This has been an incredibly shocking last seven days in the world of Metal and Hard Rock. First we lost the great Jeff Hanneman to liver failure not even a week ago. Then HIM’s Ville Valo falls severely ill and cancels their brief but sold out tour for their latest album. Now tonight the cell phone blows up with texts and questions about the latest news, which is that As I Lay Dying’s singer Tim Lambesis had been arrested in a murder for hire plot. If there was ever a need for a “Heavy Metal Holy S**t” posting it was this information. Read on.

The news broke on Fox 5 San Diego not too long ago this evening and then Reuters picked it up, so I copied their report for you all to absorb as it seems to have the best details. This is obviously some seriously crazy stuff.

“SAN DIEGO – The lead singer of a heavy metal band “As I Lay Dying” was arrested after he allegedly hired someone to kill his estranged wife, authorities said. Tim-LambesisTim Lambesis, lead singer and co-founder of the heavy-metal group As I Lay Dying, was arrested at a store on Vista Way in Oceanside about 2 p.m., after allegedly soliciting an undercover detective to kill his spouse, an Encinitas resident, according to sheriff’s officials. Authorities began investigating Lambesis, 32, in the case on Thursday, when they received information that he allegedly was trying to get someone to commit the slaying. He was booked into the Vista Jail on suspicion of solicitation of murder.

As I Lay Dying, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2008, has released six studio albums, according to the band’s website, which says the group is scheduled to embark on a U.S. tour this month.”

I’m not sure what else to say about the matter as I’m one of those who prefers their crime drama be left on the television or movie screen but I guess we shall all be watching with serious attention as this story plays out on numerous websites.

Official Website: http://www.asilaydying.com