Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards Winners

The Metal Hammer Golden God Awards in association with Fireball blew the roof off a sold-out Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith last night, and honoured the very best of the past 12 months’ metal and rock from around the globe.

Hosted by Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta, this unique and special night is all about the fans. There are no tables, no sit-down dinners, no industry backslapping – this is a room full of genuine fans who have voted in their hundreds of thousands to see their favourite bands be victorious. Plus, all profits from the Golden Gods ticket sales went to Heavy Metal Truants, an annual charity cycle ride, sponsored by TeamRock, from London to Download Festival to benefit Nordoff Robbins, Teenage Cancer Trust and Childline.

One of the most celebrated drummers of the past 30 years and former member of Slipknot, Joey Jordison was announced as 2016’s Golden God, following in the footsteps of Dave Mustaine, Lemmy and Marilyn Manson. Among other winners were Asking Alexandria for Best UK Band, whose 2016 album ‘The Black’ entered the US Billboard Top 10 and UK Official Chart Top 15. Iron Maiden’s Number One album ‘The Book Of Souls’ won Album Of The Year. Ghost, Sweden’s iconic and internationally celebrated occult rockers, won Best International Band. Sixx:A.M.’s Nikki Sixx picked up Icon, thrash metallers Anthrax won Inspiration and Lamb Of God picked up Best Live Band.

Interwoven with the award presentations were live sets from Grammy Award-winners Halestorm, French metal innovators Gojira and the immense and unwavering Amon Amarth, in what were the only UK summer shows for any of the bands outside of festival appearances.

Closing the evening was A Salute To Lemmy – a monumental celebration of the life of one of music’s biggest icons. Lemmy was, and will always be, a godfather of rock. A renegade, an innovator, an icon and an inspiration, there is no doubt that our music scene would look very different today if it wasn’t for him. A Salute To Lemmy was a unique celebration of the man. Saxon, one of Britain’s greatest rock bands – who in their own right have sculpted and inspired the world of rock today and influenced generations of bands – performed Lemmy’s three favourite Saxon songs and were then joined onstage by Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee and performed Motörhead’s ‘Ace Of Spades’, ‘Born To Raise Hell’  and ‘Overkill’.

“There’s only one publication in the world capable of putting such a broad range of talent under one roof, and that’s Metal Hammer,” says Alexander Milas, Metal Hammer’s editor-in-chief. “For our 30th anniversary we pulled out all the stops, but it’s really our Salute To Lemmy that’s hit the loudest note. His legend will always live on.”

This year, TeamRock and the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards teamed up with Pinewood Live to film the event. Pinewood Live is part of the Pinewood Studio Group, a leading provider of studio and related services to the global creative industries, synonymous with world-class British and international film and television productions.

The 2016 winners are…

Best New Band – Creeper

Best Underground – Enslaved

Best UK Band – Asking Alexandria

Best International Band – Ghost

Breakthrough – Beartooth

Best Live Band – Lamb Of God

Best Independent Label – Prosthetic Records

Dimebag Darrell ‘Shredder’ – Lzzy Hale

Best Album – ‘The Book Of Souls’ Iron Maiden

Riff Lord – Phil Campbell

Inspiration – Anthrax

Icon – Nikki Sixx

Global Metal Band – Chthonic

Golden God – Joey Jordison

Best Video – Parkway Drive

Suits Top 10 Best Moments

Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) and Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) are back as everybody’s favourite legal duo in the riveting fifth season of Suits, available on Blu-ray and DVD from 6th June, 2016, courtesy of Universal Pictures (UK). This season sees more twists and turns than ever before, making it a must watch for all fans. To celebrate its release we look back at some of the show’s best ever moments… (Beware: Spoilers!)

 

1.       Mike gets hired (Pilot – S1, Ep1)

One of the best scenes to date comes all the way back from the pilot. Following a drug deal gone bad Mike Ross accidently stumbles into a job interview with none other than New York’s finest legal closer, Harvey Specter.  Fed up with the typical Harvard Law School grad, Harvey decides to take a risk and hire Mike after witnessing his natural talent, determination, and impeccable memory. This scene marks the birth of one of television’s most beloved duos and sets the standard for all episodes to come.

2.       Mike and Harvey get stoned (High Noon – S2, Ep10)

Following a string of emotionally tense episodes, Suits was in dire need of some comic relief. Mike, still suffering from the death of his grandma, is surprised when Harvey comes knocking at his door. Expecting a stern lecture, Mike instead finds himself with a new smoking buddy. Hilarity ensues as the two get high, eat pretzels, and battle the torment of ‘cotton mouth’.  This provides a rare look at Harvey when he is not working and firmly establishes the strength of the pair’s comradeship.

3.     Harvey vs. Louis (Blood in the Water – S2, Ep12)

After coming to the conclusion that Louis (Rick Hoffman) is helping a competitor firm poach clients Harvey storms into his office, trashes his desk, and unleashes a tirade of verbal punches exclaiming exactly how he feels. Louis denies the accusations but is met with a degrading rebuff, marking what seemed to be the end of their partnership. The scene provides us with insight into just how intimidating and scary Harvey can be when he gets going, confirming for all the doubters that he is not someone you want to be on the wrong side of.

4.       Rachel and Mike hook up (War – S2, Ep16)

The seemingly inevitable hook up between Rachel (Meghan Markle) and Mike finally happens in the closing episode of season two.  Rachel realises that Mike lied to her about her Harvard application and demands a reason why. Following an emotional speech about how he fears losing her, Mike confesses his deepest secret – he never actually went to law school. In typical Hollywood fashion their argument escalates into a full blown office romp that rivals the hottest and steamiest scenes on TV.

5.        Louis has a heart attack (Heartburn – S3, Ep14)

Heartburn is an impossible episode to forget given it’s a completely unexpected run of events. At first we see a new and improved Louis, oozing calmness and swagger – credited to his successful love life. Everything’s coming up smelling of roses for Louis… until he collapses mid trial due to a heart attack. After awaking in hospital, Louis decides life is not to be wasted and takes his relationship to the next level by asking Sheila (Rachael Harris) to marry him.

6.         Mike accepts a new job (No Way Out – S3, Ep16)

The lively season three finale keeps its characters and viewers in a constant state of paranoia as Harvey is targeted by a ruthless US attorney on bribery accusations. Mike is arrested and interrogated over the situation but fails to succumb to the pressure and spill the beans on Harvey, despite the looming threat of a background check. After Louis swoops in to save the day, Mike decides that he no longer wants to live as a fraud and accepts a new job – cue manly reserved goodbye between him and Harvey. Thankfully it isn’t the last time we see the two together!

7.         Louis resigns (Gone – S4, Ep9)

It was a heartbreaking moment for all when Louis packed up his things and parted ways with the firm he adored so much. His decision to resign was not something planned but instead an impulsive attempt to hold onto his remaining dignity after realising he was going to be fired. No one enjoyed hearing the earnest letter Louis penned to mark his departure, but I think it’s safe to say we all knew this wouldn’t be the last we saw of Mr. Litt.

8.       Louis becomes a named partner (Enough is Enough – S4, Ep11)

The transition from Pearson Specter to Pearson Specter Litt was one of mixed feelings. On one hand it was great seeing Louis return and move forward in the company given his unquestionable worth and determination. On the other hand, the way he blackmails Jessica (Gina Torres) into the decision shows the petty side of the character that not everyone is fond of. Regardless of how you look at it, this moment is central in the development of certain relationships and events to come.

9.        Donna chooses Louis (Denial – S5, Ep1)

Season five tackles the shocking decision previously made by Donna to leave Harvey and work for Louis right off the bat. The audience gets to see just how much she means to Harvey as he struggles to come to terms with her departure. Whether you see it as betrayal or a necessary career move, it is warming to see Harvey break down over the loss of his trusted PA.

10.        Mike and Harvey own up to their actions  (25th Hour – S5, Ep16)

Everything seems to be falling apart for the gang as the enthralling fifth season comes to an end. However, the highlight of the final episode comes right in the heart and centre of the chaos. Mike shares a touching word with Harvey where they both accept blame for what is happening and realise they would most likely do it all again.  This moment reduces the show back to its core – Mike and Harvey’s friendship. It is the perfect way to end a must see season!