Washington, D.C. metallers DARKEST HOUR have inked a worldwide deal with Sumerian Records. The band's new full-length album will be released in 2014.

Comments the band: "To say that Sumerian Records and label owner Ash Avildsen are big supporters of this band would be a huge understatement. We have been proud to call Ash our friend since our early years and this friendship has flourished greatly since then via our relationship with his sister company, The Pantheon Booking Agency.

"When you start a band, you dream that one day you can do what you love with great friends and family around you. Now it all seems to have come full circle. With the good people at Outerloop Management, Sumerian Records and the Pantheon Agency, we finally feel right at home. Every aspect of the group is being handled by long-time trusted friends and is in reliable hands. This safe haven has given us the shelter we need to put together a life-changing new album.

"Before we could see it coming, we've been thrust out of Oceanic Studios (where we've been working with producer Taylor Larson) and back out on the road.

"Please come see us live with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE if we're coming to your city and it will also be our first tour with new drummer Travis Orbin.

"As soon as we get home, we'll be back to the hermit life in the studio where we can finish up this album.

"To our brother Ash, Sumerian and all of you out there, here's a huge cheers to 2014, a new DARKEST HOUR album and the future."

Adds Ash Avildsen: "DARKEST HOUR are some of the best dudes I have ever met in music. They're also one of the most underrated bands in metal and Sumerian is here to change that. Their influential debut album, 'The Mark Of The Judas', which never saw the real light of day due to their label at the time going under the day it came out, will finally get a proper release this fall, along with a new studio record. D.C. pride."

DARKEST HOUR is currently on tour throughout North America with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, MISS MAY I and THE WORD ALIVE.