Swimming With Sharks Records has announced the signing of Alabama's southern metal outfit, HELLBENT, to a worldwide distribution deal. The band's latest effort, Southern Brutality, features "ten heavy hitting metal masterpieces, chocked full of groove, sludge, and death metal goodness," according to a press release. The band has made a name for themselves throughout Alabama and has no plans to stop anytime soon, as the band is set to perform a number of upcoming shows, including a few dates with Philip Anselmo's Housecore Records band, WAEBEAST, in August 2014.

Guitarist and founding member Mike Daniels comments, "This is truly one of the greatest days in the history of HellBent. Today we officially become part of the Swimming With Sharks Records family. We talked to a number of labels, but few offered us something that would not only be a label contract, but also a partnership. We are very appreciative and grateful to SWS for showing faith in us and wanting to share this journey with us. SWS holds an insane roster of amazing bands and HellBent is honored to stand with them and call them family. We also want to thank everyone that has supported us and stood with us up until this day. We could have never made it this far without you! Buckle your seatbelts friends, HellBent is coming for the throat!"

The band was founded by Mike Daniels and David Pruitt in 2005 as a studio project, which later transformed into a full band in 2012. The current lineup includes David Pruitt - vocals, Mike Daniels - guitar, Jimmy Johnson - lead guitar, William Pouncey - bass, and Andy Davis - drums.

Stream and download the Southern Brutality album here.