Golden Gods 2018: Judas Priest, Code Orange, Maynard James Keenan amongst winners

The biggest and best names in metal have been honoured at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods, in association with Monster Energy.

The 16th annual event was hosted by Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta and saw Carpenter Brut, Myrkur, Meshuggah, Baroness and Parkway Drive play in front of a jam-packed Indigo at the O2 in London.

"That is how you throw a party," says Metal Hammer Editor Merlin Alderslade. "We continue to be blown away by the amazing support shown to Metal Hammer, and nights like tonight really ram home just how great our community is. Thank you to everyone for making the 2018 Golden Gods the best ever. Same again next year?"

The biggest gong of the night, the Golden God award, was presented to Ozzy Osbourne. Speaking prior to the event, the Prince Of Darkness said, "What an immense honour it is to be getting a second Golden God Award after Sabbath picked one up last year."

"The fans who have supported me and this music mean everything to me, which is why getting this award is so special. I will see you all down there."

The full list of Golden Gods winners can be seen below.

Metal Hammer Golden Gods 2018 winners

Best New Band: Lovebites
Best Underground Band: Wolves In The Throne Room
Best British Band: Judas Priest
Best Live Band: Lacuna Coil
Best International Band: Arch Enemy
Best Independent Label: Sumerian
Best Event: Download
Breakthrough: Code Orange
Riff Lord: Wes Borland
Global Metal: Kaoteon
Best Album: Myrkur – Mareridt
Spirit Of Hammer: Jessica Pimentel
Icon: Maynard James Keenan
Inspiration: Meshuggah
Defender Of The Faith: Parkway Drive
Golden God: Ozzy Osbourne

Luke Morton joined Metal Hammer as Online Editor in 2014, having previously worked as News Editor at popular (but now sadly defunct) alternative lifestyle magazine, Front. As well as helming the Metal Hammer website for the four years that followed, Luke also helped relaunch the Metal Hammer podcast in early 2018, producing, scripting and presenting the relaunched show during its early days. He also wrote regular features for the magazine, including a 2018 cover feature for his very favourite band in the world, Slipknot, discussing their turbulent 2008 album, All Hope Is Gone.