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Metal Hammer
Golden Gods 2010 Awards
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O2 Indigo, London
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As London’s IndigO2 becomes increasingly crammed with metalheads, the disturbing realisation strikes that, just a few doors away, Leona Lewis is limbering up for a glass-shattering performance. But spirits are nevertheless high among those eager to salute heavy metal’s ultimate icons, as elected by Metal Hammer’s devoted readers. Despite tonight’s celebration of numerous sub-genres, the show opens on an inexplicably glam-themed tone, which sees metal swapped for big-haired posturing and pole dancers. Indeed, its girly video montage seems better suited to a Nuts magazine party as scantily clad models pout on the wide screen above the stage. Upping the sleaze factor still further, LA’s Steel Panther are hilariously entertaining hosts, showcasing an infectious mix of obscene banter and charisma. With a generous supply of hairspray and explicit lyrics, the Americans deliver a finely-honed hair metal parody. Such is the band’s talent that their rendition of the Backstreet Boys’ ‘I Want It That Way’ transforms late-nineties schmaltz into semi-enjoyable listening.
A roar of approval rises from the crowd as thrash masters Evile lay waste to the venue with a minimalist assault of fast-paced riffs. Despite an initial blast of raw adrenalin, the rush soon wears off as their set tails off into repetitive, rather monotone territory. Still, the audience is evidently revelling in this uncomplicated exercise in speed.
A short interlude sparks an immediate rush for the bar, but before long, the queuing guests discover an altogether finer attraction. Master of horror Sir Christopher Lee makes a jaw-dropping appearance, accepting the Spirit of Hammer award with warmth and graciousness. Though his career with Hammer Horror ended long ago, there’s still a glimmer of Dracula in the 88-year-old screen legend who is currently enjoying success as a symphonic metal frontman. Presenting the award, former Sabbath maestro Tommy Iommi hails Lee as the “original prince of darkness.” Backed by an artillery of nu-metal and impeccable solos, Five Finger Death Punch display a fierce, chokehold-like appeal that dazzled crowds at this year’s Download festival. Lodged in Slipknot’s trademark sound, the quintet’s set does little to shake off previous accusations of copycat material.
Further exposing FFDP’s lack of originality, the genre-defying Skindred present an explosive marriage of metal and reggae wrapped up in an intensely groovy rhythm section. Sporting sunglasses and military-style attire, singer Benji Webbe commands the 1500-strong crowd with effortless ease and rapid-fire vocals. A final slew of awards follow with Tommy Iommi scooping Hammer’s Best Album category for Heaven And Hell’s ‘The Devil You Know.’ Immortal are dubbed Best Underground Band, while fellow black metaller Tom G. Warrior receives an Inspiration Award for his pioneering efforts. Appearing in a video acceptance speech, Bullet For My Valentine are blissfully unaware of their booing viewers and gleefully accept the Best UK Band accolade. Unveiled as Metal Hammer’s reigning Golden God, Zakk Wylde graces the stage to the delight of fledgling and veteran metallers alike.
Aussie rockers Airbourne round off the evening entertainment with crowd-pleasing repertoire of AC/DC worship. The outfit’s showy fretting whips fans into a nostalgic frenzy before winding toward a swaggering, but regrettably tame conclusion. See below for a full list of Metal Hammer’s 2010 victors… |
Reviewed by Faye Coulman
Photography by Asif Salam
Arrival Guests...
Airbourne
Def Leppard
Skindred
Sonic Syndicate
Thin Lizzy - Scott Gorham
Dimmu Borgir
Dommin
Hellyeah
Steel Panther as The Host
OR you can also call them the Naughty Womenizer Guys ....
And the award goes to....
Best Drummer – Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater
Best UK Band – Bullet For My Valentine
Best International Band – Lamb of God
Best Shredder - Jeff Kendrick
from Devil Driver
Best New Band – Rise To Remain
Best Underground Band – Immortal
Asif from SoundShock on left and Abbath on right of Immortal
Global Metal Award – Demonic Resurrection (India)
Defender of the Faith Award – Jon & Tracey Morter
for the Rage Against The Machine Christmas number one campaign
Spirit of Hammer Award – Sir Christopher Lee
Metal As F*ck Award Splatterhouse – Evile
Dimebag Darrel Shredder Award – Zoltan Bathory (Five Finger Death Punch)
Breakthrough Artist Award – Five Finger Death Punch
Best Album – ‘The Devil You Know’ by Heaven & Hell
Tony Iommi receiving the award
Inspiration Award – Tom G Warrior of Celtic Frost & Triptykon
Riff Lord – Joe Perry of Aerosmith
Golden God – Zakk Wylde
Award presented by "Vinnie Paul" (Ex-Pantera Drummer)
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