With its move to the cavernous Wembley Arena cementing the Heavy Music Awards as the largest event of its type in the world this was an opportunity to make a statement on behalf of the whole alternative music scene. With a star studded programme and in Alex Baker and superb host for the evening we weren’t left at all disappointed.
Record five time nominees Vukovi kick off the live performances with their typical alt rock swagger. Janine Shilstone’s vocal cutting through the music like a siren’s call. Onto the first batch of awards and As December Falls take best UK breakthrough artist which hard rock behemoths Halestorm win best international artist. It was the first of several appearances by the Philadelphians who went on to perform and give out other awards throughout the night. Best video was one by the extraordinary graveyard party themed ‘Werewolf’ by Motionless In White.
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Loathe put the heavy into the music awards with a brutal set that also showed some lovely changes of tempo. Malevolence’s ‘Malicious Intent’ scoops best album artwork while Charlotte Sands beats off some fierce competition to take the best breakthrough album category with ‘Love And Other Lies’. It’s notably presented by none other than McFly, who get a fantastic reception. Vukovi return to the stage this time to pick up the best production award for ‘Nula’.
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It’s Boston Manor’s turn to wow the crowd with a sublime set. They tick so many boxes with the music being very easy on the ear. Best UK artist is pretty much nailed on, of course it’s Skindred, now confirmed to be filling the place vacated by Five Finger Death Punch at this year’s Download Festival. There’s a brand new award next for ‘pioneers’ in heavy music. Biffy Clyro deservedly get to be the first act to win it. Best international breakthrough artist is wide open with a super strong field. Scene Queen wins it and proves to be eloquent to a tee with her acceptance speech.
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Tampa five piece Underoath deliver a squeaky tight set, not letting off the loud pedal until the last note has faded. It all gets a bit emotional as Teddy Rocks Festival wins the ‘H’ award for services to the industry. The event has raised over £500,000 for Teddy20 a children’s cancer charity. There’s not a dry eye in the house at this point. Legendary radio presenter Daniel P Carter is the recipient of the icon award while Download Festival takes best festival in the year it’s celebrating its 20th birthday.
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A little bit of pure magic follows with Lzzy Hale and Tom Hottinger sharing the Wembley stage with UK guitar genius Sophie Lloyd. It’s Lzzy’s liquid gold voice that steal the show here tonight. Leeds newcomers Static Dress get the best live breakthrough artist while Sleep Token take best UK artist. It’s time for the biggies next. Bad Omens win best album with ‘The Death Of Peace Of Mind’. The always popular Enter Shikari get in on the act again this year with best single going to their song ‘The Void Stares Back ft. Wargasm’.
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The final award of the evening, best international live act goes to Electric Callboy who have seen a massive recent upsurge in support. We’re left with Creeper to play out what has been a very successful big step up for the event this year. They do so in typically spooky fashion. It’s so important to support a part of the industry that so often gets misinterpreted and overlooked. The Heavy Music Awards has given heavy music a fresh level of focus and a new way to promote something we all love. It’s less about rewards and more about showcasing, it’s about saying to the world we are here, we are loud, and we are damn proud too!
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Review by Gary Trueman
Photos by James North and Dani Willgress