Our thoughts go out to Sullivan's family and friends. RIP.