Dream Theater has been cagey about naming a replacement for departed drummer Mike Portnoy, but has finally decided to come out with a statement on the matter today.
Guitarist John Petrucci commented: "We have decided to move forward with the recording of the new album with a drum machine. The fact is that we started down this road after Mike left and we just couldn't find a drummer who gelled with us personally. I stand by everything I have said. [the album] is going incredibly well and I can't wait for everyone to hear it!" He then added "I assure you, you won't even notice a difference. We don't need no stinkin' drummer!"
Whether or not the band will bring a replacement drummer along on tour remains to be seen, but for the upcoming album, they are happy with the results they've achieved by programming the drums themselves.
As previously reported, Mike Portnoy has since joined Dimmu Borgir
source metalunderground.com
