The 2020 Heavy Music Awards took place last night with an exclusive show available for everyone to watch online. The stream was hosted by the official Twitch channel of main sponsor Amazon Music UK. Returning hosts Sophie K and Jon Mahon started the virtual ceremony at 8:30pm BST and kept the party going throughout the night despite minor technical issues.
The Heavy Music Awards are the only ceremony for metal and rock music where all winners are entirely chosen by a public vote. Pre-recorded live performances by The Hunna, Wargasm, Holding Absense, Heart of a Coward, Coldbones and Hawxx were streamed between the individual awards.
The prize for Best UK Band went to Bring Me The Horizon after a particularly productive last year which saw them release their critically acclaimed sixth studio album Amo, prepare material for a surprising follow-up EP, and drop the single ‘Ludens’ which is supposed to feature on upcoming Post Human. Bring Me The Horizon also became the first band to retain their award after winning the same category in 2019 and taking their place in the hall of fame alongside previous winners Architects (2018) and Black Sabbath (2017).
Heavy Music Awards 2020 Winner: Best UK Band Presented by Amazon Music Bring Me The Horizon pic.twitter.com/AVBzQMHheA — Heavy Music Awards (@heavymusicawds) September 3, 2020
The award for best UK Festival went to Download which also won at the inaugural ceremony in 2017. The festival was chosen by fans among other nominees ArcTanGent, Roadburn, Bloodstock, Hellfest, 2000 Trees and Slam Dunk.
On the international front Rammstein were crowned as the Best Live Band for their legendary live shows. Australian metalcore outfit Polaris grabbed the prize for Best International Breakthrough Band while Slipknot claimed both the award for Best International Band and the prestigious main prize for Best Album of 2019 for their last record We Are Not Your Kind.
Heavy Music Awards 2020 Winner: Best Album Presented by Amazon Music Slipknot – We Are Not Your Kind Roadrunner Records • Produced by Greg Fidelman pic.twitter.com/gMGoGVnCvH — Heavy Music Awards (@heavymusicawds) September 3, 2020
In other categories Catherine Marks became the first female to win the Best Producer following her impressive work with bands like Foals, Killers, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, Amazons, Wolf Alice and many more. Renowned photographer Ester Segarra was chosen as the best professional in her category while John Dyer’s album cover of Baroness’ Gold & Grey won for Best Artwork.
Rising stars Nova Twins deservedly claimed the prize for Best UK Breakthrough Band and used their acceptance video to dedicate the award to all people who felt that the doors to the heavy music industry weren’t previously open for them. Don Broco won for Best Live Video for their last single ‘Action’ directed by Benjamin Roberds.
Thank you @heavymusicawds & everyone who voted!!! xxx https://t.co/esN7plt7cG — DON BROCO (@DONBROCO) September 3, 2020
The special H Award given each year for exceptional contribution to the heavy metal scene and community went to Dom Fraser who runs The Boileroom event space in Guildford. Check the full list of winners and more information at the Heavy Music Awards official website.
