Anna Hyams

Anna has been a festival fanatic since her first ever outing to Download Festival back in 2001, she's got eclectic tastes and covers everything from metal to EDM and loves a chance to try out new festivals. Anna has covered a few European festivals like Snowbombing and Wacken Open Air, but mainly hits up her UK faves; Download, Bestival and Bloodstock!

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL REVEALS DISTRICT X LINE UP

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With only two weeks to go until the mighty Download Festival, the sold out 20th anniversary celebration has unleashed its District X line up, as well as announcing special collaborations for this year. Boasting secret band sets, live podcasts, late night DJ sets and a comedy line up on the Wednesday night, the special four-day edition is set to be jam-packed. Taking place on 8-11 June 2023 at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park, Download will be headlined by Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot and Metallica, who will perform two headline sets with no repeat songs. All tickets are now sold out, but you can find out more info here: www.downloadfestival.co.uk. 

This year District X will be better than ever, with a fantastic line-up of secret band sets (to be announced on the day), live podcasts and DJ sets from the likes of The Blackout, Wargasm, Zoe London, Nova Twins x On Wednesdays We Wear Black, Daniel P Carter, Alyx Holcombe and many more. Festivities will begin on the Wednesday night with Get Your Rocks Off, who are ready to immerse the crowd in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, and from then on, UK clubnights Uprawr, Facedown, Girl Power and many more will take it in turns to get the party started.

Following the success of live podcasts in 2022, Sappenin Podcast, On Wednesdays We Wear Black and Life In The Stocks will be appearing at District X this year. Matt Stocks will be bringing special guest Matthew Pritchard of Dirty Sanchez onstage as his guest, which is sure to be entertaining. On top of this, the Sidesplitter will host an evening of comedy on Wednesday night, featuring members of The Comedy Store, Kunt & The Gang and more. And on top of this, there will be rock fitness classes, Drag Emo Karaoke and even Rock Kids for those with their very own mini moshers. 

Elsewhere, Download Festival is delighted to announce onsite collaborations with Mary Wyatt, Download Lava (Lou’s Hot Sauce) and Parabellum, which you can check out onsite at the Download Megastore, along with the likes of Download garden gnomes and gaming chairs. There’s also a chill out space where people can hang out with their friends, play arcade games and soak up the atmosphere. 

The District X additions continue to add to an incredible line-up for the very special 20th anniversary edition of Download Festival. More information at www.downloadfestival.co.uk. 

BLOODSTOCK REVEAL ‘METAL 2 THE MASSES’ FINALS DATES AND FIRST BANDS FOR 2023’s NEW BLOOD STAGE

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As Spring settles in, BLOODSTOCK HQ is a hive of activity.  This week’s announcement sees the first bands announced for the New Blood stage, and the dates are set for the Finals of 2023’s METAL 2 THE MASSES programme, BLOODSTOCK’s celebrated initiative to help developing bands score a landmark opportunity, playing a slot on the New Blood stage at the festival in August.  Some winners are chosen from online submissions, whereas others battle it out among their peers at local events across the country. This year, 29 different regions have stepped up and we also welcome initiatives from Croatia and Poland to the programme. 

The finals kick off this Saturday 29th April at Leicester’s O2 Academy and roll through to Saturday 8th July at Oxford’s Jericho Tavern.  Full dates are detailed below, so be sure to get out and support both bands and venues near you. 

Sat 29th Apr – LEICESTER O2 Academy
Sat 6th May – EDINBURGH La Belle Angele
Fri 12th May – BELFAST Voodoo 
Sat 13th May – DUBLIN Fibber Magees
Sat 20th May – SHEFFIELD Corporation
Sat 20th May – MANCHESTER Rebellion
Thu 25th May – NORWICH Brickmakers
Sat 27th May – MILTON KEYNES Craufurd Arms
Sat 27th May – LEEDS The Library
Sat 3rd Jun – LONDON The Dome
Sat 3rd Jun – NEWCASTLE Trillians
Sat 3rd Jun – OSIJEK (Croatia) Ex-Epic
Sat 10th Jun – CHORZOW (Poland) Lesniczowka Rock n’ Roll Cafe
Fri 16th Jun – COLCHESTER Coda
Sat 17th Jun – GRAVESEND Leo’s, Red Lion
Fri 23rd Jun – BIRMINGHAM Devils Dog
Sat 24th Jun – HITCHIN Club 85
Sat 24th Jun – WREXHAM XS @ The Penny Black
Sat 24th Jun – BRISTOL The ExchangeFri 30th Jun – BOURNEMOUTH Bear Cave
Fri 30th Jun – CHELTENHAM Frog & Fiddle
Sat 1st Jul – BURNLEY Sanctuary
Sat 1st Jul – STOKE The Underground
Sat 1st Jul – NORTHAMPTON The Black Prince
Sat 1st Jul – LIVERPOOL Zanzibar
Sat 1st Jul – CARDIFF Fuel
Sat 8th Jul – NOTTINGHAM The Old Cold Store
Sat 8th Jul – SALTASH Livewire
Sat 8th Jul – OXFORD Jericho Tavern
Meanwhile, grabbing New Blood slots via the online submission process are these lucky acts.
Joining Friday’s New Blood stage are London’s LOKUST.  Their ferocious, instrumental demo single, ‘Guiltless’ (featuring Krimh – Septicflesh/ex-Decapitated) only hints at what’s to come when they release their debut album this year.  Also appearing Friday will be Stoke On Trent’s self-described “heavy as fuck” trio, HEADPRESS. Get a taster of their brutal triple attack via the video for ‘Outlines’. And joining Friday’s fray are Yorkshire UKHC squad, STREET SOLDIER. Check out the crunchy uncompromising title track from their debut ‘One Man Gang’ EP.

For Saturday’s New Blood stage, we welcome South Wales black metal collective OFNUS. Watch out for the band’s debut full length coming this Summer and meanwhile get a taster of their bleak, brutal sound.  Also featured on Saturday will be riff-laden Manchester metal trio, VICE. Their second album, ‘For The Fallen’ was released last summer – watch their video for ‘Vultures’ here. 

Irish doomsters SOOTHSAYER also land themselves a Saturday slot. Get familiar with their glorious, atmospheric noise via the video for ‘Cities Of Smoke’, taken from their album ‘Echoes Of The Earth’. Last, but certainly not least, Danish modern death metal squad NAKKEKNAEKKER join Saturday’s line up. For a five piece with the average age of 18, these boys have skills beyond their years. Check out this clip of their live show.

Over on Sunday’s New Blood stage, you’ll be seeing East Anglian thrashers ELIMINATION. The band’s 2021 debut, ‘Echoes of the Abyss’ turned many heads and the band are at work on its successor, due out this year.  In the interim, watch their video for ‘Icon of Despair’. 

Also grabbing a slot are Northern Ireland rock trio, SKYPILOT. The band’s latest album, ‘Simple Beasts’, laden with fat riffs, landed last Summer, featuring the track, ‘Octofuzz’. And Nottingham extreme noise terrorists OUTERGODS grab a Sunday spot. Featuring members of Evil Scarecrow and Raised By Owls, the band are working on a new album that’ll land this Summer.  In the meantime investigate their ungodly ‘Catacombs of Madness’.  
BLOODSTOCK’s very popular club nights are also underway! Grab your mates, hit the dance floor, and perhaps you’ll be a lucky winner coming home with a free pair of weekend tickets – every club night will be running a competition! If none of these are near you, fret not, there will be more party nights at other locations through June and July revealed soon.
APRILFri 28th April – Warrington, FC2Fri 28th April – Cardiff, Metro’sSat 29th April – Camberley, AgincourtSat 29th April – Stoke-on-Trent, The Sugarmill
MAYSat 6th May – Brighton, AboveFri 12th May – Bristol, The LanesSat 20th May – Newcastle, Reds Bar @ Northumbria Uni Students UnionFri 27th May – London, ElektrowerkzSat 27th May – Southampton, SuburbiaSat 27th May – Stoke-on-Trent, The SugarmillSun 28th May – Exeter, The Cavern

20+ FURTHER ACTS ADDED TO READING & LEEDS 2023 LINE-UP

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Reading and Leeds Festivals today announce a total of 20+ artists confirmed to play the festival. In addition to this, the highly-anticipated Late Night Leeds line-up has been shared, alongside Thursday night’s performers. Promising unforgettable performances from the most influential and exciting names in indie, alternative, hip-hop and dance, the three-day festival takes place on 25-27 August 2023, returning to Reading’s famous Richfield Avenue and Leeds’ legendary Bramham Park. Tickets are on sale now, via www.readingfestival.com/tickets and  www.leedsfestival.com/tickets.

Joining the likes of Sam Fender, The Killers, Billie Eilish, Foals, Lewis Capaldi and Imagine Dragons will be some of the most exciting names in global music. From the upbeat drum and bass of breakout TikTok star and viral ‘Messy In Heaven’ songwriter venbee to the hyped Dr. Dre endorsed rapper Cordae, there is an artist for everyone to enjoy at the 2023 instalment of the festival.

Also added to the line-up are viral pop sensation and ‘If We Ever Broke Up’ singer Mae Stephens, heartfelt R&B singer Foushee, energetic Georgia rapper Ken Carson, Nottingham-based rapper skaiwater, progressive afrobeat rapper Artan, candid Tottenham rapper Jordy, tenacious voice Dreya Mac, afro-pop singer Highlyy, R&B extraordinaire Mnelia, raw rap artist Lost Girl and Hertfordshire techno duo Tibasko.

UPSAHL will also be playing an exclusive set at Reading Festival, bringing her up-tempo pop hits to Richfield Avenue.

Stirring up dancefloors with their earworms will be Dublin’s indie songwriter Somebody’s Child, Irish hip-hop innovator Malaki, Essex rock band Bilk, gritty alt pop star Mothica, punk-infused hip-hop stars Joey Valence & Brae, Wrexham festival favourites The Royston Club, anthemic indie pop star Lauran Hibberd, soulful songwriter Mya Craig and the effervescent, eclectic punk of Fat Dog.

Gearing up for the stellar weekend ahead, the Thursday night performers announcement sees social media star come indie breakout act James Marriott joined by refreshing Yorkshire indie trio King No-One, Cardiff’s lovable indie-pop outfit Panic Shack and Baby.

This year’s Late Night Leeds selection promises all the night owls and midnight boogiers a veritable feast of danceable tunes, including appearances from drum and bass pioneer Andy C, feel-good garage anthem king Sammy Virji, BBC Radio 1 DJ Jaguar, Watford-born feel good anthem merchant Silk, DJ and music personality Millie Cotton, energetic Irish DJ duo Obskur, House DJ Emma Forster and the era-spanning drum and bass DJ Harriet Jaxxon.

DJ’s also promise to deliver the goods throughout the late hours of Leeds Festival. Kicking up a storm on the dancefloor will be all female DJ Collective Girls Don’t Sync, Australian melodic house DJ Dom Dolla, house-meets-disco DJ Airwolf Paradise, uplifiting beatsmith Georgie Riot, Malaysian hip hop DJ Guiltybeatz, house duo Gentlemens Club and finally Radio 1 Xtra’s DJ SEMTEX.

With just four months to go until the celebrated festival’s gates open in Bramham Park and Richfield Avenue, this latest announcement transforms an already outstanding festival line-up into one that will be remembered for years to come. As a standout rite-of-passage festival with hundreds of thrilling acts, Reading & Leeds is set to return as the ultimate festival weekend of the summer – defining and celebrating the sounds of modern ground-breaking music, as well as boasting a world-class comedy line-up.

Fans can be the first to hear further line-up announcements, artist news and much more by signing up to the newsletters at www.readingfestival.com and www.leedsfestival.com

TICKET INFORMATION
www.readingfestival.com/tickets
www.leedsfestival.com/tickets

JUST ANNOUNCED (A-Z)

Artan 
Baby (Thursday)
Bilk
Cordae
Dreya Mac
Fat Dog
Foushee
Highlyy
James Marriott (Thursday)
Joey Valence & Brae
Jordy
Ken Carson
King No-One (Thursday)
Lauran Hibberd
Lost Girl
Mae Stephens
Malaki
Mnelia
Mothica
Mya Craig 
Panic Shack (Thursday)
Sammy Virji
skaiwater 
Somebody’s Child
The Royston Club 
Tibasko
UPSAHL (Reading Only)
venbee

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL REVEALS
EVEN MORE ARTISTS FOR 2023 LINE-UP

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The line-up for Download Festival’s 20th anniversary has expanded with a further 12 names added to the weekend’s programme. All stage splits for the four days have also been revealed. The special anniversary edition, taking place for the first time over four days on 8-11 June 2023 at Donington Park, will now feature Cancer Bats, Casey, Hundred Reasons, Puscifer, State Champs and more, alongside headliners Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot and Metallica, who will perform two headline sets with no repeat songs. The very last tickets are available from www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
Tool and A Perfect Circle frontman Maynard James Keenan will be bringing Puscifer to Download for the very first time, Canadian hardcore punk band Cancer Bats will also be delivering the noise this year and Hundred Reasons are back with their first new music in 15 years and will be playing Download for the first time since their 2006 debut.
 
Further additions include the recently reunited Welsh outfit Casey, as well as New York pop punk heroes State Champs, daredevil rock’n’roll darlings Cherry Bombs, and Welsh TikTok heroes Punk Rock Factory, who are rightfully graduating to a Main Arena performance after their memorable set in The Village last year.
 
The line-up continues with theatrical post-hardcore band Static Dress, South coast punk rockers SNAYX, Australian alt four-piece RedHook, and Kerrang! Radio The Deal competition winners Rituals, who will open The Avalanche Stage with their blisteringly heavy Newcastle metal.
 
These further additions continue to add to an incredible line-up for the very special anniversary edition of Download Festival. Stage splits have been confirmed and can be found at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

HEAVY MUSIC AWARDS 2023

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FIRST WAVE OF PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED

Today, Heavy Music Awards announces its first wave performers and hosts for the historic 2023 event, set to take place at OVO Arena Wembley on 26 May 2023.Renowned for showcasing the diverse global icons of heavy music at the annual event, this year will welcome unique and special performances from some of the most exciting names in the scene. With a location upgrade to OVO Arena Wembley, the celebrated venue will recognise the growing impact of heavy music, highlighting both breakthrough artists and stalwarts of the scene. Pre-sale tickets are available to voters and general sale tickets available Wednesday 19th April at 10am, starting at just £25 (plus fees), which are on sale here.

With fournominationnods for the HMAs2023—including Best International Live Artist and Best Album – Lzzy and Joe of the ferocious Halestorm will be playing an intimate ‘unplugged’ show at the awards, joined by inimitable Machine Gun Kelly guitarist Sophie Lloyd. Further talent set to take the stage includes the hugely influential Florida metalcore outfit Underoath, dramatic gothic punks Creeper, Blackpool alt-rockers Boston Manor, and incendiary rock outfit Vukovi (HMAs record makers, boasting 5 nominations this year), joined by pink provocateur Scene Queen in an exclusive one-off collaboration.

Joining the performers on stage and off are an array of compelling hosts from the world of heavy music. Renowned broadcaster and breakthrough music mogul, Kerrang! Radio’s Alex Baker will once again proudly step up to the role of the evenings host, a Heavy Music Awards mainstay after presenting a number of previous unforgettable shows across the awards history. Joining the presenting team will be the alt music champions of national radio, BBC Radio 1 Introducing Rock presenter Alyx Holcombe and BBC Radio 1 Future Alternative presenter Nels Hylton, taking to the Red Carpet to capture the incredible spirit of the evenings celebrations.

This monumental year for the awards continues, with an incredible 1.3 million votes received from fans across 163 countries, giving their huge community of fans a direct hand in shaping the future of their own beloved scene. To thank the zealous and growing Heavy Music Awards fanbase, voters are being given the first opportunity to grab tickets to this landmark event in the UK heavy music calendar, with an exclusive voters only pre-sale now live. General sale will begin Wednesday 19th April at 10am, with tickets starting at £25 (plus fees) and can be found here.

Since its inception back in 2017, the Heavy Music Awards has certified itself as a staple of the heavy music awards calendar, supporting bands from their seminal gigs all the way up to sold out, globe-trotting stadium tours. The awards are known for championing the best in the genre and recognising the most exciting talent in the scene, alongside celebrating the successes of established industry icons. Previous years have supported the breakthrough careers of Nova Twins, Wargasm, Spiritbox, Cassyette and Hot Milk whilst simultaneously recognising the colossal success of Slipknot, Metallica and Bring Me The Horizon in the UK market and beyond.

BATS FOR BLOODSTOCK

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BLOODSTOCK takes its green initiatives seriously and every year commits to further sustainability improvements. A 2022 environmental study means that BLOODSTOCK now has some further news to report ahead of 2023’s event. 

The study found a significant presence of pink-freckled Daubenton bats (myotis alfoporli) along the stretch of the River Trent that runs alongside the festival’s location. This is important because bats and their roosts are protected by the UK’s Wildlife and Countryside Act 1989. These “water bats” use sound to navigate their surroundings and locate their prey via echolocation, feeding on insects that are near fresh water.  

Official countryside ranger Jack White has been tracking the bats extensively in recent months. The bats are roosting in the oak trees along the river bank and emerging from hibernation to form a large maternity colony. The subsequent report means that BLOODSTOCK is subject to a restricted noise order for the 2023 event so as to not disturb the bats and as such will need to head-bang more quietly this year.
However, BLOODSTOCK is pleased to announce that for 2023’s event, there will now be a limited number of non-motorised boats operating on the Trent at the festival. These punts will be used to offer bat-spotting river trips. There will also be places available on riverside bat walks. Both options will include detailed educational talks about bat habitats (including in caves) and other bat facts (like speed of flight, identification etc). Selina Kyle, from the Derby branch of the Bat Observation Association, says “We are delighted that BLOODSTOCK is embracing its new neighbours. We will have our special searchlight set up on the riverbank to assist and look forward to helping everyone spot the bats.”
The pink-freckled Daubenton’s bat is a small/medium-sized bat, with brown fur, a very freckled silver belly, and a pink face. Males have bright pink feet. The bats emerge around dusk and typically fly only a couple of centimetres above the water surface, snatching insects from the water. Boat trips will operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for 3 hours around dusk, before the night gets too dark. 
BAT PHOTO: WOODLAND TRUST / ALAMY

A recent study by University of Southern Denmark researchers found Daubenton bats use the same vocal structures as death metal singers to make their unique vocalisations. What does this type of bat sound like? Click below to hear what to listen out for.
What does the Daubenton Bat sound like? Click to listen.
In addition, the non-motorised boats will be operating as river shuttles on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning to transport you, your mates, and your tent from the car park down into the festival grounds – within metres of the campsites. So why not get a punt to your campsite?

All boat or bat activities must be pre-booked in advance. Please note, slots are limited and will be available on a first booked, first served basis. For further info, and to prebook or reserve your spot, click here.  Don’t tell Ozzy…
Prebook here

BLOODSTOCK’S EASTER UPDATE

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With 135 days to go to BLOODSTOCK, are we allowed to start a countdown yet?! Spring is officially here and though the festival has some disappointing news to share first, there is also a plethora of excellent news and lots more still to reveal while we’re (im)patiently waiting for August to roll around. You can also tune in to the next Facebook Live on Thursday, 6th April at 7pm. We can’t promise festival management will be wearing Easter bunny ears, but we can promise some Easter goodies. Keep an eye out on BLOODSTOCK’s socials next week too for a little Easter competition…!
Unfortunately, we have to share that both Nonpoint and DevilDriver have pulled out of the festival this summer. Putting on a festival involves a lot of moving parts, and BLOODSTOCK is as disappointed and frustrated as its audience when things crop up which the festival has no control over – after all, BLOODSTOCK wants to deliver the very best possible festival for you and works hard year round to curate an stellar line-up. Dez from DevilDriver has shared the following message and we wish Dez all the best with his continuing recovery. 
BLOODSTOCK is delighted to announce that the legendary, Norwegian black metal icon  ABBATH will step in to fill the breach on Saturday’s Ronnie James Dio main stage. Rarely in the UK, and not at BLOODSTOCK since Immortal’s headline slot in 2011, this is certifiably a set not to be missed!! ABBATH declares, “We’re really looking forward to be coming back to the UK to shake the Bloodstock foundation. It’s been way too long!” Get up to speed with this full stream of latest release ‘Dread Reaver’, out now via Season Of Mist, or watch the video for ‘Dream Cull.’ Better hone your meme skills, too. 
With Nonpoint dropping out, the previously announced, almighty BOSSK are moving up the Sophie Lancaster stage bill to takeover their slot, and BLOODSTOCK can also reveal the addition of crossover thrash beasts PEST CONTROL to keep your heads bangin’. Trot over to Bandcamp to investigate their tunes, including latest release ‘Don’t Test The Pest’, released just last month. 
The festival is more than just bands though! BLOODSTOCK is excited to welcome the UK’s biggest rock and metal fitness company ROCKFIT for the first time! Renowned for an amalgamation of cardio, dance, and some serious body-sculpting set to a pure rock and metal playlist for those that like it loud, if you’re not sleeping in then ROCKFIT will be the perfect way to shake off the night before and limber you up for the pit! Squatting to Slayer, singing your lungs out, and even the occasional viking row, there will be a 45-minute open air class kicking off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday  in the main arena at 10:15am! RockFit @ Bloodstock is going to be a seriously unique festival fitness experience for metal fans by metal fans to leave you feeling energised and fit for the pit! 
If the ROCKFIT workout gets you hot under the collar, then BLOODSTOCK also has the perfect thing to cool things down. BLACK ICE-CREAM is back!
Suitable for all ages and a refreshing ginger and lemon flavour, it’ll be available in the main arena all festival. Possibly the perfect summer accessory for you to watch ABBATH’s unholy set with?

HEAVY MUSIC AWARDS 2023
FINALISTS REVEALED

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Tuesday 14 March – The finalists have been revealed for the seventh annual Heavy Music Awards, with the event again recognising the most influential and ground-breaking artists and creatives in the heavy music world. Leading the way with an incredible five nominations are Vukovi, closely followed by Nova Twins, Halestorm and Ghost who receive four nods each. This year, the celebration will reach new heights with the ceremony taking place at the legendary OVO Arena Wembley on 26 May, this makes it the biggest rock music awards ceremony ever held in the UK. Tickets for the event will be available soon.
 
The prestigious shortlist has been crafted by a panel of almost 1,000 industry experts, ahead of heavy music fans themselves having the final say. The winners will be decided exclusively by public vote – now open until 14 April here vote.heavymusicawards.com.
 
Leading the nominations and simultaneously making HMA history with the most nominations received by one act ever – an incredible five nods – are scorching Scottish two-piece Vukovi. The band have been championed by the event from its inception having made their debut as performers at the inaugural Heavy Music Awards in 2017.
 
Vukovi lead vocalist Janine Shilstone said: “Being the first and only band to receive 5 nominations in one year in the history of the HMAs has given us such a sense of purpose and achievement. We feel seen, and we feel heard. My younger self would be so proud of me and everything I’ve overcome at this point. I’m so excited about the future of female and non-binary in this genre and industry  There is room for EVERYONE”.
 
Andy Pritchard of the HMAs says: “Once again the HMA finalists showcase the spectacular breadth of talent across the rock and metal scene. To see so many different styles and sub-genres represented – in addition to the diversity across all the artists – proves once again that the heavy music landscape is as vibrant and non-apologetic as ever.
 
Also receiving multiple nominations with four a piece are the stratospheric double BRIT Award nominated Nova Twins, ferociously charismatic Halestorm and world renowned metal giants Ghost closely follow. Also highly decorated receiving three accolades are HMA mainstays and newcomers alike Cassyette, Witch Fever, Architects, Parkway Drive, Creeper, Bad Omens, Polyphia, Static Dress and Electric Callboy
 
Previous dominators Architects will fight to make it a fourth win in the Best Album category after huge successes in 2022, 2019 and 2017. They are set to face tough competition from metal monarchs Slipknot, who are also in the running. Plus, 2023 marks Bad Omens’ HMAs debut, with a nomination for their innovative album The Death of Peace of Mind. Also up for Best Album are Ghost, Halestorm, Nova Twins and Vukovi.
 
The hotly anticipated, Best UK Artist category is a reflection of the monumental year the British heavy scene has had. The category boasts mainstream breakthroughs including MOBO winning Bob Vylan, Nova Twins and dizzyingly viral Sleep Token. Also on the shortlist are Creeper, Holding Absence, Malevolence and Vukovi.
 
Best Single sees huge anthems from Architects with ‘When We Were Young’ and Bring Me The Horizon’s ‘sTraNgeRs’, both bands are poised to add to their extensive HMAs trophy collection. Enter Shikari are also nominated with their Wargasm collaboration on ‘The Void Stares Back’ and Creeper with Ghost Brigade, teasing their upcoming album. Ghost’s ‘Call Me Little Sunshine’, Ithaca with ‘They Fear Us’ and Neck Deep’s ‘STFU’ are also strong contenders.
 
The four breakthrough categories once again showcases the fantastically diverse fresh face of heavy music today. Trailblazing New Dehli metallers Bloodywood, punk powerhouse Cassyette and vividly unique post-hardcore outfit Static Dress, are in the running for Best Breakthrough Album, alongside Charlotte Sands, Heriot, Wargasm and Witch Fever. The Best UK Breakthrough Artist category sees Cody Frost’s rave-punk, Lake Malice’s alt-metal and ground-breaking rock-rap representatives Delilah Bon and Kid Bookie all vying for the title with As December Falls, Blackgold and ZAND. Similarly, Best International Breakthrough Artist pits the electrifying new talents of Charlotte Sands, Scene Queen, ZULU, Scowl, Chat Pile, Soul Blind and LS Dunes against each other for the coveted award.
 
Brand new for this year, the Best Breakthrough Live Artist nominations are populated by acerbic doom-punk purveyors Witch Fever, As Everything Unfolds, Cassyette, Heriot, Joey Valence & Brae, Lake Malice and Static Dress.
 
Alongside the other Live Artist categories, celebrating the iconic performances from the last year. Nominations for UK contenders including Biffy Clyro’s explosive headline set at Download Festival, as well as Creeper, Enter Shikari, Neck Deep, Nova Twins, Skindred and Vukovi. Another category making its debut in 2023, Best International Live Artist finalists are represented by My Chemical Romance for their revered return to UK stages, unparalleled festival-set titans Turnstile, as well as Alexisonfire, Electric Callboy, Ghost, Halestorm and Parkway Drive.
 
The stars and stripes also fly proudly over half of the nominees in Best International Artist, with the likes of Polyphia and I Prevail, facing off against Canadian neighbours Spiritbox who have gone from strength to strength since their 2021 HMAs victory and German electronicore outfit Electric Callboy. Bad Omens and Ghost are also shortlisted.
 
Switching focus to behind the scenes, the Heavy Music Awards also champion the wider team, with Best Production, Best Video and Best Album Artwork categories, recognising the engineers, designers, directors and editors who all play a vital role in a project’s success.
 
The Best Festival category returns to the awards, as events did in full force last summer. Calendar staples Download, 2000trees, Slam Dunk and Hellfest make the final list, alongside Outbreak, Aftershock and Bring Me The Horizon & Friends Malta Weekender earning their first nominations.
 
Organiser Andy Pritchard continued to comment: “For us, it’s another chance to send the wider world a reminder that there is life-affirming, vital music being created every single day by people from all backgrounds. Since we started this journey in 2017, we’ve been committed to building the HMAs, and kicking down as many walls as we can to give these incredible artists a platform they can be proud of. Staging the biggest ever rock awards show is our most ambitious step yet, but we’ll keep pushing. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for what will be a crazy and memorable night in May!”
 
The Heavy Music Awards are also delighted to announce Youth Music as this year’s charity partner. The charity’s CEO, Matt Griffiths says:
 
“We’re honoured to be chosen as the Heavy Music Awards 2023 charity partner. At Youth Music, we believe that every young person should have access to make, learn and earn in music of every genre. That’s why we invest in the grassroots organisations and people making sure music isn’t just for the privileged. For almost 25 years, we’ve been building a more diverse pipeline of talent, which the music industries benefit from. And as we all know, greater diversity leads to even greater music.”
 
Additionally, the awards have unveiled the official radio partner for 2023 is ‘the nation’s favourite rock radio station’, Kerrang! Radio.
 
The public vote is now live at vote.heavymusicawards.com and closes on 14 April.
 
Please see below for the full list of categories and finalists. Tickets available soon at: https://www.heavymusicawards.com/

Greenwich Summer Sounds: A New Festival For 2023

by

LW

INTRODUCING A NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR 2023  

AT SOUTH EAST LONDON CULTURAL HOTSPOT  

THE OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE 

FIRST STAR-STUDDED HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED TODAY 

NILE RODGERS & CHIC | TOM JONES | KAISER CHIEFS 

 WITH MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED  

TUESDAY 4 JULY – SATURDAY 8 JULY 2023 

OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, GREENWICH 


 

GreenwichSummerSounds.com   

TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE MONDAY 13 MARCH 2023 

Today, IMG, the company behind The Big Feastival, Hampton Court Palace Festival, Taste of London and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, announce Greenwich Summer Sounds, a new London music festival hosted at a stunning riverside location, the Old Royal Naval College, in the heart of Maritime Greenwich this summer.

Greenwich Summer Sounds will host multiple nights of incredible music from Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 July, with Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Tom Jones, and Kaiser Chiefs revealed as the first headline artists, with further headliners and support acts to be announced.

Alongside the music programme, guests will be able to enjoy a range of delicious street food, and a first-class banquet dining experience in the stunning Painted Hall, one of the most spectacular Baroque interiors in Europe, at each concert. Tickets will go on sale Monday 13 March at 10AM via See Tickets with an exclusive pre-sale for registered guests. 

Joel Smith, Vice President, Arts & Entertainment at IMG, said: “We are absolutely delighted to introduce Greenwich Summer Sounds to the UK festival calendar this summer. From world-class musical talent to incredible dining experiences, we’re excited to have such an iconic venue in the Old Royal Naval College to serve as a perfect backdrop for the ultimate evening of summer fun in the city”. 

Matthew Mees, Chief Executive, Old Royal Naval College, said: “We’re delighted to welcome such an incredible line up of artists to perform at the Old Royal Naval College. It’s a truly magnificent venue for concertgoers to enjoy open-air music on a summer’s evening next to the river with views across London. Greenwich Summer Sounds is set to be a spectacular event in a beautiful and historic setting.” 

First to headline Greenwich Summer Sounds is the legendary Nile Rodgers & CHIC, who will be kicking off the multi night festival with an epic party on Tuesday 4 July.  Nile Rodgers is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a multiple Grammy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist. His work in the CHIC Organization have sold over 500 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk, Daddy Yankee and Beyoncé reflect the vanguard of contemporary hits.  

Headlining on Thursday 6 July is the inimitable Tom Jones. The iconic Welsh legend has been releasing huge hits and playing unforgettable live shows for the last 60 years and is still going strong. From much loved classics like It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat to songs off his most recent album ‘Surrounded By Time’, Tom is sure to deliver a set to remember.  

The festival will close in epic style with Leeds indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs on Saturday 8 July. Taking over the UK charts since the release of their huge hit I Predict A Riot in 2004, frontman Ricky Wilson and his fellow Kaisers will be lighting up the stage with a plethora of hit singles including Ruby and Every Day I Love You Less and Less. 

Ricky Wilson, Kaiser Chiefs, said: “We can’t wait to headline Greenwich Summer Sounds, we’ll be bringing all our energy, see you there!” 

Greenwich Summer Sounds will seamlessly combine the very best in music, food and culture. Taking place on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College on the River Thames, in the centre of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, Greenwich Summer Sounds is set to become one of the hottest and most revered live events in London’s music and cultural calendar.  

GreenwichSummerSounds.com  

Instagram | @greenwichsummersounds 

Twitter | @greenwichsounds 

Facebook | @greenwichsummersounds  

BLOODSTOCK WELCOME BOSSK TO THE SOPHIE LANCASTER STAGE

by
Bossk!

Following the unfortunate news that ska-punkers RUSSKAJA have called it a day, and will therefore no longer be performing at BLOODSTOCK this summer, BLOODSTOCK is pleased to tell you who will be stepping into their slot… 

This enigmatic and experimental band formed in 2005 but it was eleven years before their debut ‘Audio Noir’ saw light of day through Deathwish Inc and exploded them into post-metal’s most respected echelons. Despite nods to Neurosis and Converge, this distinctive, atmospheric five-piece remain hard to pigeonhole, and continue to display their bone-crushing heaviness on latest album ‘Migration‘, which also features a guest spot from Cult Of Luna’s Johannes Persson on the single ‘Menhir‘. This Sophie Lancaster stage slot on Friday will be filled by none other than the mighty BOSSK!

BOSSK said, “It’s been a fair few years since we last played at Bloodstock. When we played the first time we were a little apprehensive about how we would go down at a predominantly fast metal festival, but the response was incredible. And even better the next time. To play in 2023 is going to be incredible, and to see the festival continue to grow is a great thing for the UK music scene. Thank you to everyone involved for having us back, we can’t wait. Hail the riff.