SLIPKNOT, LAMB OF GOD, GHOST, SEVENDUST, AUGUST BURNS RED Among GRAMMY AWARDS Nominees

SLIPKNOT, LAMB OF GOD, GHOST, SEVENDUST and AUGUST BURNS RED are among the nominees for the 58th annual Grammy Awards, which will be held on February 15, 2016 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

The nominees in the "Best Metal Performance" category are as follows:

Band: AUGUST BURNS RED
Song: "Identity"
Track from: "Found In Far Away Places"
Label: Fearless Records

Band: GHOST
Song: "Cirice"
Track from: "Meliora"
Label: Loma Vista Recordings

Band: LAMB OF GOD
Song: "512"
Track from: "VII: Sturm Und Drang"
Label: Epic Records

Band: SEVENDUST
Song: "Thank You"
Track from: "Kill The Flaw"
Label: 7Bros Records

Band: SLIPKNOT
Song: "Custer"
Track from: ".5: The Gray Chapter"
Label: Roadrunner Records

This year's Grammy Awards process registered more than 21,000 submissions over a 12-month eligibility period (October 1, 2014 – September 30, 2015).

As the only peer-based music award, the Grammy Awards are voted on by The Academy's membership body of creators across all disciplines of music, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, and engineers. Final-round Grammy ballots will be mailed December 16.

This year, Kendrick Lamar leads nominations with 11, followed by Taylor Swift and The Weeknd, who each earn seven. Additionally, music producer/songwriter Max Martin receives six nominations and mastering engineer Tom Coyne, rapper Drake, and engineers/mixers Serban Ghenea and John Hanes each earn five nominations.

"The diversity in the creative community is what makes music a universal language, and it's gratifying to see the vibrancy of today's artistic landscape reflected in this year's nominations — a testament to The Academy's voting members," said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy. "Artists are pushing boundaries in exciting ways, making it an exceptionally strong year for music."

The eclectic nature of this year's nominations is perhaps best exemplified in the "Album Of The Year" category, where nominees range from the alternative and soulful rock of ALABAMA SHAKES to Lamar's thought-provoking jazz-infused rap, the classic country sounds of Chris Stapleton, the pop emergence of Swift, and the genre-bending R&B style of The Weeknd.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the Grammy Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture.

Last year's Grammy in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category went to TENACIOUS D, who were nominated for their cover version of the DIO classic "The Last In Line", from the "Ronnie James Dio - This Is Your Life" tribute album.

TENACIOUS D beat out several notable metal acts, including ANTHRAX, which was nominated for its own contribution to "Ronnie James Dio - This Is Your Life", a cover of the BLACK SABBATH classic "Neon Knights".