Metallica's Kirk Hammett Teases New Album's Release Date; Group Apologises To Tribute Act

Metallica has been all the buzz since the band announced that they were making a new album late last year. 

So far, the only update from the band is a video of frontman James Hetfield laying down some tracks in a recording studio back in November.

According to guitarist Kirk Hammett, fans can expect Metallica's highly-anticipated 10th studio album to release sometime this year.

"It's pretty much more along the same lines as 'Death Magnetic' - kind of like that direction," Hammett, 53, said in an interview with radio station 103.3 The Edge WEDG. "And, you know, we'll see. We're into it. I don't wanna say that we're a third into it, or two-thirds into it, or an eighth into it, 'cause anything could happen that'll just change that number."

Hammett didn't specify an exact release date, although he mentioned that a 2017 release is also a possibility.

In other news, Metallica recently apologized to a cover group who received a cease and desist order for illegally using their logo.

According to Rolling Stone, Canadian cover band Sandman received a 41-page cease and desist letter from Metallica's lawyer for using "official, stylized logos" to promote themselves through social media. 

"The band have been using this logo for years with no problems at all," guitarist Joe Di Taranto told Rolling Stone. "I only joined the band last summer and feel a little guilty that perhaps my success with my main/original band WARMACHINE have brought a little extra attention to the band, leading to this little fiasco."

Metallica has since apologized to Sandman for their "overzealous attorney's" actions. In fact, Lars Ulrich personally phoned Di Taranto to clear the air.

"He gave me and the band his full blessing to continue on as we were," the musician added. "They want us to continue paying tribute to Metallica with their full blessing and approval."

Stay tuned for more news on Metallica's new album as information becomes available.