REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS 2013 PREDICTIONS PART V - BEST BASSIST / MOST DEDICATED FANS / MOST METAL ATHLETE

This is it, the last three categories for the Golden Gods. I hope that Mike and I have helped you decided who will be getting your vote this year. Don't forget to tune in to see who wins and to see Metallica, Tony Iommi, and Rob Zombie receive achievement awards. The Golden Gods will air May 2 on AXS TV as well as Facebook and Xbox Live.

Paul Gray Best Bassist

Geddy Lee - Rush
Jason Newsted - Newsted
Lemmy Kilmister - Motorhead
Rex Brown - Kill Devil Hill
Sergio Vega - Deftones
Steve Harris - Iron Maiden

Fe's Predictions

This award named after the deceased Paul Gray of Slipknot is truly an honor. Any of these nominees would deserve it. While my friends joke that bassists don't do anything for the band, I disagree. All of these men have proved that the bass is a staple in any band. This category definitely has veterans so it's hard to pick a winner.

If I had to pick, I think Steve Harris should walk away with the win. Iron Maiden is legendary and rocks hard, anyone knows that. I think that it will be a close pick between Harris and Geddy Lee of Rush though as his band is also well known and he rocks just as hard.

Mike Thall's Predictions

Everyone here is worthy of bass slappin' award. I'm betting either Lemmy, Geddy, or Steve Harris will walk away with it. But I'd really like to see Steve take home the prize. IRONS UP! \m/

Most Dedicated Fans

A Day To Remember
Black Label Society
Black Veil Brides
HIM
Rammstein
Slipknot

Fe's Predictions

This category will be a battle. Every fan base has their own notion of who is dedicated the most and every band knows a few super dedicated fans that might creep them out a little. Regardless, without these fans, these bands would not be as popular as they are. Let's be real though. A Day To Remember or Black Veil Brides will most likely take this one. Having a super obsessive fan base helps them here.

I would love to see Rammstein have the upset though or even HIM. These bands have been around for a while and still have a solid fan base. That is true dedication in my honest opinion.

Mike Thall's Predictions

Please... anyone but Black Veil Brides... This is another "meh" category from the Golden Gods. Nothing too exciting here. As Fe said, certain bands are much more inclined to win due to obsessive fan bases. In reality, I'm betting either Slipknot's maggots, A Day To Remember, or the emo children will win. But it would be awesome to see Black Label Society claim victory.

Most Metal Athlete

CJ Wilson- MLB LA Angels
Clay Guida- MMA/ UFC
Geoff Rowley- Skateboarding
Tanner Foust- Rally and drift car racing
Tom Crabtree- NFL Green Day Packers
Triple H- WWE

Fe's Predictions

Coming from Buffalo, I have a guilty pleasure for the NHL. Hockey is pretty metal, have you seen the beatings some of them take? Anyways, while I don't follow too many sports I can easily narrow down the winner for this category. To be a metal athlete, your sport has to be pretty tough. Therefore, I would either pick Triple H or Clay Guida to take home this last award.

Yes, the WWE might be deemed as a soap opera, but Triple H is pretty badass you can't deny that. I would be content with him or Guida winning this one. Taking a hit is pretty metal. Catching balls... not so much.

Mike Thall's Predictions

Baseball - not metal at all. Football - not metal (except for the hardcore tackles). Pretend, scripted wrestling - definitely not metal. Rally and drift racing - relatively metal if they crash. Skateboarding - kinda metal. Beating someones face in through Mixed Martial Arts - VERY FUCKING METAL \m/

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REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS 2013 PREDICTIONS PART III - BEST DRUMMER / BEST GUITARIST

This week we're taking the time to focus on two instrumental categories that honestly don't receive the attention they deserve. I find the instrumentals of a song to be far more intriguing than the vocal ability of the vocalist (or their attractiveness level) and there are some very talented players in the categories this year.

Best Drummer

Abe Cunningham - Deftones

Arejay Hale - Halestorm

Gene Hoglan - Dethklok / Testament

Mario Duplantier - Gojira

Neil Peart - Rush

Roy Mayorga - Stone Sour

Fe's Predictions

I've seen Halestorm twice and it's true that Arejay Hale doesn't disappoint. His drumming skills are fascinating to watch and listen to. Plus, he brings young fans onstage to play with him which showcases his character as a person. However, this category contains veterans that are more likely to take home the Golden God. 

While Abe Cunningham and Neil Peart are legends all by themselves, this category is a tough call. Young vs old, radio manufactured vs actual hard hitting metal. There is more than one battle in the nominee pool for Best Drummer. 

I predict that Mario Duplantier from French metal band Gojira will take the award. I find myself focused mostly on his musicianship while listening to Gojira. Not to mention, these French metallers rose out of obscurity and are now globally known in the genre.

Mike Thall's Predictions

This category is incredibly tight. Most of these drummers are extreme talents. As Fe mentioned, there's a mix of old and new here. I'd really like to see Abe Cunningham, Mario Duplantier, Gene Hoglan (aka Pickles), or even Neil Peart win this category. And I'm betting Neil Peart will end up taking home the award because... well... he's fucking Neil Peart.

Best Guitarist

Alex Lifeson - Rush

Brendon Small - Dethklok / Solo

John 5 - Rob Zombie / Solo

Kim Thayil - Soundgarden

Misha Mansoor - Periphery

Stephen Carpenter - Deftones

Fe's Predictions

I'm pleasantly pleased at the nominees in this category. All of these guitarists are respectable and can shred like their life depends on it. It's great that Rush, Deftones, and Dethklok are receiving multiple nominations in different categories. It truly shows that musical talent is still considered.

Again, I respect all of the nominees especially Alex Lifeson of Rush. Age has not deteriorated his ability to rock out and keep up with the ever changing music scene.

It would be great if Misha Mansoor of progressive metal band Periphery took home this award. His dedication to the band and musical talent are noteworthy to the youngsters trying to make it in the music scene.

However, it's a huge possibility that Stephen Carpenter of Deftones will win this one. His experience is crazy and his fan base is dedicated.

This is one category where I would be happy with whatever outcome.

Mike Thall's Predictions

Yet another close category. Everyone here (besides John 5) is insanely good at what they do. I have major respect for all these nominees (except for John 5) and could see any of them walking away with the award. I'm personally gunning for either Misha Mansoor, Stephen Carpenter, or Brendon Small (aka Skwisgaar Skwigelf ) to win this one.

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