"Fiction" is a song by the American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. It was released on their fifth studio album, Nightmare. The song was written by the band's original drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, who died in December 2009. The song is a duet between The Rev and singer M. Shadows. Background On December 28, 2009, the Rev was found unresponsive in his Huntington Beach home, and was later pronounced dead upon arrival to the hospital. Shortly after his death, Avenged Sevenfold dedicated their fifth studio album Nightmare to him. "Fiction" was the final song The Rev wrote. Parts of "Fiction" were originally conceived by The Rev for Pinkly Smooth. It was written only three days before his death, under the title "Death". M. Shadows and Synyster Gates stated in an interview to Hard Drive Radio: Portions of the "Death" demo have leaked on YouTube. Recording "Fiction" is one of only two songs featuring The Rev on Nightmare, although his writing and drum arrangements are featured on every song. The song features The Rev on lead vocals, along with Shadows. The Rev's favorite drummer, Mike Portnoy (then of Dream Theater) was brought on to finish drums on the album. On this song specifically, Portnoy said he "had to play it exactly as (Jimmy) left it." The song is the only Avenged Sevenfold song not to feature any guitar playing. Personnel Avenged Sevenfold M. Shadows – co-lead vocals, piano The Rev – co-lead vocals, drum arrangement Johnny Christ – bass guitar Session musicians Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion David Palmer – piano Stevie Blacke – strings, string arrangement Jessi Collins – backing vocals Production Mike Elizondo – producer, keyboards Craig Aaronson – A&R Brent Arrowood – assistant engineer Chad Carlisle – assistant engineer D.A. Frizell – illustrations, treatment Adam Hawkins – engineer Ted Jensen – mastering Jodie Levine – production co-ordination, contractor Clay Patrick McBride – photography Andy Olyphant – A&R Paul Suarez – pro-tools Jan Petrow – assistant engineer Cam Rackman – paintings, portraits Rafa Alcantra – art direction, photography, layouts Travis Smith – cover art, tray card art Joanna Terrasi – production co-ordination, contractor Andy Wallace – mixer References Avenged Sevenfold songs 2010 songs