Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award Nominees are?

Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards will take place Monday, June 11 at Indigo2 in London, England, and it would appear they have a much better idea of what metal is all about than some other 'awards.' I also noticed Austin's own Ancient VVisdom is nominated too...great job!

The nominees for the 2012 Golden Gods are:

Best New Band
* ANIMALS AS LEADERS
* HEIGHTS
* THE DEFILED
* KOBRA AND THE LOTUS
* PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION

Best Underground Band
* BLACK BREATH
* ANCIENT VVISDOM
* WATAIN
* IN SOLITUDE
* SHINING (Norway)

Breakthrough
* CANCER BATS
* PARKWAY DRIVE
* WHILE SHE SLEEPS
* MOTIONLESS IN WHITE
* GHOST

Best U.K. Band
* SAXON
* FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM
* TESSERACT
* TRC
* BLACK SPIDERS

Best International Band
* OPETH
* MESHUGGAH
* LAMB OF GOD
* FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
* NIGHTWISH

Best Event
* MANOWAR returning to the U.K.
* IRON MAIDEN's U.K. tour
* Dave Mustaine playing with METALLICA
* Devin Townsend's DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT London shows
* Tommy Lee bringing his drumcoaster to the U.K.

Best Live Band
* IRON MAIDEN
* METALLICA
* RAMMSTEIN
* SKINDRED
* WATAIN

Dimebag Darrell Shredder
* Satchel (STEEL PANTHER)
* Devin Townsend
* Dino Cazares (FEAR FACTORY)
* Adam Dutkiewicz (KILLSWITCH ENGAGE)
* Ol Drake (EVILE)

Metal As F*ck
* Zoltan Bathory (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH)
* HELL
* SABATON
* ANTHRAX
* Nik Kai

Christopher Amott Leaves Arch Enemy

Guitarist Christopher Amott has released the following statement after announcing his departure as a founding member of Arch Enemy:

I have left Arch Enemy to pursue my solo career. I'm gonna continue to be very active in music, working with all kinds of styles — this does not rule out metal. I have just recorded a new solo album, set to be released in April.

Arch Enemy has recruited 26-year-old American guitarist Nick Cordle (ARSIS) to replace Christopher. The band said in a statement,

There is no drama behind the scenes here. This is the best way forward for all involved. Christopher simply isn't into playing extreme metal anymore. We have already chosen and rehearsed with a new guitar player and we will complete the 'Khaos Legions' 2012 touring cycle as planned." 

Added Christopher's brother, Arch Enemy guitarist Michael Amott: "Nick was my first choice as he ticks all the right boxes for Arch Enemy with his musicality and technicality as well as his personality and dedication. [We are] looking forward to having him join us stage, the rehearsals have shown we have a devastating twin axe attack going on!

Christopher Amott started his career in music in 1995 as a founding creative force and guitarist in Arch Enemy. In this context, he is known for his tastefully technical guitar work and memorably emotive playing style.