Earlier this year Mike Portnoy entered Avenged Sevenfold to replace Jimmy \"The Rev\" Sullivan, who sadly passed away. Explains Mike:

\"Please believe me that it is not a hasty decision. It is something I have struggled with for the last year or so. After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail!, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater.”

Mike states he believes Dream Theater are in serious need of a little break. Says the departed drummer:

\"Dream Theater was always my baby... and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985... 24/7, 365... never taking time off from Dream Theater\'s never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was \'off\' between cycles)... working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band. But I\'ve come to the conclusion that the Dream Theater machine was starting to burn me out and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my Dream Theater spirit hungry and inspired.\"

Dream Theater have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost twenty years now, of which Mike Portnoy has overseen virtually every aspect without a break. That\'s why the drummer hoped for a temporarily hiatus:

\"I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a \'hiatus\' to recharge our batteries and \'save me from ourselves\'. Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather. (...) So I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes. (...) I honestly just wanted a break, not a split.\"

The remaining Dream Theater band members have issued the following statement regarding Mike Portnoy\'s departure:

It is with profound sadness - regret - we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike\'s stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band. (...) It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed.\"

The group assures their fans that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity and in the same musical tradition as before.

As planned, Dream Theater will begin recording their newest album in January 2011. They\'ll follow that with a full-on world tour.