Welcome to the final Digi-mag of the year which also serves as our writers pick for their favourite interviews and reviews of 2020.
This year has been challenging for many reasons but music – and heavy metal in particular – has been a saviour for those without hope and a form of entertainment and distraction in our darkest moments.
There is light at the end of the tunnel but unfortunately, it is unlikely that life will ever return to complete normalcy (whatever that is).
In the meantime musicians from all over the world remain committed to releasing music and connecting with their fans and as long as there is something to talk about and listen to HEAVY will be with you every step of the way!
Personally, this year has had several bright moments – particularly assuming the horns here at HEAVY – and I thank all of you for your continued support. Yes, I have made a few mistakes and will likely continue to do so, but I have also brought in a few changes such as the Australian Artist Digi-mag, several new columns and increased focus on all forms of harder-edged music from punk to metal to hard rock.
My aim is to make HEAVY accessible to all people who love non-commercial music so you may have noticed the content change a touch but rest assured the focus is and always will be on heavy metal and it’s associated genres.
Next year there are several BIG announcements from HEAVY, with one major project that will unite the Australian metal community and give our artists a platform for recognition on the world stage. I can’t reveal any more until early in the year but trust me, you will LOVE it!
Before I go any further I must make special mention of Carl Neumann who sadly departed his role as Chief of Metal earlier this year. Carl was one person who believed in me at this level and gave me more opportunities than maybe he should. In his five years at HEAVY he brought in a swag of improvements and ideas and should be commended for his work in what can sometimes be a thankless job. Carl still puts together the covers and graphics so still has his claws in, but he also runs his own business involving app and web page design so check him out here and share the word https://www.carlneumann.com/
I would like to thank my trusted team at HEAVY. Writers David Griffiths, Neil Vance, Olivia Reppas, Simon Russell White and Kyra Jade Coombs. These guys are the heartbeat that gives HEAVY its pulse. To everyone who has contributed to HEAVY in the past, I haven’t forgotten you and when things start turning around more I will be in contact.
To all of the industry people that have supported HEAVY and my transition in particular, thank you, and to all of the bands who have chosen to promote their music through us, much love and more respect.
To our weekly columnists Bobo, Mark Dalbeth and Mick Starr, you guys have brought a breath of fresh air to the content and I look forward to what this coming year brings from you.
And, most importantly, THANK YOU to all of the readers and listeners who have given HEAVY a global voice. We exist to provide heavy content for you and without you, we wouldn’t exist. Simple as that.
Sit back and enjoy our review of the year in metal, complete with each writer’s Top 10 albums and bands to watch for next year.
Enjoy your New Years and look after yourselves.
Until next year, stay HEAVY
Krispy
