Reunited heavy metal stars Black Sabbath were the toast of the Kerrang! Awards in London on Thursday - just three days before their official comeback concert.

The reformed band - made up of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler - picked up the Inspiration Award at the U.K. magazine's annual prize giving as they prepare for Britain's Download Festival on Sunday.

It was also a monumental night for another rock legend - former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash walked away with the Kerrang! Icon honor.

Slash took to his Twitter.com page after scooping the prize to thank fans for voting for him, writing, "Truly honored! This (trophy) could make a vicious weapon."

In the other music categories, You Me At Six saw off competition from Bullet For My Valentine, Asking Alexandria, Lostprophets and Iron Maiden to be named the Best British Band, while Enter Shikari were crowned Best Live Band.

My Chemical Romance battled it out with 30 Seconds To Mars, Evanescence, A Day To Remember and letlive to win Best International Band, and Mastodon took home the Best Album trophy for The Hunter, while Black Veil Brides' Rebel Love Song was voted Best Single.