US State Department Responds to Randy Blythe Manslaughter Case + More News

The State Department has offered a generic, form letter response to a fan-driven petition to make the White House aware of the plight of Lamb of God's Randy Blythe, who was imprisoned in the Czech Republic this summer and has since been indicted on manslaughter charges after the death of a fan at a show.

Blythe plans to return to the country to face the charges, all the while proclaiming his innocence. The State Department responds to petitions that garner over 25,000 signatures.

Below is the response:

We appreciate your inquiry about the case of D. Randall Blythe, who was released from detention in the Czech Republic on August 3, 2012, and returned to the United States shortly thereafter. Mr. Blythe has publicly stated his intention to return to the Czech Republic to face trial for the alleged manslaughter of a Czech man at a concert in 2010. He recently told MTV, "It's the correct thing for me to do ... this poor young man's family deserves some answers." Pending Mr. Blythe's trial, we cannot discuss the details of his case. We are closely monitoring the progress of his trial.

The Department of State noted in its 2011 Human Rights Report that in the Czech Republic, "The laws provide for the right to a fair trial, and the independent judiciary generally enforced this right." We expect that the Czech government will make all efforts to ensure a fair, transparent, and timely trial for Mr. Blythe, and guarantee full protection of his legal rights under Czech law and his welfare.

If you would like to know more about what the Department of State does for U.S. citizens overseas, please visit our website at www.Travel.State.Gov. General information on U.S. human rights policy is available at www.HumanRights.gov.

Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, who did time in Echobrain, Papa Wheelie and as Jasonic in Voivod in his first few years after leaving Metallica, has posted several photo and video updates about his new eponymous project on his Facebook page. He is working diligently on this new project and from the sounds of it, the thick-necked and recently married musician is beyond stoked.

He posted: "I am very happy in my life now! I have a new band that bears my own name. We're just finishing our first record. I'm feeling strong again playing bass and singing lead vocals and you all will be hearing it in one month's time!!! New year, new band, new life!!! Bless you all and I can't wait to share my music with everyone!!! I'm entrusting all of my friends to get the word out!!! Jason's back!!!"

The word is effectively out. Welcome back, Jason. [Facebook]

The surviving members of Suicide Silence have planned a tribute show for late vocalist Mitch Lucker, who died in a motorcycle accident last month. The band's memorial gig, dubbed "Ending Is the New Beginning," is slated for December 21 and will feature a different singer for each song. They've confirmed that HELLYEAH and Mudvayne singer Chad Gray, As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis and All Shall Perish vocalist Eddie Hermida will perform. [Facebook]

Black Veil Brides will release the video for "In the End" on Wednesday, Dec. 12, but you can watch a preview of the clip now. The band's new album, Wretched & Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones, drops Jan. 8. [Facebook]