confirmed writing follow-up

In January 2009, M. Shadows confirmed that the band was writing the follow-up to their self-titled fourth album within the upcoming months. They also played at Rock on the Range , from May 16–17, 2009. On April 16, they performed a version of Guns N’ Roses ‘ ” It’s So Easy ” onstage with Slash , at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. On December 28, 2009, the band’s drummer James “The Rev” Sullivan was found dead at his home at the age of 28. The band announced his death with a statement saying: “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.” Autopsy results were inconclusive, but on June 9, 2010, the cause of death was revealed to have been an “acute polydrug intoxication due to combined effects of oxycodone , oxymorphone , diazepam / nordiazepam and ethanol “. In a statement by the band, they expressed their grief over the death of The Rev and later posted a message from Sullivan’s family which expressed their gratitude to his fans for their support.