HMS Hammer set sail for the 13th Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards from her mooring near Tower Bridge with over 400 lucky ticket winners, guests and Vip’s on board. As we started our nearly three hour journey with a quick blast of the horn, Tower Bridge opened up to allow us to sail through, the tourists who had come to see the bridge really had no idea what was going on, as a boat full of metal heads posed and cheered for their cameras. A great start to the day.

On board we had the pleasure of four bands to entertain us on the long and arduous journey down the Thames to the Indigo Lounge at the O2 Arena with only the hot sun and cold beer to keep us company.

First up were ‘Code Orange’, the hardcore band from Pittsburgh, via Download who put on a spirited show. Next up,’Butcher Babies’ who really got the boat rockin, an awe inspiring performance from Heidi and Carla had the whole boat fist pumping along.

‘Upon A Burning Body’ had a hard act to follow, but they managed it, the sharp dressed quartet getting the crowd on their side with a crushing performance.

The day though belonged to the very special guest’s ‘Napalm Death’, to see this band up close and personal after all these years was a privilege, their performance on the boat was outstanding.

Having docked at the O2 Arena a little after 5.30pm, we made our way into the Indigo lounge to join the other 1000+ metalheads for the main event, the Golden Gods Awards 2015.

What followed was a great night of awesome music; fun and banter with award host Scott Ian being on particular good form and special surprise guests handing out the awards in-between bands.

‘Suicidal Tendencies’, the crossover-thrash group created over 30 years ago by vocalist Mike Muir kicked the night off with an impressive if short set, the first mosh pit of the night started within the first few seconds on them going on stage, still an iconic band after all these years.

Next up ‘We Are Harlot’ who injected some serious rock’n’roll swagger into the nights proceedings, fronted by Danny Worsnop, who was previously with Asking Alexandria, their classic, hard-edged sound worked well tonight, easily getting the crowd on their side.

Scott Ian then presented the first awards of the evening.

Winners included:

Best new band: We Are Harlot

Best UK band: Bring Me The Horizon

Best international band: Slipknot

Breakthrough: Babymetal

Best live band: Of Mice & Men

Defender Of The Faith: Tommy Thayer (Kiss)

Spirit Of Hammer: Dr Matt Taylor presented by Brian May

Icon: Mike Muir (Suicidal Tendencies)

Legend award-Gene Simmons

Next up, the group everybody has/is/will be talking about, ‘Babymetal’. The international pop-metal sensations have divided the rock community like no other band has in recent years since they first appeared in early 2014, you either love them or hate them. I have tried to avoid them myself yet I somehow keep being drawn back to the “Gimme chocolate!!” video on Youtube. Especially for tonight’s awards show we get a special one off performance, instead of Babymetal’s normal band; they are backed by the mighty Dragonforce who wrote ‘Road Of Resistance’( played tonight along with Gimme chocolate) for the groups debut album.

Tonight I got to witness the band up close and personal and they are impressive, their choreography is tight and they don’t seem to take themselves too seriously, although the music is blisteringly good, I still can’t get past the Novelty aspect of Babymetal. A very enjoyable two song, ten minute set though.

‘At The Gates’ made a successful comeback in 2014 with the release of their first album in 19 years. Credited as being one of the major progenitors of the melodic death metal sound, they leveled the indigo tonight with an impressive, intense performance. I had forgotten just how good these guys are, massive songs, massive stage presence and a voice so forceful it could cause an earthquake.

Remind me to dig out ‘Slaughter of the Soul’ when I get home.

Scott Ian then returned to the stage for the final awards give way, presenting this year’s winner of the Golden God award to Dave Mustaine.

Best underground: Winterfylleth

Dimebag Darrell shredder: Richie Faulkner (Judas Priest)

King/Queen of the internet: 10 Second Song Guy

Best album: Faith No More – Sol Invictus, presented by Duff McKagan

Best independent label: Epitaph Records

Global metal: District Unknown/Martyrs Of Metal

Inspiration Award: At Gates

Golden God: Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)

This year’s awards show was headlined by KILLING JOKE, one of the most influential post-punk bands of all time; they have been credited by bands such as Nirvana, Ministry and NIN. However by the time they took the stage a lot of people had begun to leave, whether it was for public transport reasons or simply because as I overheard some scene kids say, “they had no interest in a punk band, and there is no logical reason they ( killing joke ) should be here, never mind headlining”, strong words indeed, so the band had an awful lot of work to do to win over what was left of the crowd. For those of us who did stay, this was an awe inspiring performance from a band with a lot of history, some good, some bad. To say these are a punk band is too do them a disservice, ( no offence to punk ) sure they have their roots in punk, the band is nearly 40 years old, but they mainly laid the foundation for today’s alternative rock scene. That is why they played tonight, something these people who left early need to appreciate.

We must also mention the recent sad loss of 2010 ‘Spirit Of Hammer’ winner, Christopher Lee, who’s acceptance speak was played again to a massive round of applause.

The Golden Gods is always full of surprise’s and special guests, and this year was no different, can’t wait to see what next year brings.

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