THE BEAST

The 2025 Extreme Music Awards (EMAs) are set to take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Albany’s iconic Empire Live, the epicenter of metal, punk, and hardcore in Upstate New York. This second-annual event, organized by Upstate Black and Blue Productions, RadioRadioX, 93.9 WABY, That Fuzzing Rock Show, and 518Scene.com, shines a spotlight on the heavy music scene in the greater 518 Capital Region.

With voting now open, fans have the chance to support their favorite local and regional bands and artists by casting their votes at Extreme Music Awards Voting .

The Origin of the Extreme Music Awards

Mike Valente, co-founder of the EMAs and guitarist for Albany metal crossover band Brick By Brick, shared how the idea for the event was born out of frustration. "Heavy music NEVER gets its proper accolades," Valente said. "Even at The Grammys and Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, the genres are misrepresented. Remember when Jethro Tull won Best Heavy Metal over Metallica? That’s when I said, 'screw it, I’ll start my own awards event with people who actually know heavy music.'"

Looking Back at the 2024 EMAs

The inaugural event in 2024 was a resounding success, drawing over 1,000 attendees and featuring guest appearances from members of Overkill, Exodus, Agnostic Front, Murphy's Law, and Internal Bleeding. Special video messages were sent in from icons like Slayer and Rancid, creating an unforgettable night of camaraderie among the heavy music community.

Over 20 different categories were featured, with more than 60 local and regional bands nominated. Valente emphasized how the event gave recognition to many deserving artists who had never been honored before, adding to the positive, supportive atmosphere.

What It Takes to Plan the EMAs

Valente explained that it takes 8-10 months to plan the EMAs, as there are many moving parts involved, from nominating bands to coordinating schedules with celebrity presenters. "We strive to make every year bigger and better," he said. Financial support from sponsors plays a key role in ensuring the event can deliver top-notch talent and production.

Future of the EMAs: Local or National?

While there has been talk of expanding the EMAs to a national level, Valente is committed to keeping the focus on the 518 and surrounding areas for now. "Albany has such a rich history of heavy music," he noted. "We’re proud to keep it local, giving recognition to legends like Bob Riley of Stigmata and Jason Bittner of Overkill and Shadows Fall."

The possibility of taking the EMAs national remains open, though it would require significant financial backing. For now, Valente and his team are focused on keeping the event true to its roots, supporting the underdogs and providing a platform for heavy music in Upstate NY.

Get Involved in the 2025 EMAs

The 2025 Extreme Music Awards promise to be even bigger and better, bringing together the best of metal, punk, and hardcore in the region. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit Extreme Music Awards Contact .

Mark your calendars for January 11, 2025, and get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of heavy music at Albany’s Empire Live!