Cliff Burton vs. Mike LePond – Greatest Metal Bassist, Round 2

In this matchup, we have two proficient bassists who interject melody with their rhythm-oriented bands. One helped give depth to his band's music, while the other compliments the progressive nature of his band.

The late Cliff Burton handily defeated Napalm Death's Shane Embury in the first round. He is noted for not only beefing up the mix, shaking the floor by backing up Metallica's rhythm-first approach, but also giving the band a dynamic with his unique playing. Burton executed bass fills and with underlying melody to add a little gravy to Metallica's meat and potatoes style of thrash.

Symphony X's Mike LePond advances on to the next round after a battle with fellow progressive bassist Jeroen Paul Thesseling. LePond's punchy bass tone cuts through the busy mix in Symphony X's progressive power metal, working as one half of a powerful rhythmic duo with drummer Jason Rullo. His presence since joining the band in 1999 has been felt immensely.

Cliff Burton or Mike LePond? Vote for your favorite bassist in the poll below! Voting for this round closes on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 11:59PM ET. Fans can vote once per hour, so keep coming back to make sure that your favorite metal musician wins!