Nightmare (album)

      Nightmare is the fifth studio album by American metal band Avenged Sevenfold. Released on July 27, 2010 through Warner Bros. Records, it was produced by Mike Elizondo and mixed in New York City by noted engineer Andy Wallace. Nightmare is the first Avenged Sevenfold record without founding member James "The Rev" Sullivan performing drums due to his death in December 2009, although he had a large role as a songwriter. He also recorded vocals for the track entitled "Fiction" and used as a tribute to him. Mike Portnoy, formerly of Dream Theater, performed as the drummer for the album in his place and played with the band on all of their 2010 tour dates. It was announced on December 16, 2010 by Mike Portnoy that he had been dismissed by the band who wished to find a different replacement for The Rev. In support of Nightmare, Avenged Sevenfold, along with Disturbed, became co-headliners for the first annual Uproar Festival. This was the band's first tour without Sullivan.
Nightmare debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 selling 163,000 copies, surpassing its predecessor in first week sales. This debut ended Eminem's five week reign atop the Billboard 200, and pushed Recovery to No. 2. It is the first album by Avenged Sevenfold to top the Billboard 200 chart.
Nightmare is also the first Avenged Sevenfold studio album to feature the redesigned font of the band's logo.