NEW YORK (AP) — Three middle school students in a heavy metal band have gotten permission from a Manhattan judge to sign a multi-year recording contract with Sony.

The Daily News (http://nydn.us/1r6Fh9M) says the court's approval Tuesday allows Unlocking the Truth to record its first single Wednesday for The Cherry Group, a division of Sony.

The Brooklyn boys had to get court approval because they're minors.

The judge approved the deal after questioning their parents. He wanted to make sure they understand the contract and have set up trust accounts for the boys.

Justice Carol Edmead then posed for pictures with 13-year-old guitarist Malcolm Brickhouse, 13-year-old bassist Alec Atkins and 12-year-old drummer Jarad Dawkins.

The band has performed across the country, including at the Coachella festival in California and opening for Guns N' Roses.

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Information from: Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com