The lead singer of the metal band As I Lay Dying was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempting to hire a hit man, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said.

Authorities said Tim Lambesis tried to contract an undercover detective to kill his estranged wife. He is charged with solicitation of another to commit murder.

A message for the band's representative was not immediately returned.

As I Lay Dying was nominated in 2008 for a Grammy Award for best metal performance. They have released seven studio albums and a live CD, according to their website.