Metallica’s Next Album Not Due Until End of 2013 (Or Later) + More News

Metallica's new album will not drop until late 2013 or even early 2014, so you have a bit of a wait, 'Tallica fans. The band hits the studio next month, but they are not rushing the process. Skinsman Lars Ulrich told a Canadian radio station, "I would say late '13 or early '14. It's difficult to imagine. I think even late '13 is a bit optimistic." The band will have its attention turned to the upcoming 3D movie, which they are filming this summer. [VH1 Classic Radio]

Katatonia are gearing up for the Aug. 28 release of Dead End Kings. A video of singer Jonas Renske and guitarist Per Eriksson answering fan-submitted questions, discussing important hot topics like the upcoming Epic Kings + Idols tour with Devin Townsend Project, has been posted on the band's website. [Dead End Kings]

Doom haulers My Dying Bride have confirmed the title of their upcoming album. It's A Map of All Our Failures, and it drops via Peaceville on Oct. 16. Just in time for fall! Fans and collectors can enjoy multiple configurations, including CD, double vinyl and special edition CD/DVD. [Via Press Release]

Testament frontman Chuck Billy weighed in on the ongoing Randy Blythe situation, where the Lamb of God singer remains incarcerated in a Czech Republic prison, facing manslaughter charges in the death of a fan. As a frontman, Billy knows what it's like to deal with crowds and chaos! Billy said, "In Randy's case it's unfortunate because you really don't know what happened beyond that stage, you don't know what happened after the kid was off the stage, something else could have happened or involved in the end result. It's just a really bad situation, even thought the parents are maybe lookin' for justice but to bring it onto the band like that, it's not like Randy assaulted somebody or was purposely coming after someone."

Billy continued, sharing that he has been in a similar (albeit less grave) situation, where he was sued after hitting someone with his mic stand. "It was almost kind of just protecting himself from being either pushed out into the crowd or somebody actually really up there to hurt him so you're put in a weird situation and it's happened to us before," Billy said. "I've gotten sued for hitting someone with my mic stand and made it through it but it makes you think 'Wow, what kind of protection do you have up here?' Ever since those days, I've told promoters, 'We got to have a barricade, we got to have security. We're not playing unless we have it because it's so out of control.' It's just a sad situation." [Loudwire]

Black metal warriors Wolves in the Throne Room have issued an update on the status of the band and it's good news. They're not splitting. Just taking a minute off. After touring throughout 2011 and into 2012 in support of Celestial Lineage, the band issued the following kvlt update, revealing that the end is not nigh, but there are no concrete plans, either:

"After months of journeying we're settled back into our life at home. Soft, warm breezes, the calls of ravens and eagles, the scent of cedar and salt water. The Northwest Summer is a soothing balm to the stresses and strains of the road and the alchemic pressure-cooker of the recording studio. But it has been a great two years for us. We are so proud of Celestial Lineage, and our tours in the United States and Europe were inspiring and full of good experiences. Contrary to sensationalist rumor, we have no desire or intention to end Wolves in the Throne Room. It is very possible that future albums will be recorded. Live performances might transpire. But for now, we are reconnecting to hearth and home. We'd like to extend our heartfelt thank to everyone who has helped and supported us over the years. Playing this music has transformed us as people, and we are blessed to have shared this path with so many other travelers." [Via Press Release]