Championing the counter culture since the inaugural ceremony in 2017, The Heavy Music Awards functions as the only fully independent, entirely democratic counsel, shining a light on artists and creatives within the heavy music universe.
During it's five year run, the Heavy Music Awards, as an organization has not only established their integrity as a respected platform in the culture, but has also delivered the kind of pomp and circumstance that often fails to include heavy music among other prominent awards shows.
For the 2022 installment, The Heavy Music Awards along with their official sponsor Amazon Music UK, will hold court at London's O2 Forum Kentish Town on June 5th for what will no doubt mark the ceremony's biggest congregation to date. Following the execution of the HMAs 2021 production that included stellar performances from Sleep Token, Trash Boat, Hot Milk and As Everything Unfolds, the banner is set to bring together contemporary luminaries, emerging sensations, and respected veterans for a night of heavy cultural celebration.
Further expanding their reach, the HMAs have also enlisted KNOTFEST.com as the official media partner for the latest edition of The Heavy Awards. The partnership will add Knotfest as an editorial extension of the HMAs, complete with unprecedented access to the finalists, winners, and featured performers taking centerstage.
Andy Pritchard, co-founder of the Heavy Music Awards noted the synergy between the two entities and optimism of the newly forged partnership, “Just like the band that founded the festival itself, Knotfest has proven very quickly that it is fiercely innovative and more than willing to rip up the rule book. It is playing a huge role in making the alternative scene a more exciting and welcoming space for fans to explore and discover not only new music, but other fans to share it with too, which chimes perfectly with our own values. We are immensely proud that we are now able to work alongside their great team to help amplify the HMA finalists, winners and performers to an even bigger audience.”
Slipknot's creative architect clown offered his insight on the auspicious union, “Knotfest is honored to align ourselves with the Heavy Music Awards. They have demonstrated their commitment to our culture representing the best in our community with a continued focus on spotlighting the emerging artists – which has always been built into the DNA of Knotfest.”
Among the biggest winners of the preceding installment of the HMAs included Bring Me the Horizon, scoring twice for Best Album and Best UK Band of the Year. Genre-obliterator Ghostemane took home the hardware for Best International Artist, with Wargasm and Spiritbox each earning Breakthrough Artist in the domestic and international category.
Finalists will be announced at 2pm GMT on Wednesday March 9th. Public voting will also open at that time. The 2022 Heavy Music Awards will take place June 5th from London's O2 Forum Kentish Town. The event will be broadcast exclusively on YouTube, Thursday June 9th at 8pm BST.
